Explore every episode of the podcast The Bay Blend
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 12th, 2026: Your local weekend event roundup + Tampa is delaying a vote to fund a new Rays ballpark | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:07:36 | |
Today we’re talking about World Cup Watch parties, the Tampa Fringe Festival, a seafood festival, and more going on this weekend in the area. It’s all part of the weekend event roundup, which you’ll hear in just a couple minutes. But first - the news. Make your FINAL vote for the Bay Blend Manatee name HERE: The Bay Blend manatee needs a name. Cast your vote | WUSF Website: https://www.wusf.org | |||
| Thursday, June 11th, 2026: Your local music roundup! | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:07:55 | |
Another Thursday, and another local music roundup in store for you. Today, we have a jukebox band playing true throwbacks, a violinist with some really fresh sound, and an Australian duo that’s been popping off lately. Before we get to those though – here’s the news. Make your FINAL vote for the Bay Blend Manatee name HERE: The Bay Blend manatee needs a name. Cast your vote | WUSF The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. | |||
| Wednesday, June 10th, 2026: A St. Pete-area food truck is offering a unique type of taco! | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:07:57 | |
As we continue to highlight unique food trucks in the Tampa Bay area, we’re headed to a taco truck with a niche. We’ll tell you about it. Plus if you like learning, or bowling, or R&B, you’re going to want to listen to the events going on tonight in the area. But first, let’s hit the news. | |||
| Tuesday, June 9th, 2026: An Earthquake felt in Florida + Mahjong is popping in the Tampa Bay area! | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:07:40 | |
The Chinese game Mahjong has really taken off in popularity, including here in the Tampa Bay region. We’ll go into why, and some of the history and controversy surrounding it. Plus, some events going on in the area tonight if you’re trying to have fun! But first – the news. Make your FINAL vote for the Bay Blend Manatee name HERE: The Bay Blend manatee needs a name. Cast your vote | WUSF The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. | |||
| Monday, June 8th, 2026: The FINAL VOTE for our Bay Blend Manatee + less students meaning teacher layoffs | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:07:35 | |
We heard from YOU, and after a bunch of submissions, we’ve narrowed down the names for our Bay Blend manatee to a top 8, Now we’re putting it to one final vote. You’ll hear the details, plus declining birth rates and school enrollment has meant staff cuts for certain school districts in the Tampa Bay area. More on that, but first let’s hit some other news. | |||
| Friday, June 5th, 2026: Your local weekend event roundup + could St. Pete start its own utility? | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:07:39 | |
It’s time for the local event roundup for the Tampa Bay area. This weekend you can catch pro cliff diving, a unique antique furniture showcase, a family fun day at the pier, and the beginning of Pride Month events! It’s also the final day of the Bay Blend manatee naming competition, which you can submit at WUSF.org. Please do that. But let’s get to the news first. | |||
| Thursday, June 4th, 2026: Your local music roundup + check if your fertilizer is banned! | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:07:53 | |
You’ll get your local music roundup today, and we have a free farewell concert for a band that's been performing in the Tampa Bay Region for over a decade, along with some other cool shows to check out. Plus, events to head to in the Tampa Bay area tonight. But first, the news. | |||
| Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026: How a Tampa man turned cooking hibachi out of his car into a viral business | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:07:48 | |
This month we're taking you around the Tampa Bay area to highlight some local food trucks, and we’re starting with a food truck…that’s not really a food truck. You’ll get what we mean in a couple minutes, but let’s hit the news first. | |||
| Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026: The Bay Blend's 1st BIRTHDAY + Help us name the Manatee! | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:08:27 | |
Happy birthday to the Bay Blend! As of today, this show is officially a year old. But we realized, we still haven’t named our baby. Our cute little manatee logo has no name, and we need your help figuring out what it should be. We’ll tell you how in just a bit, along with some fun Tampa Bay area activities tonight, but first - the news. | |||
