Matthew Peddie
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Articles by Matthew Peddie
A county rethinks park funding, the appeal of going old-school, the latest on sloth deaths
Pinellas had recommended cutting funding for Weedon Island and Shell Key, state-owned preserves that the county leases and operates. But there has been a reprieve. Ever want to ditch your music streaming service for a turntable and needle? Do you reach for a film camera to capture a moment? Also, some insight on the Orlando sloth deaths that resulted in no criminal charges.
A school board’s partisan pendulum swings, and multitasking food trucks
Sarasota County voters have reshaped a school board that became a flashpoint for Florida’s culture wars. Our guest panel looks at what comes next. Then, meet the owner of a food truck that gives people with disabilities the chance to learn food prep, customer service and other job skills. Finally, the Zest’s Dalia Colon checks in with another food truck working to reduce food waste and hunger. (0:00) For four years, the board had a conservative-leaning majority.
This author's graphic novel highlights 'Operation Pedro Pan' and Cuban children's journey to America
The Cuban Revolution might not be the first thing to pop into your mind when thinking of a graphic novel for young adults. But one author is informing younger generations about a big part of both American and Cuban history. Back during the revolution, thousands of families in Cuba decided to send their children to Miami to escape the Fidel Castro regime. It became known as Operación Pedro Pan.
Scrubbing climate science from textbooks, and Tampa Theatre turns back the clock
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law two years ago removing references to “climate change” from Florida statutes and redirected energy policy away from climate-friendly solutions. But that’s not all. A WUSF investigation shows how textbook authors were asked to rewrite references to “climate change.” We get more detail from the reporters. Later, we meet the president and CEO of Tampa Theatre, which is prepping for its 100th birthday, and the new state director of a nonprofit that protects outdoor lands.
Carlson's priority ahead of Tampa mayoral run: addressing billions of dollars in infrastructure needs
With midterm primaries done and the November election ahead, Tampa voters probably haven’t given much thought to who will be their next mayor. Excuse city councilman Bill Carlson if he isn’t among them. After all, he is among 12 people currently seeking to replace Jane Castor in March. Carlson, president of the Tucker/Hall public relations firm, has represented the city’s District 4 — South Tampa — on the council since 2019. Chances are you’ve seen his name in more headlines in recent months.
Breaking down primary night's winners and losers, and Hillsborough schools get an A
Primary night 2026 is in the past. Florida voters picked the major party’s candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and state Agriculture Commissioner. There's also St. Petersburg’s mayoral runoff that's already getting a bit contentious. Anyway, it’s time to follow up with a panel of reporters who've been closely watching the campaigns and campaigners. We also talk about the state's grade for school districts. One local county just earned a coveted A for the first time in a decade.
Class acts: Rethinking school success for teens under stress, and a head start in hospitality
Teens have a lot on their plates these days: studying for tests, navigating social media, after-school jobs, juggling schoolwork with sports practices. With all this pressure, how can they balance grades and self-confidence? Award-winning teacher Daniel J. Evans has written a book packed with tips. And class is not dismissed yet. Later in the show, a local high school has launched a magnet curriculum focused on the hospitality industry.
USF College of Nursing expansion is open for learning, takes aim at workforce shortage
“Someday, someone will trust us with their life, and we want to be ready.” That’s how Ariana Sawyer, an undergraduate student at the University of South Florida’s College of Nursing, described the goal of the school’s newly expanded facility on the Tampa campus. USF Health held a ribbon-cutting on the expansion Friday, adding 42,000 square feet of modern classrooms, clinical training space and simulation facilities as it works to increase the number of nurses it trains.
Vindman challenges political headwinds, and USF nursing school's major expansion
Midterm elections can be tough for the party in power. In Florida, however, Democrats running for statewide office face uphill battles in a GOP-dominated state. Alexander Vindman believes he can buck the trend. He’s running to be the Democratic Party’s nominee for U.S. Senate. He tells us why he’s running. Also, the USF College of Nursing just opened a $33 million modern building expansion. The dean of nursing explains how this will help alleviate the state’s workforce shortage.
Spotting Big Tech and AI in local politics. Also, a college turns trash into treasure
Attack ads have always been part of politics. But with artificial intelligence, a new front has opened in the battle for votes. On top of that, Silicon Valley is pouring megabucks into Florida campaigns. Plus, what makes someone dive into a swamp in pursuit of big snakes? And, discarded dorm fridges, microwaves and other left-behinds are getting recycled at Eckerd College. (0:00) Big tech is spending millions to shape elections, including here in Florida.
