Steve Newborn
Steve Newborn is WUSF's assistant news director as well as a reporter and producer at WUSF covering environmental issues and politics in the Tampa Bay area.
He’s been with WUSF since 2001, and has covered events such as President George W. Bush’s speech in Sarasota as the Sept. 11 attacks unfolded; the ongoing drama over whether the feeding tube should be removed from Terri Schiavo; the arrest and terrorism trial of USF professor Sami Al-Arian; how the BP Deepwater Horizon spill affected Florida; and he followed the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition through the state - twice.
Before joining WUSF, he covered environmental and Polk County news for the Tampa Tribune and worked for NASA at the Kennedy Space Center during the early days of the space shuttle.
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The bill would ban local governments from enforcing policies that restricts the types of fuel sources that could be used by businesses and homes. Proponents say it would ensure Florida consumers have energy options and insure energy independence. -
Supporters of what's being called the "Rights of Nature" are planning to get a constitutional amendment on the statewide ballot to grant these legal rights across Florida.
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A bill now awaiting the governor's signature could spur new development that doesn't fit into existing growth plans. Opponents fear it may lead to more urban sprawl.
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Additional pumps should double the amount of water that can be taken from of the retention pond. Rep. Vern Buchanan said the problems at the processing plant are "something that's been going on for too long."
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The National Guard dropped off pumps in an attempt to drain the reservoir before the hole in the earthen dam becomes larger.
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A state of emergency was declared and hundreds of homeowners were told to evacuate as a pond full of wastewater from a former phosphate mine is at risk of collapse south of Tampa.
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A group of climate change bills championed by Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls could be helped by new federal stimulus money.
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A state committee unanimously approved a bill that includes spending up to $100 million a year on projects to address flooding and sea-level rise and creating a grant program for local governments.
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A recent study shows Florida has the second-highest number of known hate groups in the country. We put a spotlight on why the Sunshine State harbors so much hate.
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The ideological drift to the left or right for the top two political parties has led to some voters considering a third option. We look at how the polarization of politics could shake up Florida's political landscape.
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He's being urged to run against Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 and says "Florida deserves better," pointing to the state's rollout of the coronavirus vaccine.
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Funding for the state's main land preservation program would be halved, if Gov. Ron DeSantis' budget proposals are adopted.
