ORLANDO, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2025) – From ancient artifacts to Everglades conservation, Collier County's dynamic past and present come alive in the next episode of Florida Road Trip, airing at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, on WUCF and WGCU.
Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning journalist Scott Fais, this episode explores the region's Indigenous roots, frontier grit, environmental triumphs and quirky charm.
Viewers will discover how pioneers, preservationists and proud locals helped shape one of Florida's most diverse and ecologically rich counties, from Immokalee to Marco Island, Naples to Everglades City.
Featured interviews include:
- Helen Midney, Immokalee Pioneer Museum
- John Telischak, Naples Historical Society
- Elaina Gyure, Collier County Museums
- Heather Otis, Marco Island Historical Society
- Rebecca Mazeroski, Marco Island Historical Museum
- Thomas Lockyear, Museum of the Everglades
- Tim L. Tetzlaff, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
- Alison Haynes, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Episode highlights include:
- The ancient Calusa civilization and legendary Key Marco Cat
- Stories of early citrus growers, crabbers and pineapple farmers
- Naples' transformation into a world-class eco-tourism destination
- The living history of Immokalee and Everglades City
- Environmental restoration and wildlife conservation at Rookery Bay and the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Now in its eighth season, Florida Road Trip is WUCF's original series that uncovers the people, places and stories that define Florida's identity. Each week, viewers take a new journey through time, one distinctive Florida town at a time.
Stream the episode for free the day after broadcast on wucf.org or binge early with WUCF Passport.
To explore episodes and learn more, visit floridaroadtrip.org. Media kit and episode images available here.
To request interviews with featured guests or producers, contact:
Christine Dellert Mullon, christine@sondersays.com, 407.718.0199
About WUCF: WUCF serves as the region's trusted source for educational programming, arts, culture and local storytelling. As Central Florida's only PBS affiliate and home for jazz, WUCF offers free, accessible content that enriches lives, fosters curiosity and strengthens the community. Guided by the mission "We Change Lives," WUCF is committed to connecting, inspiring and empowering audiences across all platforms. To explore WUCF's impact and programming, visit www.wucf.org.
