Florida Matters

Happy 2019! As WUSF prepares to bring you the news you rely on this year, we’re looking back at some of the station's big moments in 2018 through the lens of Florida Matters.

Much has happened in our state this year. We elected a new Governor, U.S. Senator and a number of other political positions. We lost 17 lives in a mass shooting that led to new laws on school safety. This week on Florida Matters we revisit some of the major events and news stories that affected Tampa Bay and our state in 2018.

Alternative kinds of housing like shipping containers or tiny houses are quickly growing in popularity. We discuss whether they could help relieve some of the pressure from the affordable housing crunch. WUSF's Robin Sussingham speaks with Robert Cox, CEO of Sundog Structures; Mickey Jacob, an architect and Chairman of the Tampa Downtown Partnership; and Elizabeth Strom, an Associate Professor at USF's School of Public Affairs.

Last year, our series, "Telling Tampa Bay Stories," took us to Tampa's Progress Village. This year, the focus is Plant City -- a Hillsborough County community where agriculture and development, history and progress all meet.

Retail is changing and there will be winners and losers. Florida Matters Host Robin Sussingham talks to the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Ashley Gurbal Kritzer; David Ortinau, a Marketing Professor at USF's Muma College of Business; and Paul Rutledge, First Vice President, retail brokerage in CBRE’s Tampa office about the secrets to retail success. And why do the big drug stores always want to be right next to each other? Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham recently moderated a community discussion about veteran entrepreneurs with professionals who've been working on training and educating former soldiers on skills they need, not only to integrate back into society, but to take on the risks and rewards of being an entrepreneur. The panel took place in front of a live audience at USF St. Petersburg, and we also took some questions from the audience. In this podcast, you'll hear about American Freedom Distillery and from one of its founders, former Green Beret Scott Neil. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

The 2018 midterm election was supposed to be over last night, but this is Florida, so of course it looks like there will be at least one recount, and maybe several. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to WUSF's Mark Schreiner, Stephanie Colombini, and Roberto Roldan about winners, losers, taxes and gambling, among other topics. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Florida Matters Host Robin Sussingham sits down with long time political journalist and analyst William March to talk about the political zeitgeist, whether polls can be trusted, and whether the issue of gun control is working for the Democrats. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Florida cancelled its tax credits for film makers in 2016 -- and now industry observers say some big productions are moving to places like Georgia, which are still giving out large financial incentives. But several studies have come out saying state support for the film industry might not be worth the money -- including one from Florida's Office of Economic and Demographic Research, which showed a return on investment of just 18 cents per dollar spent. We're continuing our conversation with Sarasota Herald Tribune reporter Jimmy Geurts; Tyler Martinolich, Hillsborough County Film Commissioner; and Tony Stopperan, a filmmaker based in Sarasota, Florida.Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham sits down with Lillian Dunlap, the executive director of Your Real Stories and creator of Story Days in Tampa Bay. The annual storytelling festival has just finished up, and Robin asks Lillian what she hopes listeners will come away with.Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Hurricane Michael disrupted our plans for Florida Matters this week...so we're rebroadcasting a great one! On this week's podcast, we talk about what makes a craft beer special. Does it matter if it's been acquired by a big corporation? What is a "hoppy" taste? And we taste the hugely popular Cigar City Jai Alai IPA. Host Robin Sussingham sits down with Neil Callaghan, Brand Ambassador for Cigar City Brewing, and a certified beer judge; Sean Nordquist, Executive Director of the Florida Brewers Guild; Danie Dahm, co-owner of Mastry’s Brewery in St. Pete Beach; and Florida Matters Producer Stephanie Colombini. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 year. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Forty-nine people died in the Pulse nightclub mass shooting in Orlando in 2016, but new information indicates that 16 of those victims may have been able to survive their injuries -- if they'd been treated sooner. Robin Sussingham talks to John Montes, an Emergency Services Specialist with the National Fire Protection Association about the NFPA's new standards for first responders. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

(Originally broadcast 5/15/18) Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham speaks to Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve; Daniel Elias, president of Pharmacology University, a medical marijuana education program; and Darrin Potter, Chief Horticulture Officer at GrowHealthy in Lake Wales. GrowHealthy and Trulieve are licensed medical marijuana treatment centers and are authorized to cultivate, process and dispense medical marijuana in Florida. They tell us that you're going to need very deep pockets to get started in the medical cannabis biz in Florida.Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join the National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico a year ago this month, and on WUSF's Florida Matters we're hearing the stories of people who fled to the Tampa area when they had to evacuate. On today's podcast, a conversation with WUSF reporter Roberto Roldan. Support for Florida Matters MORE comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Robin Sussingham had a chance to speak with Jordan Peterson before his appearance at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg this weekend, catching up with him while he was in Miami for a book tour event there. Jordan Peterson is a clinical psychologist and a Professor at the University of Toronto. He's the author of the bestseller 12 rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, which carries a message of personal responsibility and the path toward finding a meaningful life. He's also a YouTube star and has a very popular podcast.

