Beyond the News WFLA Interviews

A Gallup poll a few days back says the percentage of young men under 30 who describe religion as very important is up from 28 percent to 42 percent over two or three years. The Gallup survey says young men are now more likely than young women to say religiion play a role in their lives. At the same time, Roman Catholic church parishes are reporting a dramatic uptick in the number of young MEN attending services, with "standing room only" Easter services. The Washington Post reports
Catholicism is “drawing in Gen Z men” seeking “truth, beauty and, yes, girlfriends." So what's the real story? To find out, we're turning to Stephen Okey, professor of theology and religion at Saint Leo University, headquartered not far from Tampa and with a Tampa campus. 

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The first Gulf sea turtle nest discovered Monday morning at Venice Beach (FL) by volunteers with the Mote Marine Laboratory sea turtle program. We speak with Melissa Macksey of Mote about sea turtle nesting season. 

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As Florida faces one of its worst wildfire seasons in years, a new study released at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting in San Diego, matches cancer rates in more than 90 thousand people over a decade to areas dealing with wildfire smoke. It finds the risk of certain cancers, including colorectal, more than doubled and risks of lung cancer nearly doubled. We speak with Matthew Schabath PhD, who leads the Cancer Epidemiology Program at Tampa's Moffitt Cancer Center, on how the researchers came up with those findings and how to apply them in your life. 

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Tampa International Airport is redoing its ticketing area for the first time since the 1970s. Read Shepherd speaks with the airport's Josh Gillin. 

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The only festival celebrating the loquat tree in the entire nation takes place Saturday (April 11th) in New Port Richey in Pasco County. Florida is one of the few U.S. locations where loquat trees grow successfully. But it's not run as a huge business like the harvesting of oranges or other citrus fruits. In fact, much of the fruit for the festival comes from trees in people's backyards. We speak with Dell Dechant and Amanda Zborek from Farmnet, a group that promotes local food production. 

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One of Tampa's iconic downtown buildings is under new ownership. Tampa's Rivergate Tower (jokingly nicknamed the Beer Can building) is known for its cylinder shape and its Fibonacci spaced windows and tiles, among other things. We speak with Grant Werbeck, Chief Operating Officer of Ally Capital Group and part of the new team, about what's ahead for the downtown landmark. 

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Clearwater Beach hosts the annual Sugar Sand Festival beginning Friday (March 27th) and running through Sunday, April 12th at Pier 60. Eighteen artists from around the world will create sand sculptures in a 24,000 square foot enclosures. We speak with the Festival's Chief Operating Officer, Charissa Shatanoff, about this year's event. 

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Legoland Florida has rolled out its new LEGO Galaxy and its new ride, the Galacticoaster. We speak with Legoland Ambassador Julie Estrada and Merlin's project director Tom Storer. 

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Tampa dyes the Hillsborough River green again Saturday (14th), as part of a daylong celebration of St. Patrick's Day. There's also a parade, Irish music, Irish dancing, kid-friendly features, and Irish beer. for the grownups. We speak with Ivy Lupco of the Tampa Downtown Partnership about the River O' Green Festival. 

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The Small Business Administration is offering loans for economic damage suffered as a result of recent freezes and frosts that hit much of Florida earlier this year. The low-interest loans are not available for crop losses (except for aquaculture). But the loans can cover other losses such as lost sales or payroll. We speak with Sharon Dooley, a Public Affairs Specialist with the SBA, about what's covered and how to apply. 

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