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Florida Matters
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State. Join us each week as we journey across the state to explore the issues important to Floridians and cover the challenges facing our community and our state.
Click here to hear previous episodes
Latest Episodes
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This week we hear from a St. Petersburg couple about what makes state parks so special. We also get an update on primary race results in the Tampa Bay area.
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Abortion is a polarizing issue. But whatever your opinion, if you’re a Floridian voting this November, you’ll have a say in whether the right to an abortion is written into the state constitution.
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Debby dumped 12 inches of rain in some parts of Tampa Bay on her way through the area over the weekend. Cities are starting to assess the damage. And the Tampa Bay Rays are finally getting a new stadium, and then some, after the St. Petersburg City Council greenlighted the plan.
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Democrats haven’t held statewide office in Florida since 2022. But a former congresswoman is trying to change that. Also, the primary election is coming up on Aug. 20. Early voting starts soon.
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School board elections in Florida are nonpartisan, but this November voters will get to decide if they want to change to partisan elections.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, you’ll hear from the United Way Suncoast about summer programs and other ways to stop the so-called “summer slide.” You’ll also hear about the pressure of competitive spelling, and what the spelling bee can teach you about life, from the spelling bee coach working with winners from the area.
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Arts organizations around Florida are scrambling to make up budget shortfalls after Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in cultural and museum grants.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, we spoke with leaders in the greater Tampa Bay region’s Black LGBTQIA community about representation and the importance of both Pride and Juneteenth.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk with two people involved in the Sunshine Skyway Bridge documentary, including one of the divers who helped recover the victims.
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On this episode of "Florida Matters," we talk with experts from FAU and Moffitt Cancer Center about the health impacts of vaping — both on adults and youth.
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In this episode of "Florida Matters," we speak to Florida historian and professor Raymond Arsenault on his new biography on the late congressman John Lewis.
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On this episode of Florida Matters, we talk with emergency management leaders from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando counties about how they’re getting ready for hurricane season.