'Don't be following me': Why a Tampa Bay man is protesting Flock cameras by blocking them
Carl Gunn spends some of his Saturdays sitting in a lawn chair on the side of roads in Tampa Bay — bearing the summer heat as he holds a massive sign pole. Whatever for? To block and protest Flock cameras in his area. These black "license plate readers" sit atop poles with solar panels attached. They area slightly inconspicuous and can be found from parking lots to neighborhoods to interstates.
Why the 'Flock Blocker' opposes these cameras, and an iconic game room pulls the plug
What in the heck is a Flock camera? Depending on whom you ask, it’s a crime-fighting tool or a symbol of creepy surveillance. Meet “Flock Blocker,” who believes the latter and is staging a one-man protest against them. Also on the show, the importance of voting in primary elections, and an iconic Tampa arcade has played its final level. (0:00) Flock cameras are everywhere around Tampa Bay, recording license plates and vehicle details to help law enforcement investigate crimes.
A new identity for a longtime Tampa shopping mecca, and get ready for 813 Day
Big changes are finally coming to Tampa’s WestShore Plaza. A new owner has bought the mall with plans to redevelop it into a mixed-use space. Then, early voting is underway in the primary elections. What do you want to know about voting for judges? And, Thursday is 813 Day — but what is that? Finally, why do shorebirds like black skimmers need our protection? (0:00) Opened in 1967, WestShore Plaza was the first indoor mall in the region.
Building a ballpark while solving an infrastructure dilemma, and Florida oranges show some juice
It’s difficult to escape talk about public dollars going toward a proposed Tampa Bay Rays stadium in Tampa. City councilman Bill Carlson says he has a “win-win-win” plan that can benefit the city and baseball fans that won’t use sales taxes or increase property taxes. Then, for the first time in years, orange growers are getting good news from their groves, and learn how to steer clear of mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue.
Why former Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon says there's a 'resource problem'
Former Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon retired this summer after decades with the agency. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Richard Comerford to succeed him. But for Dixon, he's been around the agency almost his entire life. He was first introduced as a kid living on prison property in Cross City while his dad worked as a warden. And in 1996, he started his own journey with the FDOC as a correctional officer.
Retired turtle farmer fears retaliation after Florida wildlife agency accesses personal information
A retired turtle farmer from Jupiter says he's afraid of what law enforcement could do next after he learned a state agency searched his personal data 34 times. This comes as recent reporting by the Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel uncovered that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers used driver's license records of environmental activists who criticized the agency or spoke at public meetings.
Retired turtle farmer fears retaliation after Florida wildlife agency accesses personal information
A retired turtle farmer from Jupiter says he's afraid of what law enforcement could do next after he learned a state agency searched his personal data 34 times. This comes as recent reporting by the Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel uncovered that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers used driver's license records of environmental activists who criticized the agency or spoke at public meetings.
Police chases: Finding a balance between speed and safety. Also, assembling a voter guide
When should police pursue a fleeing vehicle? When should they call it off? We talk to an expert in law enforcement training after the recent death of a teen during a high-speed chase. Also, early voting for the state primary election is open. If you don’t know the candidates, we have an online tool to help. Then, how Florida condos fared in an anticipated recent report, and the strong connection between singing and learning to read.
How 3D printing is revolutionizing home construction, and Tampa's luxury boom
Matthew Peddie, Host — Matthew is originally from New Zealand, but has lived in Florida for more than a decade. Among his first assignments as a radio reporter in the Sunshine State were covering the retirement of the iconic space shuttles and the dawn of the new commercial space race. He's also reported on Central Florida’s booming economy and its flip side: the affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and covered hurricanes and closely watched presidential elections.
Daylight saving time all the time? Plus, a youngster who has a way with swords
Lawmakers want to make daylight saving time permanent. That means an extra hour of daylight year-round. That also means dark mornings in the winter when heading to work or school. A sleep specialist explains how the change could affect you. Plus, a property tax cut may sound great for homeowners, but there’s a connection to healthcare you may not have thought about. Also, there’s a debate in Pinellas County high school sports over scheduling St. Petersburg Catholic. We’ll find out why.
