WGCU Public Media provides PBS television and NPR radio programming to all of Southwest Florida.
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03/14/2025
This week on Southwest Florida in Focus, we’re covering stories that matter to our community:
🦠 Measles in Florida – Experts discuss the link between vaccination decline and the recent outbreak.
💛 Caring for Aging Parents – The physical and financial toll of providing care to elderly family members.
💼 Boosting Careers – A new technical school offers a career boost for adults in underserved areas.
📺 Join WGCU News host Sandra Viktorova every Friday at 6:30 & 11 PM, Saturday at 5:30 AM & 6:30 PM, and Sunday at 11:30 AM!
or
Stream Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNjhLqhiO-8
03/14/2025
Spotted: Three very enthusiastic listeners hanging outside the WGCU building this morning. Must be fans of our nature programming!
03/14/2025
On this day in 1958, the Record Industry awarded its first gold record to Perry Como for Catch a Falling Star! 🌟🎶
🎧 Song of the Day is brought to you by Sheldon Zoldan and WGCU.
03/13/2025
Get ready for four days of captivating stories! The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers is hosting a family-friendly storytelling festival from March 13–16, featuring everything from tall tales to ghost stories—and even storytelling through dance!
Before the opening reception on Thursday, we’ll get a special preview with festival headliners Paul Strickland and Erika MacDonald. Don’t miss this episode on Arts Edition! 🎭✨
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve Grows by 60 Acres, Boosting Wildlife Conservation
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Thanks to the efforts of Conservation Florida and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), 17 key land parcels have been permanently protected. This expansion ensures vital connectivity within the world’s largest subtropical strand swamp, home to plants and wildlife found nowhere else in the U.S., like the Florida panther, ghost orchid and the beloved black bear.
With only an estimated 120-230 Florida panthers remaining, habitat connectivity is essential for their survival. The newly protected acres enhance this connectivity, offering a safe haven free from dangerous highways and subdivisions.
“This is a victory for Florida’s wild places and the species that depend on them,” said James Phillips of Conservation Florida. “Every acre we protect strengthens the habitat these incredible species rely on.”
✨ Experience the Magic of “Sleeping Beauty” with Gulfshore Ballet at the Wang Opera Center this Saturday for a spectacular performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty.” 🌹
Artistic Directors Iliana Lopez and Franklin Gamero have brought their vision to life, combining professional dancers with talented students. Principal dancer Zoila Pena will enchant you as Princess Aurora, showcasing the high standards of dance taught at Gulfshore Ballet. 🌟
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the artistry, technique, and strength of these dancers. It’s a performance you won’t forget! 🎭
🖌️ Downtown Sarasota Fine Art and Craft Fair on Main Street
🖌️ Peace River Art Festival in Laishley Park, Punta Gorda
Both festivals run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is FREE! Enjoy life-size sculptures, paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and eco-friendly products. 🌿
The Peace River Art Festival features nationally recognized juried artists in various mediums, limited to 50 unique artists. Thanks to the City of Punta Gorda and local nonprofits for making this a treasured community event. 🖼️
03/13/2025
Wading Bird Nesting in South Florida: A Mixed Bag
The latest Audubon Florida report shows a decline in wading bird nesting in 2022-2023 compared to the highs of 2018 and 2021. However, there’s hope as nesting levels still indicate a steady increase thanks to ongoing Everglades restoration efforts. 🌿
✳️ 2022: 52,532 nests
✳️ 2023: 46,174 nests
Wood storks remain a focus, with stable nesting in the Western Everglades. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these habitats and ensure a resilient future for wading birds. 🌎
📢 Call for Stories: Medicaid and Social Security Concerns 📢
Are you worried about potential cuts to Medicaid and Social Security? We want to hear from you! WGCU’s new show, Southwest Florida In Focus, is looking to feature personal stories on our March 28th episode.
If you have concerns and are willing to share your story, please reach out to us by March 20th. Your voice matters, and we want to ensure it’s heard.
Comment below or send us a direct message if you’re interested in participating. Let’s bring these important issues to light together. 🌟
Officials have broken ground on Concourse E at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), a $1.1 billion project set to open in late 2027. Concourse E will feature 14 gates, more food options, and a nine-lane security checkpoint. 🍽️🛫
Despite delays in phase one of the expansion, the new concourse aims to enhance the travel experience. Community members remain hopeful. Hertha Welborn from North Fort Myers shared, "There's a lot more travelers now. Many more than there used to be. So they don't have a choice. You're going to have to get the money somewhere. We're going to have to get it done."
