Most Viewed WMNF Stories of 2025: Florida News That Shaped the Year
In 2025, WMNF 88.5 FM readers consistently turned to independent community journalism to understand how policy, climate change, and local decisions impacted life in Florida. From Medicaid and property taxes to sea-level rise, civil rights, and environmental justice, these were the most viewed WMNF stories of the year, organized month by month.
January 2025 Florida News: Executive Power, Extreme Cold, and Health Care
Floridians may see impacts of Trump’s slew of executive orders
This story drew heavy traffic as readers looked for clarity on how sweeping federal actions could directly affect Florida, from immigration to social services.
Polar vortex plunges temperatures in Florida
An unusual cold snap reminded Floridians how vulnerable the state is to extreme weather beyond hurricanes, driving interest in preparedness and climate patterns.
Medicaid changes will take effect in Florida
Health care access remains a top concern, and this explainer helped families understand who could lose coverage, and when.
February 2025 Florida News: Roads, Red Tide, and Rising Bills
Red tide stretches from Tampa Bay to the Florida Keys
This story combined environmental science with economic impact, especially for coastal communities reliant on tourism and fishing.
Florida regulators approve $1.55 billion utility rate increase
As hurricane recovery costs were passed on to customers, readers sought answers about who pays, and why.
March 2025 Florida News: Taxes, Tourism, and Public Investment
DeSantis proposes taxing tourists and some foreigners
This proposal sparked debate over fairness, economic impact, and whether visitors should shoulder more of Florida’s tax burden.
St. Pete council member questions Rays stadium deal
Readers were drawn to this story’s focus on transparency and whether public funding delivers promised community benefits.
April 2025 Florida News: Medical Ethics and Housing Solutions
Bill advances allowing treatment denial based on vaccination status
This legislation raised alarm among health advocates and patients concerned about discrimination in medical care.
Florida Senate passes bill for “granny flats”
With housing affordability worsening, readers gravitated toward stories exploring potential solutions, even incremental ones.
May 2025 Florida News: Oversight Failures and Food Insecurity
State should have audited $10 million Hope Florida deal
This investigation highlighted gaps in accountability and raised questions about how public money is monitored.
Trump cuts to food stamps may impact Tampa food bank
As food costs rose, this story connected national policy decisions to local hunger relief efforts.
June 2025 Florida News: Policing, Protest, and Air Quality
Lee County sheriff announces zero-tolerance street racing policy
Public safety concerns and policing tactics sparked strong engagement and debate.
Saharan dust reaches Florida
Readers sought clear, science-based information on health impacts and environmental effects.
No Kings Day protests scheduled
Civic activism remained a recurring theme as Floridians continued organizing around democratic norms.
July 2025 Florida News: Rights, Representation, and Politics
Transgender Hillsborough teacher impacted by court ruling
This deeply personal story put a human face on legal decisions affecting LGBTQ+ Floridians.
David Jolly talks about running for governor
Readers were interested in alternatives to Florida’s polarized political landscape.
Lawmaker questions DeSantis veto of parole bill
This story highlighted bipartisan efforts, and where they stalled.
August 2025 Florida News: Legacy, Journalism, and Property Taxes
In memory of Rob Lorei
Listeners returned again and again to remember a voice that shaped community radio in Tampa Bay.
Floridians can challenge property tax assessments
Practical, service-oriented journalism continues to resonate.
Reflections on Rob Lorei’s life and legacy
The outpouring of tributes underscored WMNF’s role as a community hub.
September 2025 Florida News: Memory and Innovation
The 80s: A decade to remember
Nostalgia and cultural storytelling drew in longtime listeners and new readers alike.
AI used to combat invasive species
Science reporting connected innovation to environmental protection.
October 2025 Florida News: Schools, Music History, and Protest
Hillsborough Schools end certificates of completion
Education policy changes raised concerns about equity and student outcomes.
Allman Brothers–referenced road may be renamed
Local music history once again proved its lasting cultural impact.
No Kings Day demonstrations continue
Public protest remained a through-line throughout the year.
November 2025 Florida News: Growth, Immigration, and Environmental Harm
683-acre rezoning approved in Manatee County
Readers followed how rapid growth is reshaping Florida’s landscape.
New federal rule targets immigrant truck drivers
This story highlighted how regulatory changes disproportionately affect immigrant workers.
Mining operation impacts Collier County homes
Environmental justice and quality-of-life concerns drove strong engagement.
December 2025 Florida News: Climate, Taxes, and Justice
Sea level rise doesn’t impact all areas equally
Readers responded to detailed, map-based reporting on climate change.
Eliminating property taxes could worsen inequality
Tax policy stories continued to perform strongly when grounded in analysis.
Advocates warn Florida is rushing an execution
A powerful reminder that criminal justice remains a deeply human issue.
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