WUSF's expert on all things relating to USF, Mark Schreiner, joins Robin Sussingham to talk about his series on entrepreneurs with ties to the University of South Florida. Plus, USF President Judy Genshaft has announced her retirement, and Mark discusses her role in lifting the reputation and quality of the University. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can not afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

It was an exciting state primary election with some unexpected results, and we break it down with Zac Anderson, editor of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, and William March, longtime political analyst and journalist. Progressives got what they've long wished for in Andrew Gillum, the Democratic nominee for Governor, and set up what Zac says will be an interesting "political science experiment" going forward. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they cannot afford. Join National Foundation for Transplants, an organization providing financial relief to transplant patients for more than 35 years. Visit transplants.org to learn more.

Florida's primary election was full of surprises. WUSF reporters Steve Newborn, Mark Schreiner and Roberto Roldan have been following the races and were out covering campaign events on primary night. They sit down with host Robin Sussingham to talk about the evening's upsets and drama. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

Five candidates (three Democrats and two Republicans) for Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services sit down with WLRN Public Media in Miami, and the editorial page editors of the Miami Herald, the South Florida Sun Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post. They give their views on restoring voting rights to felons, and on how to enforce the "Do Not Call" list. The Ag Commissioner is a cabinet-level post in Florida. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

This week on Florida Matters, we're spotlighting some special news reports and features that won awards in 2017. On this podcast, a conversation with WUSF reporter and assistant news director Mark Schreiner and WUSF reporter and Florida Matters producer Stephanie Colombini. In other news, Mark puts on his sports reporter cap, and tells us that the day is approaching when the USF Women's Basketball team will defeat the University of Connecticut. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" -- at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

(Originally broadcast 5/15/18) Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham speaks to Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve; Daniel Elias, president of Pharmacology University, a medical marijuana education program; and Darrin Potter, Chief Horticulture Officer at GrowHealthy in Lake Wales. GrowHealthy and Trulieve are licensed medical marijuana treatment centers and are authorized to cultivate, process and dispense medical marijuana in Florida. They tell us that you're going to need very deep pockets to get started in the medical cannabis biz in Florida. Support for the Florida Matters More podcast comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplant.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

We're only weeks away from Florida's primary election, and while the gap between the two Republican candidates for Governor seems to be widening, the five Democratic candidates are in a real horse race for the nomination. Host Robin Sussingham talks to reporter Steve Contorno of the Tampa Bay Times and Janelle Irwin of the Tampa Bay Business Journal about why this might be the right moment politically for the Tampa Bay area to acquire money for transit. Support for the Florida Matters More podcast comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

On this week's podcast, we talk about what makes a craft beer special. Does it matter if it's been acquired by a big corporation? What is a "hoppy" taste? And we taste the hugely popular Cigar City Jai Alai IPA. Host Robin Sussingham sits down with Neil Callaghan, Brand Ambassador for Cigar City Brewing, and a certified beer judge; Sean Nordquist, Executive Director of the Florida Brewers Guild; Danie Dahm, co-owner of Mastry’s Brewery in St. Pete Beach; and Florida Matters Producer Stephanie Colombini. Support for the Florida Matters More podcast comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to WUSF reporters Daylina Miller and Cathy Carter, and Florida Matters Producer Stephanie Colombini about their visits to area museums. Daylina talks about her interview with Clyde Butcher; Cathy gets the inside scoop behind Herb Snitzer's jazz icons; and Stephanie finds that glass art seems to be coming into its own. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

So many complaints about the Tampa Bay area come back to transit. What's it like to be responsible for transportation planning (when everyone who drives considers himself an expert?) Host Robin Sussingham sits down with Christine Acosta, Executive Director of Walk Bike Tampa (an advocacy and education non profit organization); Beth Alden, Director of Hillsborough’s Metropolitan Planning Organization; and Whit Blanton, Executive Director of Forward Pinellas, which is that county's transportation planning agency. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

For today's podcast, Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham is letting you in on the tour she took through the William Dean Chocolates kitchen. It's like a real-life trip with Willy Wonka through the Chocolate Factory. Is it possible to sample a little too much chocolate? We'll find out.Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

After the Parkland school shooting last February, a new Florida law requires public schools to put armed guards on every campus. Host Robin Sussingham talks about the practical ramifications of that with Superintendent Kurt Browning of Pasco County; Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd of Polk County; and Bridget Ziegler, chairwoman of the Sarasota County School Board. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" -- at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life. And we're also grateful for the support of the Florida Department of Health! If you or a loved one need information about medical marijuana, the Florida Department of Health provides resources on qualifying medical conditions, physicians and approved treatment centers at flhealth.gov/OMMU.