| Monday, June 1st, 2026: How an OTTER out of Sarasota is helping find missing people | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:07:23 | |
Search dogs have become important for finding missing people and bodies. But they can’t search underwater. In Sarasota, there's a very unique critter on the team to help solve that problem. You’ll hear about that, plus some fun events in the Tampa Bay area to start your week! But first, the news. | |||
| Friday, May 29th, 2026: Your local weekend event roundup! | 29 May 2026 | 00:07:12 | |
Today you’ll get your weekend event roundup, and we’re talking a Pokemon convention, a youth art show, and more happening in the Tampa Bay area. We’ll get to that, but first – the news. | |||
| Thursday, May 28th, 2026: Your Local Music Roundup! | 28 May 2026 | 00:07:30 | |
On this week's local music roundup, we'll hear house music from a popular Norwegian DJ brother duo, plus some really different and FREE jazz shows going on in the Tampa Bay area. But before that, you're getting the news. | |||
| Wednesday, May 27th, 2026: Adopting robo-cats and robo-dogs! | 27 May 2026 | 00:07:58 | |
Pets are awesome to have around, but they can also be a ton of responsibility. But what about robo-pets? Sounds weird as a concept, but we’ll talk about how its helping seniors make connections. Plus, events to check out in the Tampa Bay area over the next two days. Before we get to that, though – the news. | |||
| Tuesday, May 26th, 2026: Creating 'Living Shorelines' in Tampa Bay to combat sea level rise | 26 May 2026 | 00:07:50 | |
Last week was NPR’s Climate Solutions Week, and here in the Tampa Bay area, we’re learning about a solution for sea level rise called 'living shorelines'. You’re going to hear more about what that is, plus, fun things going on in the area over the next couple days. Let’s hit the news first, though. | |||
| Monday, May 25th, 2026: Your Bay Blend Guide to Memorial Day in the Tampa Bay region | 25 May 2026 | 00:05:27 | |
Today we're skipping the news. Instead, Sky is going to tell you about some events you can go to today in the Tampa Bay region to honor fallen US Military members. Let's get started. | |||
| Friday, May 22nd, 2026: Your local weekend event roundup + trouble for the Rays' Tampa stadium plan? | 22 May 2026 | 00:07:00 | |
This weekend, there’s some really great food festivals going on in the Tampa Bay region. We’re going to tell you about them in our weekly event roundup! Before that, though - the news. | |||
| Thursday, May 21st, 2026: Your Local Music Roundup + a new car chase policy for Tampa police | 21 May 2026 | 00:07:44 | |
Thursday means music roundup time with Warren Buccholz, and we’re talking country, 90s throwbacks, and some Bob Dylan birthday celebrations. Plus, other events to check out tonight in the Tampa Bay area. But let’s start off with the news. | |||
| Wednesday, May 20th, 2026: How throwing away lithium batteries has led to massive fires in the Tampa Bay area | 20 May 2026 | 00:07:37 | |
Everyone uses batteries, but did you know throwing away certain batteries could pose huge risks for waste truck drivers, like igniting whole trucks on fire? Yeah, it’s been a problem, and we’re going to talk about it, plus some fun events in the Tampa Bay region going on tonight and tomorrow. First - the news. | |||
| Tuesday, May 19th, 2026: Disparities in Florida's Healthcare System + no more exporting Florida's manta rays | 19 May 2026 | 00:07:14 | |
Health disparities in Florida are a real problem, especially for the state’s minority communities. And it looks like those gaps in services could get even worse. You’ll hear the findings today, plus, where you can learn to podcast yourself, or just color with some friends in the Tampa Bay Region tonight. But first – the news. | |||
| Monday, May 18th, 2026: Checking in on the health of Tampa Bay! + a FL Lawmaker arrested | 18 May 2026 | 00:07:34 | |
WUSF's Steve Newborn was back on a boat to check out how researchers study the health of Tampa Bay, and it might not be the way you'd think they'd do it. We’ll talk about that, plus a fun twist on yoga, a late-night emo party, and more events you can check out in the area to start your week. But first – the news. | |||
| Friday, May 15th, 2026: Your local weekend event roundup + Tampa 'Teen Takeovers'? | 15 May 2026 | 00:07:53 | |
Today’s the Friday event roundup, as always, and we’re talking sharks, a comic book expo, and a meetup with a true Florida staple. You’ll get that in just a few minutes, but first, let’s hit the news. | |||
