WFSU Program Feed

The number of Floridians living in poverty has fallen since the Great Recession. But it’s still higher than the national average. According to federal data 14 percent of Floridians had incomes below the poverty line. The figure is closer to 13.2 percent nationally. Lynn Hatter takes a look what it means to live below the state poverty line, or in some cases, right on the edge.

An intrepid group of kayakers will be paddling their way down the final 106 miles of North Florida’s mighty Apalachicola River for a five-day adventure starting October 9.  To preview the journey and talk about the larger impact of this massive ecological system are: Apalachicola Riverkeeper Executive Director Georgia Ackerman; Riverkeeper Board Vice President and veteran trekker Katie McCormick; and two first-time paddlers: Anita Grove, Apalachicola City Commissioner; and LeMoyne Staff Member Mayowa Ogunjobi.

Governor Rick Scott’s decision to start the process of appointing new Florida Supreme Court justices has ignited a looming constitutional crisis. Lynn Hatter reports at the center of the issue is who—the outgoing or incoming governor—has the authority to make those appointments.

The City of Miami Beach is in a battle with the state that could impact hundreds of Florida municipalities.   Gina Jordan tells us it’s about ‘home rule’ – and the city’s ability to set its own policy when it comes to wages.

Longtime advocate for children and families Jack Levine, founder of the 4Generations Institute, talks about our changing local and national demographics that will make more of us grandparents and the positive impact grandparents can and should have on young lives.

Single parents discuss the demands of being single parents.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: September 9, 2018 

Just over a week after winning their respective races for governor, Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum announced their running mates.  As Brenden Byrne from member station WMFE in Orlando reports, the selection for DeSantis is state lawmaker Janet Nunez and for Gillum, it’s his former gubernatorial opponent, Orlando businessman Chris King.

A surprise outcome in Florida’s democratic gubernatorial primary has Democrat’s hopeful to reclaim the governor’s mansion and wrest control from Republicans for the first time in 20 years. It also marks a strong shift to the left-and hopes rest with a man who could become the first black governor in Florida’s history. Ryan Dailey prepared this report.

Congressman Ron DeSantis has won the Republican nomination for Florida governor. WMFE’s Brendan Byrne reports an endorsement from President Donald Trump propelled DeSantis over the finish line.

Workforce Opportunity Services works with high school graduates from underserved communities, and post-9/11 veterans, to develop their skills so that they can be employed in major companies. Chairman and founder Dr. Art Langer talks with 411 Teen.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: September 2, 2018 

SAIL High School students present a candid picture of drug use and abuse among their populations.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: August 26, 2018 

In the last week before the state’s primary elections, Florida’s gubernatorial candidates put rubber to the road in a final push to woo voters. Ryan Dailey has the latest on neck-and-neck races in both parties.

Members of the Tallahassee chapter of the Big Brothers & Big Sisters community talk with 411 Teen about their program.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: August 19, 2018 

Florida is 21 billion dollars in debt.  And State leaders were actually happy to hear that number at the most recent Florida Cabinet meeting. The money is being used to finance initiatives like transportation and environmental projects. Gina Jordan reports the debt has fallen in recent years, bolstered in part by low interest rates and the economy.

Michael Williams is a co-author of Getting Things Done, a book on personal organization. It is a self-help book for creating optimum conditions for productivity.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: August 12, 2018 

A dispute over a parking space turned deadly last month, triggering a new debate over Florida’s already controversial Stand Your Ground Law.  Sascha Cordner takes a look at how that debate further accelerated this week, even impacting the state’s gubernatorial contest.

Florida’s problem with algal blooms has taken center stage, and efforts to mitigate it are in high demand. A partnership between an engineering and a bioplastics company aims to bring a new type of solution to the market. Ryan Dailey reports one Florida county is already trying it out.

Pyramid Studios is an unique, non-profit adult day program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Pyramid focuses on visual and performance art to engage those whose cognitive, physical and/or biological characteristics do not lend themselves to traditional learning strategies. 

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: August 5, 2018

A Leon County circuit judge this week rejected a proposed amendment to the constitution that would ban greyhound racing in Florida, and the state quickly appealed. Gina Jordan reports the Florida Supreme Court is being asked to decide the case before the November ballots are printed.

A Florida Panhandle man may be one of the first charged under a new law for posting threatening messages on social media. Sascha Cordner reports.

Hundreds of dead sea turtles have washed up on Florida’s gulf shores this year. AnnMarie Welser reports.

Once upon a time, the Red Wolf called the south and eastern United States, from Texas to Pennysylvania, home. Today, there are fewer than 40 wolves left in the wild. The species is what’s called “functionally extinct”— with most of the remaining 200 or so wolves in captivity. The Trump administration is proposing changes to the Endangered Species Act that conservationists worry, could end what little protection remains for the Red Wolves left in the wild. Lynn Hatter has more.

Community Connections is a program that serves youths between the ages of 13 and 17, referred through the legal system, or because of difficulty in school and/or at home. Their program operates on a 12-week cycle based on restorative justice principles.

Host: Dr. Liz Holifield

Original airdate: July 29, 2018