ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2025) – Florida Road Trip returns to its roots in the upcoming episode airing at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, on WUCF, as the series revisits Sanford, the city where it all began with the show's very first episode back in 2017.
Hosted by Emmy® Award-winning journalist Scott Fais, this episode explores Sanford’s rich heritage as a steamboat hub, citrus and celery capital and its historic Black communities.
From the riverfront to the runway, viewers will discover what makes this Central Florida city a one-of-a-kind destination.
Featured interviews include:
- Brigitte Stephenson, Curator, Sanford Museum
- Bennett Lloyd, Coordinator, Museum of Seminole County History
- Julia Wright Bronson, Georgetown Steering Team
- Michelle Wyatt, Owner, St. Johns Rivership Co.
- Richard Glover, CEO, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Christopher Torge, Director of Animal Operations, Central Florida Zoo
- George Speake, Deputy CEO, Sanford Airport Authority
Episode highlights include:
- Sanford’s steamboat and citrus era, including its nickname “Celery City”
- The powerful legacy of the Georgetown and Goldsboro communities
- A river cruise on the St. Johns Rivership The Barbara-Lee
- Behind the scenes at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- The transformation of a World War II-era airfield into Orlando Sanford International Airport
Now in its eighth year, Florida Road Trip continues to spotlight the cities and towns that have shaped the Sunshine State. What began in Sanford has grown into a beloved public media series airing across Florida, celebrating the people, places and stories that make our state stand apart.
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 www.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.