| Thursday, May 14th, 2026: Your Local Weekend Music Roundup! | 14 May 2026 | 00:07:44 | |
Another week, another local music roundup with Warren Buchholz. There are some fun shows going on this weekend and we’ll tell you about them, including some jazz, some rock, and a nod back to 70s music! Plus, a new art gallery has its grand opening in Ybor, and where you can learn to make your own sushi. You’ll hear about that, but first, the news. | |||
| Wednesday, May 13th, 2026: Walking outline of the entire United States?! + Alligator Alcatraz shutting down | 13 May 2026 | 00:07:44 | |
A guy from North Carolina is walking an outline of the entire continental United States. He just walked through the entire Tampa Bay Region, so we found him on the side of the road and walked with him. You’ll hear more on that, plus some free and fun events you can check out tonight. But first – the news. | |||
| Tuesday, May 12th, 2026: HOW MUCH does it cost to retire in the Tampa Bay area?! | 12 May 2026 | 00:07:08 | |
How much money do you need to have saved to retire comfortably in the Tampa Bay area? We have the answer for you, and don’t get mad at us about it, we're just the messenger. Also, some free events tonight to check out, including a couple on the history and future of the Gas Plant district in St. Pete, and Jurassic Park trivia! But first, the news. | |||
| Monday, May 11th, 2026: Two Ukrainian Brothers take the stage in Sarasota for Fiddler on the Roof! | 11 May 2026 | 00:07:41 | |
Two brothers who fled Ukraine during the Russian invasion in 2022 are now stars on stage in Sarasota while using instruments they brought from their homeland. You’ll hear about it, plus some book events you can check out tonight in the Tampa Bay area, or maybe even some glow in the dark pickleball! Before we talk fun though – here’s the news. | |||
| Friday, May 8th, 2026: Your Weekend Event Roundup + the fate of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus is coming | 08 May 2026 | 00:07:01 | |
We have some weekend Mother’s Day events you can check out on today’s event roundup, including a Mother’s Day brunch in an aquarium and a special exhibit in a popular museum in St. Pete. We’ll tell you all about it, but first, the news. | |||
| Thursday, May 7th, 2026: Your Local Weekend Music Roundup! | 07 May 2026 | 00:07:57 | |
Sky is back in the music roundup chair with Warren Buccholz today, talking about some shows and concerts happening this weekend that might’ve missed your radar. Plus, events you can check out tonight, including the limited premiere of a movie about a Black soccer legend with a Tampa Bay area connection. Before that – here’s the news. | |||
| Wednesday, May 6th, 2026: Breaking down the four new St. Pete Gas Plant District proposals + Mother's Day events! | 06 May 2026 | 00:07:56 | |
St. Pete is back to figuring out what it wants to do with the land under and around Tropicana Field. There are four new proposals, and we’re going to break them each down for you. Plus, you’ll hear about some events going on in the Tampa Bay area tonight, including a couple places you can celebrate with your mama ahead of Mother’s Day. But first – the news. | |||
| Tuesday, May 5th, 2026: Cinco De Mayo celebrations in Tampa Bay + the importance of living organ donation | 05 May 2026 | 00:07:53 | |
It’s Cinco De Mayo! We were going to do a themed music intro, but honestly it would’ve come off as problematic, so we’ll hold off on that. Today you’ll hear about the need for living organ donors, and the shortage hospitals across the country are facing, including right here in the Tampa Bay area. Plus, some Cinco De Mayo events you can check out tonight if you’re trying to fiesta. But first - the news. | |||
| Monday, May 4th, 2026: Studying marine science out in the Gulf + Star Wars Day in Tampa Bay! | 04 May 2026 | 00:07:25 | |
May the 4th be with you! Shout out Jackson Harpe for this Star Wars Day music intro. Today you'll hear about how marine science students conduct research in the Gulf, plus how that could be impacted with a fire that broke out at the USF St. Pete Marine Science Laboratory over the weekend. And you'll hear about some Star Wars events that you can head to tonight to feel one with the force. But first - the news. | |||
| Friday, May 1st, 2026: Your local events roundup + it's May Day | 01 May 2026 | 00:07:57 | |
It’s May 1st, just like Justin Timberlake predicted it would be. Guest Host Meghan Bowman is back in the captain's seat today. Malaika Hollist shares some great things to do this weekend, so you don’t have to just chill on your couch, unless you want to. Plus, it's May Day. | |||
