Wednesday, May 20th, 2026: How throwing away lithium batteries has led to massive fires in the Tampa Bay area

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026: An Earthquake felt in Florida + Mahjong is popping in the Tampa Bay area!

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 Blen Manatee name HERE: The Bay Blend manatee needs a name. Cast your vote | WUSF [https://www.wusf.org/arts-culture/2026-06-08/the-bay-blend-manatee-name-poll-pick-among-finalists] The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. Website: https://www.wusf.org [https://www.wusf.org] Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter [https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter] Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF [https://www.facebook.com/WUSF] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ [https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg]

Monday, June 8th, 2026: The FINAL VOTE for our Bay Blend Manatee + less students meaning teacher layoffs

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. Make your FINAL vote for the Bay Blend Manatee HERE: The Bay Blend manatee needs a name. Cast your vote | WUSF [https://www.wusf.org/arts-culture/2026-06-08/the-bay-blend-manatee-name-poll-pick-among-finalists] The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. Website: https://www.wusf.org [https://www.wusf.org] Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter [https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter] Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF [https://www.facebook.com/WUSF] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ [https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg]

Friday, June 5th, 2026: Your local weekend event roundup + could St. Pete start its own utility?

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 [http://WUSF.org]. Please do that. But let’s get to the news first. The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. Website: https://www.wusf.org [https://www.wusf.org] Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter [https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter] Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF [https://www.facebook.com/WUSF] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ [https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg]

Thursday, June 4th, 2026: Your local music roundup + check if your fertilizer is banned!

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. The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. Website: https://www.wusf.org [https://www.wusf.org] Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter [https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter] Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF [https://www.facebook.com/WUSF] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ [https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg]

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026: How a Tampa man turned cooking hibachi out of his car into a viral business

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. The Bay Blend is sponsored by Seitenbacher. Website: https://www.wusf.org [https://www.wusf.org] Sign up for our daily newsletter: https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter [https://www.wusf.org/wakeupcall-newsletter] Follow us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUSF [https://www.facebook.com/WUSF] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/ [https://www.instagram.com/wusfpublicmedia/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsN1ZItTKcJ4AGsBIni35gg]