🌟 Exploring Minority Party Power in U.S. Congress 🌟
When the U.S. Constitution was crafted, it aimed to balance power among three branches and empower minority groups. 🏛️
Dr. Andrew Ballard, Assistant Professor of Political Science at FSU, delves into how minority parties achieve their goals in Congress. His upcoming book, “Minority Party Capacity in Congress,” co-authored with Jim Curry, explores this dynamic. 📚
“Minority parties play a crucial role in shaping legislation and ensuring diverse perspectives are considered,” says Dr. Ballard.
Dr. Ballard recently shared his insights at FGCU’s Provost’s Seminar Series and with the Naples Discussion Group. Stay tuned for more on this fascinating topic! 🔍
From pest control to world traveler! 🚨 House Sparrows didn’t spread across America on their own—they were brought by settlers who saw them as essential protectors for crops. But their success came with consequences.
🐦 Tune in to this week as we explore the journey of the House Sparrow and its impact on native birds.
To learn more about South-West Florida’s ecosystem and fauna, tune into this week’s latest episode of With The Wild Things!🐾
Every day at 7:20 am and 5:18 pm on 90.1 FM
✍️ Dr. Jerry Jackson
📸 Dr. Jerry Jackson
03/12/2025
Southwest Florida needs more skilled workers in health care and construction. The Heights CareerTech Institute aims to change that. Opening in 2026 near Harlem Heights, this new vocational school will train adults for high-demand, good-paying jobs. With $26M already raised, the foundation behind it is pushing to secure the rest. Could this be the key to a better future for many?
WGCU | By Mike Walcher
Some people in an underprivileged area of Lee County have raised millions of dollars to build a vocational-technical school for adults. It would train people in medical, construction and culinary occupations that could provide better pay for people in need.
03/11/2025
Here's what's on stage at Southwest Florida theaters the week of March 10.
This week, four shows open, there’s a preview of another, seven shows close and 10 others continue their runs. Click the link below for the full list.
✍️ Tom Hall | WGCU
This week, four shows open, there’s a preview of another, seven shows close and 10 others continue their runs.
03/11/2025
Join us Tonight, Tuesday March 11th, at 10PM as we celebrate Kris Kristofferson with a star-studded 2016 concert featuring country music icons across generations!
🎶✨ Plus, go backstage for exclusive artist interviews on his lasting influence.
🌍✈️ Explore the World with WGCU and Preferred Travel & Company
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with WGCU and Preferred Travel & Company! Our new travel program brings together local WGCU fans who share a love for exploration and lifelong learning. After years of traveling the world through our news and programs, now you can travel with us in person.
Our first adventure takes you to the stunning Amalfi Coast, where you’ll enjoy an intimate dinner with NPR’s Sylvia Poggioli. Connect with Sylvia and fellow WGCU listeners, hear firsthand stories from the field, and create unforgettable memories.
This is just the beginning of new friendships and global exploration.
Space is limited – don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to travel with WGCU! WGCUAdventures.org
View Preferred Naples Hosted & Excorted Group Departures.
03/11/2025
Severe storms rolled through Central Florida Monday morning, spawning an EF-2 tornado with peak winds of 115 mph. The twister touched down for about 10-15 minutes near the I-4 corridor in Seminole County, damaging homes and downing trees. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. 🌪️
This is a reminder to always stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive alerts during severe weather.
Storm Center | By Irene Sans
A house collapsed, and a trail of damage followed after a tornado traveled over Seminole County in Central Florida on Monday morning.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when WGCU Public Media posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Videos
This week on Southwest Florida in Focus, we’re covering stories that matter to our community:
🦠 Measles in Florida – Experts discuss the link between vaccination decline and the recent outbreak.
💛 Caring for Aging Parents – The physical and financial toll of providing care to elderly family members.
💼 Boosting Careers – A new technical school offers a career boost for adults in underserved areas.
📺 Join WGCU News host Sandra Viktorova every Friday at 6:30 & 11 PM, Saturday at 5:30 AM & 6:30 PM, and Sunday at 11:30 AM!
or
Stream Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNjhLqhiO-8
Spotted: Three very enthusiastic listeners hanging outside the WGCU building this morning. Must be fans of our nature programming!
On this day in 1958, the Record Industry awarded its first gold record to Perry Como for Catch a Falling Star! 🌟🎶 #OnThisDay #MusicHistory
🎧 Song of the Day is brought to you by Sheldon Zoldan and WGCU.
#OnThisDay #MusicHistory #GoldRecord #PerryComo #CatchAFallingStar #ThrowbackTunes #1950sMusic #ClassicHits #WGCU #SongOfTheDay
Get ready for four days of captivating stories! The Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers is hosting a family-friendly storytelling festival from March 13–16, featuring everything from tall tales to ghost stories—and even storytelling through dance!