How the Fishback decision affects the governor’s race, and school supplies’ skyrocketing costs
Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback will remain on the ballot after a judge ruled in his favor in a state residency challenge by opponent Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. We talk about what the ruling means for the primary and the governor’s race. Also, discussions on the rising cost of school supplies and the aorta condition that led to Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death. Finally, the Zest checks in with a chef determined to get kids access to healthier food.
Charlie Crist on why he's running to be St. Petersburg's mayor, the Rays and more
Charlie Crist is well-known across political arenas — from serving as Florida's governor to being a congressman, legislator and state attorney general. His next goal? Becoming mayor of the city he grew up in: St. Petersburg. The nonpartisan primary is on Aug. 18, but if no candidate wins a majority, there will be a runoff on Nov. 3. The victor will get sworn in on Jan. 7.
Charlie Crist makes his case for St. Petersburg, and two Florida executions in one day
Another candidate hoping to lead St. Petersburg’s city hall joins the show. You’ve likely heard of this one: 70-year-old politician Charlie Crist. The former Florida governor details his platform, policy positions and perspective on the challenges facing the city he calls a "jewel." Among the topics are the loss of the Tampa Bay Rays. He said if elected, he would try to talk the team's new ownership into staying in the city. Plus, we talk about Florida’s double execution scheduled for Tuesday.
Encore: Want to bike from Tampa Bay to Titusville? A 250-trail is nearly complete
This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” has been revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. On this episode, we learn about the Coast-to-Coast Trail, an ambitious 250-mile path from St. Petersburg to Titusville that is near completion. The show also revisits a tough conversation about unhoused residents. Advocates say a state law about outdoor camping is increasingly dangerous. Then it’s on to mosquitoes.
Encore: A guide to the weird, wild and obscure parts of Tampa
This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. Are there really entrances below Ybor City? A Museum of Motherhood with an “Escape Womb” in St. Petersburg? Turns out, you can live in Tampa for decades and not know about every historic nook and cranny. On this encore episode, we talk about a new book that fills in some blanks. Also on the show, get in step with a guy spending his days on the edge — all over the United States.
Encore: Life after prison, and the cost of mass incarceration
This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. Adjusting to life out of prison can be challenging for people who’ve just completed their sentence. Could providing them with a basic income help them get back on their feet — and keep them out of jail? After that, a federal jury found Ticketmaster and Live Nation were acting as a monopoly. What does this mean for concertgoers and smaller venues in the area?
Encore: Why Tampa makes merry over a fictional pirate each year
This week, “Florida Matters Live & Local” is revisiting some of our best conversations from the year. On this episode, we’ve got the real history behind Jose Gaspar, Tampa’s famous – and pretty much fictional – pirate. Where did the traditions come from? And what exactly are we celebrating? After that, a filmmaker and a resident from a historic Black neighborhood in St. Petersburg share stories of when homes and businesses were razed to build Tropicana Field.
America at 250: Reflecting on fractured unity, having a blast (safely), speaking in tongs
Happy semi-quincentennial. If your plans include lighting 250 candles — or fireworks just as bright — we have some safety tips. But first, a roundtable reflection on all that has happened to get America to this point. Things could be worse, but there’s no question we live in a fractured period politically and culturally. Hence, not everyone is celebrating this weekend. Is America at a turning point? Where does Florida fit in? What’s in the future? Finally, we get up in your grill.
Feeling the heat over ICE, Fluori-da a year later, it’s like a sauna out here, hail to the chef
Florida has embraced the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. But what happens when residents push back and ask local elected leaders to take a stand against it? A reporter who’s been covering the issue will discuss how some officials are caught in the middle of the 287(g) pledges by police departments. Also, it’s been a year since the state stopped adding fluoride to drinking water. Is the change affecting our dental hygiene?
The Supreme Court's say on birthright citizenship; TPS and morality; DeSantis' budget vetoes
President Donald Trump had issued an executive order that said children born to people in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court disagreed. In a momentous decision, the justices relied on a long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War in 1868.
Tampa native and Grammy nominee Destin Conrad on how his music goes 'against the grain'
Destin Conrad went from singing on Vine as a teen to performing on music's biggest stages. The 26-year-old is a Tampa native and a Grammy nominee. He is also up for Best New Artist at the BET Awards on Sunday. But his stardom didn't happen overnight, and as Conrad put it, it was not the initial path he had pictured for himself. Describing himself as a "boundless creative," Conrad isn't afraid to lean into different genres from R&B to jazz.