| Thursday, April 30th, 2026: Your local music roundup + it's the International Day of Jazz | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:07:53 | |
It’s the International Day of Jazz! Today’s guest host, Meghan Bowman, talks to Warren Buchholz with WUSF Jazz about the special day and some music shows you don’t want to miss. Plus, a few events you can check out too. | |||
| Wednesday, April 29th, 2026: Your Florida drops a new podcast + some events for you to check out | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:07:19 | |
Today’s guest host, Meghan Bowman, takes a special look at a new podcast by WUSF and Your Florida – Defenders of the Everglades – with the help of one of the Bay Blend’s other hosts (spoiler alert - it’s Gabby). Plus, some events you can start penciling on your calendar. | |||
| Tuesday, April 28th, 2026: The BTS Army invades Tampa! | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:07:42 | |
The BTS Army has taken over Tampa these last few days, and we had a reporter on the ground, talking to the sea of fans for the insanely popular Korean boy band, after they kicked off their global tour right here in town. You’ll hear that, plus you’ll find out about a place for fellow nerds to hang, and where you can pitch your single friend to other single people. Before that though - you're getting the news. | |||
| Monday, April 27th, 2026: The latest on Florida's SAVE Act + USF missing students update | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:07:18 | |
The Florida SAVE Act is a new law that has more guidelines on proving you’re a citizen when registering to vote. It’s already caught a lot of legal pushback from voter groups, and we’re going to talk about it. And you'll get the latest from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on a man charged in the deaths of two USF students. Plus, where to go to score free BTS tickets, cook good vegan food, and craft your own ring in the Tampa Bay region this week. But first, the news. | |||
| Friday, April 24th, 2026: Your lowdown on weekend events + BTS takes the stage in Tampa! | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:07:16 | |
Your Friday event roundup with Malaika Hollist. Plus, the K-pop phenomenon BTS kicks off their North American tour in our own backyard! - The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. | |||
| Thursday, April 23rd, 2026: Your Local Music Roundup + it's Take Your Kid to Work Day | 23 Apr 2026 | 00:07:46 | |
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026: Your Local Music Roundup + it's Take Your Kid to Work Day | |||
| Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026: Exploring Florida's Green Swamp for Earth Day! | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:07:53 | |
Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, we’re headed to the Green Swamp! Never heard of it? Surprisingly a lot of people haven’t, even though its massive and right between Tampa and Orlando. We’ll tell you all about it, plus some more Earth Day events you can check out, and a place to watch the first round of the NFL Draft with other Bucs fans. First up - the news. | |||
| Tuesday, April 21st, 2026: A pro play written by Sarasota 3rd graders + wildfire risks in Tampa Bay | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:07:22 | |
Check out this premise: A chicken hatches next to dinosaur eggs, and has to figure out who he is, while learning to be a dinosaur himself. If you want more, we’ll tell you about "Nugget Saves the Day," a play written by third-graders that’ll be professionally performed this weekend in Sarasota. More on that, and some more events going on in the Tampa Bay region these next couple nights. But first – the news. | |||
| Monday, April 20th, 2026: A new Sarasota theater program revives Black and Jewish connection | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:07:41 | |
A theater project in Sarasota is trying to revive the connections between Black and Jewish people and the discrimination both groups faced in the 1950s and '60s. More on that, plus some Earth Day and Earth Day-adjacent events going on in the Tampa Bay area this week! We’ll tell you about that, but first things first – the news. | |||
| Friday, April 17th, 2026: Your weekend Tampa Bay area event roundup! | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:07:14 | |
There’s an empanada festival, a free prom dress giveaway, and even a musical theatre rave going on this weekend in the Tampa Bay area, and Malaika Hollist and Sky will talk about it all. Tampa Bay Lightning playoff hockey also begins this weekend, and we'll give you a preview of where you can celebrate and watch the game. Before all that, you're getting the news. | |||