Before the opening reception on Thursday, we’ll get a special preview with festival headliners Paul Strickland and Erika MacDonald. Don’t miss this episode on #GulfCoastLife Arts Edition! 🎭✨
Listen to the full episode: https://bit.ly/3DJniXP
🎤 John Davis | WGCU
From pest control to world traveler! 🚨 House Sparrows didn’t spread across America on their own—they were brought by settlers who saw them as essential protectors for crops. But their success came with consequences.
🐦 Tune in to #WithTheWildThings this week as we explore the journey of the House Sparrow and its impact on native birds.
To learn more about South-West Florida’s ecosystem and fauna, tune into this week’s latest episode of With The Wild Things!🐾
Every day at 7:20 am and 5:18 pm on 90.1 FM
✍️ Dr. Jerry Jackson
📸 Dr. Jerry Jackson
#Environment #WildLife #WildThings #HouseSparrow #BirdsOfTheWorld #WGCU #WGCUNews #SWFL #SWFlorida
Join us Tonight, Tuesday March 11th, at 10PM as we celebrate Kris Kristofferson with a star-studded 2016 concert featuring country music icons across generations!
🎶✨ Plus, go backstage for exclusive artist interviews on his lasting influence.
Don't miss it! https://video.wgcu.org/video/preview-m6spqa/
#KrisKristofferson #CountryLegends #WGCU #WGCUNews #SWFL #SWFlorida
Trump’s Executive Order renamed the Gulf of Mexico the "Gulf of America"—and the fallout was immediate. But what’s in a name? Pulitzer Prize-winner Jack E. Davis joins us on #GulfCoastLife to break it all down. 🌊
Don’t miss this episode! https://bit.ly/3QZ64bS
🎙️ Mike Kiniry | WGCU
#GulfOfMexico #GulfCoastLife #ListenNow #WGCU #WGCUNews #SWFL #SWFlorida
🐾🦾Robbie the Robot Dog from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office stole the show at Be My Neighbor Day! This high-tech K-9 wowed guests with his impressive moves and helped teach kids about safety and technology. Big thanks to LCSO for bringing this robotic wonder to our event! #BeMyNeighborDay #RobbieTheRobot #LCSO #CommunityConnections #wgcunews
Come get your picture taken with Daniel Tiger and visit our community partners! We’ll be here til 1 pm!
Be My Neighbor Day is happening TODAY!
🚨 Don't miss out! Be My Neighbor Day is happening RIGHT NOW at WGCU! 🚨 Join us for an unforgettable day filled with learning, fun, and neighborly love. A massive shoutout to our amazing community partners for making this event possible. Your support means the world to us! 💙 Come on down and be part of the action! #BeMyNeighborDay #CommunitySupport #WGCU
“To inspire, inform, educate, engage and entertain through the power of public media.”
WGCU Public Media is Southwest Florida’s source for PBS and NPR. WGCU provides quality programming 24-hours a day and is a trusted storyteller, teacher, theater, library and traveling companion. As a member-supported service of Florida Gulf Coast University, WGCU’s mission is to provide educational programming that inspires, informs and engages our community.
Serving seven counties (one-fifth of the state of Florida) with five distinct digital TV channels, two FM radio channels, two HD radio channels, and one subcarrier, WGCU delivers national and international programming and develops, produces and delivers relevant, informative and educational local programs to the Southwest Florida community.
WGCU’s educational programs, community-based initiatives, and informative and entertaining events make public media integral to the vitality of Southwest Florida. WGCU is reaching beyond its service area to the country and the world through web-based applications.
Many of its locally produced programs have been broadcast throughout the country. WGCU has received numerous national, regional, state and local awards for its locally produced television and radio programs.
THE HISTORY OF WGCU
WGCU Public Media and its predecessor, WSFP-TV/FM, have served Southwest Florida with the finest in public television and radio programming for 35 years. Originally a satellite operation licensed to the University of South Florida, WGCU Public Media became an independent entity in 1996 when the broadcast licenses were transferred to Florida Gulf Coast University, a new public university that was being built to serve the Southwest Florida region.
The stations’ call letters were changed to WGCU-TV/FM, and a new state-of-the-art broadcast facility was built as part of the new university’s campus. The building is named the Myra Janco Daniels Public Media Center, in honor of Ms. Daniels’ major gift to local arts programming.
WGCU Public Media provides PBS television and NPR radio programming to all of Southwest Florida.