Wild West of free speech, items flying off shelves, biology vs bias, saving science from ashes
Ye is bringing his tour to Raymond James Stadium this weekend despite a push by Sen. Rick Scott to cancel over the performer's antisemitic statements. We look at the controversy surrounding the artist, once considered one of the greatest rappers alive. Also, the future of delivery may be flying above your neighborhood as more retailers expand the use of drones. We’ll explore what it means for the way we shop and get everyday essentials.
Ray Jay or Rays? Teens talk 'takeovers.' Prison staffing crisis. Singer jazzes up new album
Shaded seats at Raymond James Stadium sound great, but how much public money should be spent on renovating the 28-year-old facility? And, how can Tampa and Hillsborough afford that project while helping build the Rays’ “Forever Home.” That's a show! But there's more. We hear how the kids feel about the “teen takeovers” that have been creating public disturbances – and in one case, involved a shooting.
Social Security's loud alarm, another scam to scan, campus off-loading, shelf-help for kids
Social Security reserves could run short by the 2030s if Congress doesn’t act, according to a report from the program’s trustees. Is this a false alarm? If not, who might this shortage affect, and what benefits could be cut? Afterward, navigating the U.S. immigration system is scary and confusing enough without a new scam making it harder to know who to trust. Then, a book charity has some ideas to get your kids reading this summer, and we get the latest on USF Sarasota-Manatee.
Through the eyes of a dog, coming fuel circle, VA under strain, grill rides, tagging rays and sharks
Matthew Peddie, Host — Matthew is originally from New Zealand, but has lived in Florida for more than a decade. Among his first assignments as a radio reporter in the Sunshine State were covering the retirement of the iconic space shuttles and the dawn of the new commercial space race. He's also reported on Central Florida’s booming economy and its flip side: the affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and covered hurricanes and closely watched presidential elections.
Juneteenth shares spotlight with voices raising awareness of sickle cell disease
World Sickle Cell Day lands on Juneteenth each year, a calendar coincidence for a genetic blood disorder that mostly affects people of African ancestry. More specifically, however, sickle cell disease is shaped by evolution in malaria-endemic regions of the world. And perhaps as triumphantly, it is entering an era of potential cures involving bone marrow transplants and newly FDA-approved gene therapies. The problem, as always, is cost and accessibility.
The meaning of Juneteenth celebrations across the Tampa Bay area
Friday is Juneteenth. It marks the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. It became a federal holiday in 2021. On “Florida Matters Live & Local,” we talk with people from across Tampa Bay’s Black community about the legacy of celebration — and what freedom means to them. We start with Florida’s emancipation story and how it fits into the broader history of emancipation.
How an AI facial recognition tool led to a Florida man's wrongful arrest
A federal lawsuit is bringing to light how an artificial intelligence error led to an innocent Florida man being put in jail. Robert Dillon was at his Fort Myers home in 2024 when police showed up to arrest him after a database flagged him as a 93% match for a crime he did not commit. He was accused of attempting to lure a child at a fast food restaurant in Jacksonville Beach — 300 miles away from him. Charges have since been dropped, and the record has been wiped, but the trauma remains.
How an AI facial recognition tool led to a Florida man's wrongful arrest
A federal lawsuit is bringing to light how an artificial intelligence error led to an innocent Florida man being put in jail. Robert Dillon was at his Fort Myers home in 2024 when police showed up to arrest him after a database flagged him as a 93% match for a crime he did not commit. He was accused of attempting to lure a child at a fast food restaurant in Jacksonville Beach — 300 miles away from him. Charges have since been dropped, and the record has been wiped, but the trauma remains.
What comes with Iran-U.S. peace? Dad's day grief. Knowing sickle cell. Good day, Sunshine City
"Let the oil flow." With that, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. and Iran are set to formally sign a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. But there are questions about details and what comes next. Our expert has answers. Also, Father’s Day is a celebration for lots of families, but it can also be a time of grief for some. We talk about navigating loss during holidays. Afterward, with World Sickle Cell Day coming up, a doctor discusses awareness and treatment innovations.
