Florida Matters: Primary Election Preview – Attorney General’s Race, part 1

The Democratic primary for Florida attorney general has two veteran state lawmakers pitted against one another in a race that has been somewhat overshadowed by contentious contests for governor and U.S. Senate. In the first of our two-part series on the attorney general’s race, we’ll hear from both Democrats who want to be the top law enforcer in Florida. We’ll also meet the race’s lone independent candidate. Join us tonight at 6:30 on WUSF 89.7.

Weigh in: How much are you paying attention to this race? Who are you supporting?

Click here for more about Florida Matters “Primary Election Preview: Attorney General’s Race”

Florida Matters: Oil Spill Claims

Oil giant BP has promised to pay for the damage caused by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. For many fishermen and beachside hotels and restaurants, the company’s money may be all that keeps them from losing their businesses. And now, some local governments are getting in on the claims process, hoping to recoup lost revenues they say are related to the spill. We’ll explore how the claims process works and what types of claims BP will be paying. Join the conversation, tonight at 6:30 on WUSF 89.7.

Weigh in: How do you think BP is doing with processing claims and helping people affected by the spill? If you’ve made a claim, how did it go?

More on this show: Florida Matters “Oil Spill Claims”

Florida Matters: Tampa Police Shooting, A Community Conversation

Tampa Police Officers David Curtis and Jeff Kocab were shot and killed during an early morning traffic stop June 29, setting off a four-day manhunt for the gunman. The officers have been laid to rest, and the accused shooter has been captured. But the community is still reeling as the investigation of the incident continues. We talk this week about how our community has been impacted by the killings of these two men. Join the conversation, tonight at 6:30 on WUSF 89.7.

Weigh in: How do you think the Tampa Police Department handled their search for the accused cop killer? Does the Bay area feel less safe to you after these deaths and the subsequent manhunt?

More on this episode: Florida Matters “Tampa Police Shooting: A Community Conversation”

Florida Matters: The Oil Spill’s Psychology

Social scientists will tell you that every disaster — natural or man-made — takes a mental toll on those living through it. More than two months into the Gulf oil spill, we look at the psychological impact of this catastrophe, including how it’s different for those who have oil on their shores and those who are still watching, waiting and hoping. And we talk about media coverage of the spill and whether we’re all tired of hearing about it, this week on Florida Matters. Join us tonight at 6:30 on WUSF 89.7.

Weigh in: Do you think the media coverage of the oil spill is too much, not enough, or just right? What do you want to see the media do more or less of?

More on this episode: Florida Matters “The Oil Spill’s Psychology”

Florida Matters: The Economic Impact of the Oil Spill

Pools of oil are washing ashore along Florida’s coast, coating the sand with tar balls and sludge. And though it’s only panhandle beaches that have oil on them so far, hoteliers and tourism officials in the Tampa Bay area say visitors think all of the state’s coastline is covered. In the shadow of the Gulf oil spill, we’ll check in on business along the Bay area’s beaches, this week on Florida Matters. Join us tonight at 6:30 on WUSF 89.7.

Weigh in: If you’re a beachside business owner, how is the oil spill impacting your operation? And for travelers, how is it changing your summer vacation plans?

More on this episode: Florida Matters “The Economic Impact of the Oil Spill”

This week on Florida Matters: Panhandling and Roadside Commerce

Along many of the Tampa Bay area’s major road, you can find people looking for a few bucks from passing motorists, often with a sign and a sad story. You can also find hawkers selling the Sunday paper. In Tampa, they have to wear a bright vest to increase their visibility; in St. Petersburg, they’ve been banned altogether. The city has prohibited all kinds of transactions along busy roads in an effort, officials say, to keep drivers and panhandlers safe. This week on Florida Matters, we’ll meet some of the people you see on the roadside and find out why the St. Petersburg ordinance has already survived a legal challenge. Join us tonight at 6:30 on WUSF 89.7.

Weigh in: Should Florida cities ban panhandlers and other types of roadside transactions? What do you do when you see someone asking for money on the side of the road?

More information: Florida Matters “Panhandling and Roadside Commerce”

We’re Here!

Florida Talks is officially live here at https://floridatalks.wordpress.com/.