Host Robin Sussingham talks to political reporter and Tampa Bay Times correspondent William March and WUSF News Director Mary Shedden about the goings on in Florida's political scene. There's enough controversy to keep it interesting. Comparisons to an episode of "Survivor" are made. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" -- at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life. And we're also grateful for the support of the Florida Department of Health! If you or a loved one need information about medical marijuana, the Florida Department of Health provides resources on qualifying medical conditions, physicians and approved treatment centers at flhealth.gov/OMMU.

Parkland, Florida, high school student and mass shooting survivor Leonor Muñoz records a riveting audio diary for this week’s Florida Matters. Host Robin Sussingham sits down with reporters from Miami’s public radio station WLRN to talk about Leonor’s experience, and how they’re covering the aftermath of the massacre. Support for Florida Matters More comes from the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can’t afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant’s “Operation Second Chance” at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life. If you or a loved one need information about medical marijuana, the Florida Department of Health provides resources on qualifying medical conditions, physicians and approved treatment centers at flhealth.gov/OMMU.

Robin Sussingham sits down with Jeff Huffman, meteorologist with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, to talk about how much he hates -- really hates -- to be asked about the seasonal hurricane forecast. It's irrelevant! And not very accurate! Plus, how to lower your anxiety level as a hurricane approaches. Florida Matters More is supported by the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life. Support also comes from the Florida Department of Health. If you or a loved one need information about medical marijuana, the Florida Department of Health provides resources on qualifying medical conditions, physicians and approved treatment centers at flhealth.gov/OMMU.

In this podcast, WUSF's Robin Sussingham, Stephanie Colombini and Julio Ochoa break down the recent Florida Matters Town Hall that was recorded in front of a live audience (but what audience isn't live?) in St. Petersburg. The topic was healthcare for the uninsured, and it came about after a series of stories that Julio produced on the free clinics around the Tampa Bay area. We discuss the common perception that people without insurance use the emergency room a lot, and that's driving up the cost of care. But is that really the case? Florida Matters More is supported by the National Foundation for Transplants. Right now, hundreds of Tampa residents need an organ transplant they can't afford. You can join the National Foundation for Transplant's "Operation Second Chance" at transplants.org to learn how to help give someone a second chance at life.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks politics and more with Adam Smith, Political Editor of the Tampa Bay Times; Janelle Irwin, reporter for the Tampa Bay Business Journal; and Julio Ochoa, editor of WUSF's Health News Florida.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham speaks to Kim Rivers, CEO of Trulieve; Daniel Elias, president of Pharmacology University, a medical marijuana education program; and Darrin Potter, Chief Horticulture Officer at GrowHealthy in Lake Wales. GrowHealthy and Trulieve are licensed medical marijuana treatment centers and are authorized to cultivate, process and dispense medical marijuana in Florida. They tell us that you're going to need very deep pockets to get started in the medical cannabis biz in Florida.

He'll tell you himself: the most dangerous place in Polk County is to get between Sheriff Grady Judd and a TV camera. Polk County Sheriff Judd is never at a loss for words or opinions on criminal behavior, and he's played a big role in the response to the school shooting in Parkland. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to the Sheriff about juvenile justice and more.

On this week's acronym-rich podcast, we're talking about the future of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Tampa Bay with Dennis Hinebaugh, the program director for transit research at CUTR, The Center for Urban Transportation Research, and the Director of CUTR's National Bus Rapid Transit Institute (NBRTI); Brad Miller, the CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA); and Sharon Calvert, co-founder of the Hillsborough County tea party and a longtime critic of expensive transit projects. Dennis tells Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham that BRT is not the consolation prize for a failed push for light rail in the area, but a real transit solution.

Following our Florida Matters reporters roundtable for April, host Robin Sussingham picks up the conversation with a discussion on changes in Cuba; the new museum of western and wildlife art in St. Pete; a ban on greyhound racing; and how to juice a marijuana plant. She's joined by longtime political writer William March, Justine Griffin of the Tampa Bay Times, and Florida Matters Producer Stephanie Colombini.

Sandhill cranes, Pileated Woodpeckers, egrets and pelicans -- Florida is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to birds. Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to Ann Paul, Tampa Bay area Regional Coordinator for Audubon's Florida Coastal Islands Sanctuaries; Mary Keith, president of the Tampa Audubon Society; and Dave Goodwin, former president of the Florida Ornithological Society, about Florida's birds -- their success stories and their perils.