When AI gets it wrong, a new ID debate, the Latino vote equation, politics of a ‘Wimpy Kid’
Matthew Peddie, Host — Matthew is originally from New Zealand, but has lived in Florida for more than a decade. Among his first assignments as a radio reporter in the Sunshine State were covering the retirement of the iconic space shuttles and the dawn of the new commercial space race. He's also reported on Central Florida’s booming economy and its flip side: the affordable housing and homelessness crisis, and covered hurricanes and closely watched presidential elections.
Speaking up for homeless, Juneteenth arts, buzz words on skeeters, Kiwi’s big adventure
Recently, a woman sleeping in an alley was struck by a garbage truck and killed. The tragedy has raised the ire of homeless advocates against the state’s ban on public camping. Is the law necessary or simply driving our most vulnerable into dark, dangerous places? Then, we talk about the role of the arts in commemorating Juneteenth. And, summer mosquito season is near — with our blood on the menu.
Veteran's latest historical fiction book explores 'what's next' after surviving a war
A new historical fiction novel asks the question: Once you survive a war, "what do you do next?" Writer, poet and Iraq War veteran Kevin Powers brings both research and personal experience to his latest novel "Children of the Wild," which highlights World War I. According to the book's synopsis, it tells a "love story set in the Virginia mountains and on the battlefields of World War I France.
An architect on why renovating Tampa's Jackson House will take longer than expected
Inside a crumbling house in need of restoration lie generations' worth of stories etched into the walls. They belong to famous musicians, athletes, civil rights leaders — and the family who started it all. This is the historic Jackson House in Tampa, which was built in 1901. The property at 851 E. Zack St. was a boarding house where African Americans would stay during the segregation era. The house closed in 1989 and has been designated as a historical landmark.
The night Orlando cried, surviving summer hunger, easy being green, Tampa's renaissance menus
Can it possibly be a decade since the horrific Pulse shooting in Orlando? On "Florida Matters Live & Local," hear reflections from a clubgoer who was there the night 49 people were killed and a journalist who covered the aftermath. Plus, a look at the challenges for some just to feed their families over the summer. (0:00) More families are making tough choices between food, housing, healthcare and transportation. And it gets tougher when the calendar turns to summer break.
Read 'em and reap, a different kind of 'takeover,' judged past its prime, a preservation reservation
For the second time “teen takeover” in the Tampa Bay region has ended in arrests. A Polk County teen is facing an attempted murder charge after an incident at Clearwater Beach just over a week ago. Could social media be the key to keeping teens out of trouble? We also talk with the local architect undertaking the renovation project for the Jackson House in downtown Tampa. Also, does Hillsborough County need a new courthouse annex? And what does your book stack look like this summer?
Ybor's longtime Crowbar owner leads the charge against Live Nation's planned music venue in Tampa
For years, fans have been complaining about the rising prices of tickets and fees for live music. Some independent music venue owners and concert goers in the Tampa Bay region fear it’s just going to get worse. In early April, Live Nation announced plans to build a 4,300-capacity music venue in the Gasworx district, a major, mixed-use development in Tampa’s Ybor City.
Floridians get a fair shake, St. Pete Pride, Vibrio facts, summer camps, story of survival
We’re still reacting to the shock of a Florida earthquake. And we get into youth camps on Day 2 of our summer prep segments. Speaking of sun and fun, it’s time for reminders on avoiding flesh-eating bacteria. Then, hear about an epic water survival story that is the subject of a new book. Also, St. Pete Pride is recognized as the largest Pride celebration in the Southeast, but for how much longer? In January, a new law takes effect that could change the event.
College students confront gun violence and housing fears, staycations, WWI fiction
Orlando will mark a somber milestone this week: 10 years since a gunman murdered 49 people at the Pulse nightclub. At the time, it was the worst mass shooting in modern American history. This tragedy and others raise discussions about preventing gun violence. A related topic: Off-campus housing raises safety concerns after two incidents near USF. Then, we talk this week about summer activities, and the conversation kicks off with staycations. Finally, a local author discusses his latest war story.
Big bet on tax relief, a bigger fish to spy, goal diggin’ in Florida, opera-tunity knocks
Florida voters will decide this November whether to dramatically expand exemptions and cap property tax increases. But more money in homeowners’ pockets could mean less for local governments. “Florida Matters Live & Local” examines the details. Then, World Cup fans are descending on the U.S. from all corners of the globe to celebrate the beautiful game. We talk about the Florida connections — from players to matches to fans.
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