The holidays are fun, but once the presents are unwrapped, there's a lot of trash to deal with, as well as the Christmas tree that dries out and needs to go to the curb. There's another year-round issue... many of those toys have lithium-ion batteries that can't simply be thrown in the trash. We speak with Daniel Gallagher, project manager with Hillsborough County's Solid Waste Department, on both of these issues. 

The holidays are fun, but once the presents are unwrapped, there's a lot of trash to deal with, as well as the Christmas tree that dries out and needs to go to the curb. There's another year-round issue... many of those toys have lithium-ion batteries that can't simply be thrown in the trash. We speak with Daniel Gallagher, project manager with Hillsborough County's Solid Waste Department, on both of these issues.&nbsp;

Lithium-Ion Batteries and Post-Holiday Trash - Daniel Gallagher

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It's no secret that the holidays involve a lot of eating. That can also mean picking up a pound or two -- literally. Lauri Wright is a registered dietitian and nutritionist. She's an associate professor of nutrition and dietetics at the University of South Florida in Tampa and she joins Gordon Byrd to talk about healthy holiday meals.

It's no secret that the holidays involve a lot of eating.&nbsp;That can also mean picking up a pound or two -- literally.&nbsp;Lauri Wright is a registered dietitian and nutritionist. She's an associate professor of nutrition and dietetics at the University of South Florida in Tampa and she joins Gordon Byrd to talk about healthy holiday meals.

Prof Lauri Wright USF - Healthy Eating During the Holidays

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The holidays can be good, and bad, for your heart. The vibes are good, the stress and food, not always. Hear more as Gordon Byrd speaks to University of South Florida cardiologist Dr. Bibhu Mohanty. 

The holidays can be good, and bad, for your heart. The vibes are good, the stress and food, not always. Hear more as Gordon Byrd speaks to University of South Florida cardiologist Dr. Bibhu Mohanty.&nbsp;

Your Heart and the Holidays - Dr Bibhu Mohanty USF Cardiologist

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We got through Thanksgiving, and now Christmas brings another round of big holiday meals. With large meals and numerous dishes, the risk of food poisoning increases at this time of year. Not to mention the seasonal bugs being spread by guests. Gordon Byrd speaks with University of South Florida environmental health microbiology professor Jill Roberts about keeping food safe during holiday meals. 

We got through Thanksgiving, and now Christmas brings another round of big holiday meals. With large meals and numerous dishes, the risk of food poisoning increases at this time of year. Not to mention the seasonal bugs being spread by guests. Gordon Byrd speaks with University of South Florida environmental health microbiology professor Jill Roberts about keeping food safe during holiday meals.&nbsp;

Holiday Food Safety - Jill Roberts PhD USF

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A drone expo held since 2021 at a St. Petersburg middle school is getting bigger every year. The 2025 Sunshine State Drone Expo includes exhibits by business and first responders, and courses for people looking to get certified on drones. We speak with the organizer, Capt. Willis Reese, who's also a teacher at Azalea Middle School and runs the on-campus chapter of the Civil Air Patrol. 

A drone expo held since 2021 at a St. Petersburg middle school is getting bigger every year. The 2025 Sunshine State Drone Expo includes exhibits by business and first responders, and courses for people looking to get certified on drones. We speak with the organizer, Capt. Willis Reese, who's also a teacher at Azalea Middle School and runs the on-campus chapter of the Civil Air Patrol.&nbsp;

Drone Expo - Capt Willis Reese Azalea Middle School

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Tuesday (Dec 2nd) is Giving Tuesday. Bryan Oglesby with the Better Business Bureau in West Florida joins to help you avoid being scammed when looking for a nonprofit or charity to support the things you believe in.

 

Tuesday (Dec 2nd) is Giving Tuesday. Bryan Oglesby with the Better Business Bureau in West Florida joins to help you avoid being scammed when looking for a nonprofit or charity to support the things you believe in.
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BBB Giving Tuesday - Bryan Oglesby

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Florida's citrus industry has been decimated by the citrus greening disease. A farm family in Polk County sees an agritourism opportunity in reviving U-pick citrus ... with protection to keep out the bugs that spread the disease. We speak with Katie and Shane Bevilacqua of Golden Ridge Groves and Market in Alturas, which holds its grand opening Thursday (20th). 

Florida's citrus industry has been decimated by the citrus greening disease. A farm family in Polk County sees an agritourism opportunity in reviving U-pick citrus ... with protection to keep out the bugs that spread the disease. We speak with Katie and Shane Bevilacqua of Golden Ridge Groves and Market in Alturas, which holds its grand opening Thursday (20th).&nbsp;

U-Pick Citrus Without Greening - Katie and Shane Bevilacqua - Golden Ridge Groves

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Pasco County will start taking applications December 1st  for grants to homeowners who suffered damage in Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton in 2023 and 2024. No area of the county escaped impact from recent storms. Owners of traditional, manufactured or mobile homes can apply for relief. 

Pasco County will start taking applications December 1st&nbsp; for grants to homeowners who suffered damage in Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton in 2023 and 2024. No area of the county escaped impact from recent storms. Owners of traditional, manufactured or mobile homes can apply for relief.&nbsp;

Disaster Recovery Housing Program - Chuck Lane Pasco County

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The Florida chapter of a group called the HOA Reform League is rallying at the state Capitol Tuesday (18th) to call on state lawmakers to change laws and enforcement of governance of Homeowner's Associations. Paul and Brandy Miller of Pasco County founded the group and they join Gordon Byrd to talk about what they see as the issues with HOA's that need addressing. 

The Florida chapter of a group called the HOA Reform League is rallying at the state Capitol Tuesday (18th) to call on state lawmakers to change laws and enforcement of governance of Homeowner's Associations. Paul and Brandy Miller of Pasco County founded the group and they join Gordon Byrd to talk about what they see as the issues with HOA's that need addressing.&nbsp;

Florida HOA Reform - Paul and Brandy Miller

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The city of Tampa is taking applications for a second round of hurricane assistance to homeowners. The Homeowner Hurricane Assistance program is for city homeowners who didn't qualify for a previous round of help with repair costs earlier this year. We speak with Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera about the program, which takes applications starting November 17th. 

The city of Tampa is taking applications for a second round of hurricane assistance to homeowners. The Homeowner Hurricane Assistance program is for city homeowners who didn't qualify for a previous round of help with repair costs earlier this year. We speak with Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera about the program, which takes applications starting November 17th.&nbsp;

More Tampa Hurricane Assistance - City Councilman Luis Viera

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Interviews conducted by the WFLA Radio newsroom in Tampa Florida, with local and national newsmakers. Be sure to follow us!

Beyond the News WFLA Interviews

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