Florida's ban on bongs looks imminent

The Florida Senate, Friday, approved legislation that would ban drug paraphernalia used to smoke marijuana. The ban on bongs was introduced by St. Petersburg area Rep. Darryl Rouson who is an admitted ex-addict. If signed by Governor Rick Scott, the law would take effect on July 1st.

Sellers would be charged with a misdemeanor for first offenses. Subsequent offenses would be a third degree felony.

Critics are outraged over the decision arguing that Florida has it backwards. Several ...

YWCA Sponsoring Conference on Ending Racism; Conservatives Reversing Themselves on Support of Constitution?

Good morning, welcome to Radioactivity. I’m Rob Lorei. Coming up we’ll talk with Lenice Emanuel of the YWCA Tampa Bay about the upcoming Stand Against Racism event this Friday night at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.

And later we’ll look at how conservatives are changing their tune on the Constitution.

This Friday night at Eckerd College the YWCA Tampa Bay will hold it’s Fifth Annual Stand Against Racism event. It’s part of the YWCA’s national effort to raise awareness tha...

St. Pete residents weigh city budget options

St. Pete officials are taking input from residents on how to manage the city’s money. During the first of three budget summits last night in Northeast St. Pete, residents weighed in on what services and projects they think officials should prioritize. Lou Brown III has worked on a project called the people’s budget review that surveyed more than 500 residents.

“Ten percent responded with ending racism, segregation and enhancing the southside. Nine percent of responses were Pier related...

Will Florida pass a distracted driving bill this legislative session?

Florida is one of just 10 states in the country that doesn't have any serious legislation addressing distracted driving, but that might change in a week.

The state Senate has passed a bill sponsored by Sarasota's Nancy Detert that would make texting while driving a secondary offense, subject to a fine. It's not as far as groups like AAA would like, but the group's public policy director, Karen Morgan, tells WMNF that it's a start, and she is advocating that the House pass a companion bill ...

Tampa panelists question Cuba's terror designation

In a decisive move this month, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) announced she want the U.S. to normalize relations with Cuba. During a discussion in Tampa Wednesday, five out of six panelists agreed.

Attorney John Grandoff said the island nation should be removed from the state sponsors of terrorism list.

Grandoff said Cuba wasn’t added to the state sponsor of terrorism list until 1982.

If the U.S. removes Cuba from that list, it opens the door to lift the 50-year long trade embargo. ...

A conversation with Becky Robinson, co-founder of Alley Cat Allies

Becky Robinson—co-founder and president of [Alley Cat Allies][1], which bills itself the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and human treatment of cats—recounts the incident and surrounding circumstances that led in 1990 to the launching of Alley Cat Allies. She also discusses the history, evolution and effectiveness of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), and responds to questions about the controversy that sometimes swirls around TNR and how best to treat feral and homeles...

Some blind people could be cured if medical research continues; foundation simulates blindness to raise funds

Blindness caused by degenerative eye diseases can be slowed or even reversed thanks to breakthroughs in medical research. That’s why the Foundation Fighting Blindness set out to raise funds for clinical trials this month by simulating what it’s like to eat what you can’t see. Foundation spokesperson and Mrs. World April Lufriu said guests of Dining in the Dark at the Vinoy in downtown St. Pete wore a foam and plastic mask for thirty minutes while they tried to enjoy their entrees.

“Your ...

The Retirement Gamble: Are 401(k) Fees Fair?

Good morning, welcome to Radioactivity. Tonight on PBS a new documentary looks at how 401(k)s are doing more to enrich Wall Street than workers who are using them to save for retirement.

But first- one listener comment about yesterday’s program—on which we discussed a forum on US Cuba relations that will take place in Tampa tomorrow.

Here’s what one listener had to say:

Tape

For most Americans, traditional retirement is now a pipe dream: Six in 10 people believe they'll have to ...

Voting rights activists demand stop to legislation that would limit voting assistance

A bill being considered in the Florida Senate would change the way people with special needs can get help casting ballots during elections. During a press conference in front of bill sponsor Senator Jack Latvala’s Clearwater office Tuesday, activists demanded he remove his support of the bill they worry will make it harder for people to get help and burden poll workers. The ACLU’s Central Florida director, Joyce Hamilton Henry calls the measure an invitation for litigation.

The measure w...

East Hillsborough Avenue corridor study seeks input to mend high accident statistics

The Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization is conducting a corridor study for part Hillsborough Avenue in response to staggering vehicular and pedestrian accident statistics. In March, the Hillsborough County Commission voted to workshop ideas on how to improve transportation, including road safety.

Transportation planner Gena Torres talks about what might lie ahead for East Hillsborough Avenue.

There will be a [public meeting](http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/r...