| Thursday, April 16th, 2026: Your Local Music Roundup (Record Store Day Edition!) | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:07:27 | |
It's local music roundup time with Warren Buchholz. This time with a twist, because this Saturday is Record Store Day. You’ll hear about what that is and where you can celebrate in the Tampa Bay area, plus learn some fun hockey history, or try to become a pickleball champion. Those events are going on tonight and we’ll talk about that too. First – the news. | |||
| Wednesday, April 15th, 2026: A new Tampa Mural with a very unique twist! + Sarasota Schools cutting 100+ teacher jobs | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:07:49 | |
There’s a really unique mural in the Tampa Heights neighborhood being unveiled this week. We're going to give you a preview of it before you see it for yourself. Plus, a legendary Tampa bakery reopens, and a place where you play and learn some chess, all happening over the next day or two. But before that, here’s the news. The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. | |||
| Tuesday, April 14, 2026: A familiar name wants to be Tampa's next mayor + TPS Haitian protections could soon end | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:07:14 | |
Temporary Protected Status could soon be out the door for hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in the US. The majority of them are in Florida, and a huge chunk of them work in healthcare, filling in some big-time caretaker vacancies. You’ll hear about the potential impacts of that, plus how you can join a skate club or make your own bracelets, along with other things happening in the Tampa Bay area over the next few days. Before that – here’s the news. | |||
| Monday, April 13th, 2026: Endangered animals could be in MORE danger without oil drilling restrictions in Gulf waters | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:07:04 | |
The federal government wants to remove all restrictions for oil drilling in Gulf waters, including rules created to protect endangered animals. You’ll hear more on that, plus a bartender battle, an airplane expo, and other fun things happening in the Tampa area this week. But first - the news. | |||
| Friday, April 10th, 2026: Your Weekend Event Roundup + pain at the pump for drivers in the Tampa Bay area | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:07:19 | |
There are SO many festivals going on in the Tampa Bay area this weekend, whether you’re into music, athletics, or even birding or loquats! Malaika Hollist and Sky will get you caught up, but first up – the news. | |||
| Thursday, April 9th, 2026: Your Local Music Roundup! + Some Hillsborough County schools officially closing | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:06:59 | |
Some really fun shows and concerts are in the Tampa Bay Region this weekend, and Warren Buccholz and Sky are going to talk about them! Plus, we have some fun events going on tonight, including a bounce house, a Lightning watch party, and more. But first – let’s talk the news. | |||
| Wednesday, April 8th, 2026: Florida listing certain groups as domestic terror orgs + a new Polk County AI Data Center? | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:07:32 | |
Governor Ron DeSantis just signed a bill to designate certain groups as domestic terror organizations. Some Islamic advocacy groups are already dealing with the legal fallout of this exact thing. You’ll hear from both sides coming up, plus, another chance to see Guy Fieri, or check out a free symphony, all happening tonight in the Tampa Bay area. And before we talk about all of that, let’s hit the news. | |||
| Tuesday, April 7th, 2026: A Food Network Legend talks cooking in Clearwater! + the latest on Alligator Alcatraz | 07 Apr 2026 | 00:06:38 | |
A food network legend is headed to Clearwater later this month, and WUSF got to catch up with him. You’ll hear from Alton Brown today, plus some events in the Tampa Bay area this week that might tickle your fancy if you’re looking for something to do. But first – the news. | |||
| Monday, April 6th, 2026: How Caribbean King Crabs are eating their way to coral reef restoration | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:07:37 | |
Crabs taking an all-you-can-eat buffet strategy to overgrown algae is helping out our coral reefs. You'll learn more about that. Plus, a couple of events to hit up for the nostalgia. - The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. | |||