Stephanie Colombini
ReporterI cover health care for WUSF and the statewide journalism collaborative Health News Florida. I’m passionate about highlighting community efforts to improve the quality of care in our state and make it more accessible to all Floridians. I’m also committed to holding those in power accountable when they fail to prioritize the health needs of the people they serve.
Since March 2020, I’ve covered all things COVID-19 and continue to work hard to ensure you have fact-based information to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. I’ve focused on amplifying the voices of people in our community affected by the pandemic, including doctors on the front lines, teachers juggling hybrid learning and residents who have survived the illness.
You can also hear me on WUSF as a fill-in news anchor and midday host on Sundays.
I joined the news team in 2016 and started out producing our weekly public affairs show Florida Matters. I went on to cover military and veterans affairs for the national reporting collaborative the American Homefront Project and continue to report on these topics through a health care lens.
I got my start in radio at WFUV while attending Fordham University in the Bronx. I also covered tri-state area news as a reporter for WCBS Newsradio 880. Some fun highlights include reporting from the field at Yankee Stadium and doing live coverage of the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
I’m forever a New Yorker, but have loved calling Tampa home these past five years. You might see me around town rocking out to live music, enjoying our delicious craft beer scene or paddling out on the water in my kayak. Shoutout to my two fur babies, Frank and Hazel.
Contact Stephanie at 813-974-8705, on Twitter @Steph_Colombini, or by email at scolombini@wusf.org.
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LGBTQ+ residents attending the free classes say they're learning skills and building community. -
Much of the attention surrounding transgender health care in Florida lately has focused on minors. But a new law that criminalizes providing gender-affirming care to most children is also disrupting access for trans adults.
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Attorneys for the plaintiffs say they're being denied access to medically necessary treatments. They expect the judge will rule on this case and another suit challenging the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors at the same time.
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The law gives the state more power over a group that governs high school sports. Gov. DeSantis signed the bill at Cambridge Christian School in Tampa, which is involved in a legal battle over praying before games.
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Members of the LGBTQ community and their allies say the new laws could force families to move out of Florida and damage the state's reputation.
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Pasco County has one of the highest drug overdose death rates in the state. Officials want to fund projects focused on prevention, treatment and recovery.
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High school sophomore Josie felt Florida officials were threatening her health care and ability to be feel safe at school. So she left. Other families of trans youth are plotting their exits as well.
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Average rates for MRSA along with bloodline and urinary tract infections rose to five-year highs, according to the report. Many Florida hospitals received A-ratings, while others saw their grades go down.
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The bill is meant to address fears that dealers are targeting young people with candy-colored fentanyl, but experts say there's little evidence that's happening. They worry more jail time won't solve the state's drug problem.
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Previously residents in south county would have to travel to North Tampa to access these services. Officials say the distance likely kept some from seeking help.
