Rick Mayer
Digital ProducerI’m the online producer for Health News Florida, a collaboration of public radio stations and NPR that delivers news about health care issues.
This is an important position at WUSF. In 2019, the typical U.S. family spent about 11 percent of its annual income on health care, so it stands to reason issues of cost, quality, access and innovation are consequential to all Floridians. Then COVID-19 came along, and the weight of these matters gained exponentially. I take our reporting on these topics quite seriously, as I’m sure you do, too.
Literally growing up in newsrooms and a little serendipity along the way prepared me well for the post. Here’s the abridged version: I’m a Tampa guy, graduating from H.B. Plant High and thrust into the world with my USF degree rolled tightly in hand. From there, it was three mostly sleepless decades as an editor at The Tampa Tribune, then developing and managing an online journal serving physician executives. There’s also my side job editing a statewide health magazine.
And being married to a longtime hospital nurse/case manager helps; dinner conversation often gives me a feel of what’s happening on the front lines. The good and not-so-good.
Of course, my time isn’t always spent flailing in the health news vortex. You’re actually more likely to find me breaking down the Bucs, Bulls or Bolts after a game, taking Oodle the poodle to the dog park or tinkering the backroom piano while vicariously reliving my former life as a musician. (Remember, kids: Parents of percussionists have plenty of patience. Plenty!)
Contact Rick on Twitter @rmayer2361 or by email at Mayer1@wusf.org.
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The new rules spell out that the 1972 law to protect women's rights in schools also applies to sexual orientation and gender identity. Gov. Ron DeSantis says, "We will not comply." -
The Lightning now know their first-round opponent: the Florida Panthers. Game 1 of the series is slated for Sunday afternoon in Sunrise. -
The poll of 1,000 Florida registered voters shows 32% are unsure. The proposal requires 60% of the vote to pass. Also, a majority said a six-week abortion ban that takes effect May 1 is "too strict." -
The organizers announced that although USF officials did not meet their demands, they are encouraging members to end the protest due to health concerns. The group also said it will continue its efforts. -
Naples attorney John Passidomo was with his wife, Senate President Kathleen Passadomo, when he fell on a trail and sustained "massive trauma to his head." He was 72 when he died "peacefully" at a Utah hospital. -
Tampa Bay hosts Toronto, and the Trop is sold out for Game 1 of 162. Can the Rays reach the postseason for the sixth straight season? Typically, the experts aren't sure, but no one is calling them an underdog, either. -
After going on the road in the first round, the Bulls will play VCU at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in Tampa. The Rams advanced with an upset victory over Villanova. -
The city center will be "up to 90" Saturday with the marriage of two big events, River o' Green and the annual Rough Riders' parade. Many roads will be closed and parking will be limited, so plan ahead if you're going. -
State officials say there is no outbreak in the region. The cases were made public days after the Florida Department of Health reported its 10th case since mid-February. -
The traditional IndyCar season opener is back on the streets along the downtown waterfront. Three days of fast cars includes a Bret Michaels concert and an appearance by Jon Bon Jovi.