Retail is changing and there will be winners and losers. Florida Matters Host Robin Sussingham talks to the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Ashley Gurbal Kritzer; David Ortinau, a Marketing Professor at USF's Muma College of Business; and Paul Rutledge, First Vice President, retail brokerage in CBRE’s Tampa office about the secrets to retail success. And why do the big drug stores always want to be right next to each other?

Mallory Lykes Dimmit, Carlton Ward, Jr., and Joe Guthrie are getting ready to set off once again into the wilds of Florida as members of the Florida Wildlife Corridor expedition team. In this podcast, they speak with Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham and WUSF's assistant news director Steve Newborn about the problems that I-4 presents to wildlife trying to make its way across the state. Also, how can you hike for a thousand miles and still gain weight?

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to Steve Bousquet, Tallahassee bureau chief for the Tampa Bay Times, and Zac Anderson, political editor of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, about what changed -- and what didn't -- as a result of this year's legislative session. Bousquet says the new law that generated the most passionate debate gives private school vouchers to kids who have been bullied so they can leave their public schools.

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to producer Stephanie Colombini and reporter Daylina Miller about their experiences with live music around Tampa Bay. Stephanie says she's hardly missed a beat since moving from New York City; and Daylina tells us about why she loves death metal. Did you know that Tampa is the center of the world for death metal music?

This week's Florida Matters features highlights from a recent town hall meeting in Tampa about school safety. The discussion took place in the wake of the school shootings at the high school in Parkland, and focused mainly on violence and gun control. But one entrepreneur on the panel had a fascinating view on innovations in school safety. On today's podcast, we hear from Pat Bhava, the creator of the app PikMyKid, which uses technology to streamline the process of the school car line.

This week on Florida Matters, we're talking about the fact that every public high school student in Florida must take an online class in order to graduate, but some students and parents say it's not a good fit for everyone. Should an online class really be mandatory? We continue the conversation on the podcast, with Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talking to the President and CEO of Florida Virtual School, Dr. Jodi Marshall; Joanne Glenn, principal of Pasco County's eSchool; Carol Crawford, director of Club Z! In Home Tutoring Services; and Adam LeMee, Physics Teach-In-Residence for the University of Central Florida.

On this week's podcast, we carry forward the conversation started at the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs about the connection between international tourism and arts and culture in St. Petersburg. We hear about the Tampa airport's importance to the effort, and WUSF News Director Mary Shedden talks to Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham and producer Stephanie Colombini about the three new museums coming on line in St. Petersburg. Also, the meaning of "City of Green Benches" is explained.

After the horrific shooting at the Parkland high school, Florida Democrats have made gun control their political rallying cry. What will the fallout be -- in our schools and in our politics? Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham talks to WUSF's Steve Newborn, Zac Anderson of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, and Florida Matters producer Stephanie Colombini. Plus, can the upset win by a Democrat in a Sarasota House Seat be seen as a bellwether?

In this podcast, WUSF's Robin Sussingham, Stephanie Colombini and Julio Ochoa break down the recent Florida Matters Town Hall that was recorded in front of a live audience (but what audience isn't live?) in St. Petersburg. The topic was healthcare for the uninsured, and it came about after a series of stories that Julio produced on the free clinics around the Tampa Bay area. We discuss the common perception that people without insurance use the emergency room a lot, and that's driving up the cost of care. But is that really the case?

Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham sits down with St. Petersburg, Florida, Mayor Rick Kriseman, who's starting his second term. Mayor Kriseman worries about the "crazy stuff" going on in the Florida House, whether cities like his may lose their home rule authority to the state, and the possibility of taking a ferry to work.

The state's lawmakers are hard at work in Tallahassee. What are their priorities, and how will those affect you? On the podcast with Florida Matters host Robin Sussingham are producer Stephanie Colombini, Zac Anderson, political editor of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, and William March, longtime reporter on Florida Politics.

WUSF reporter Bobbie O'Brien knows her ice hockey, and she joins Robin Sussingham and Stephanie Colombini of Florida Matters for this week's podcast. Bobbie has looked into whether Tampa has truly become a hockey town, and gives us her findings. Plus, the gross things drunk people do during the Gasparilla festival will probably not surprise you.

We've got the highly-regarded political analyst Susan MacManus in the studio with us to unpack Governor Rick Scott's last State of the State address. MacManus also answers the question of why Florida's national elections are so closely divided between Republicans and Democrats, while our state representatives are overwhelmingly Republican. With WUSF's Florida Matters co-host Robin Sussingham and producer Stephanie Colombini.