WUCF TV, Central Florida PBS, today announced that a new locally-produced program called Presidents in Florida will premiere on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 8 p.m. Presidents in Florida uncovers the little-known stories that have created a long-standing bond between Florida and the White House.
The state of Florida has had a far-reaching effect on the presidency dating all the way back to George Washington. Presidents in Florida takes the viewer through history from before Florida was considered a state all the way through Donald Trump’s multiple visits during his presidency. The program also examines the environmental efforts spearheaded by several presidents as well as the importance of the space program. Finally, the hour-long special looks at landmark political moments within the sunshine state including Richard Nixon’s Watergate “I am not a crook” speech to George W. Bush’s September 11, 2001 press conference following the World Trade Center attack.
“WUCF has dedicated itself to telling community stories as Central Florida’s Storytellers. It’s our commitment to the community to educate, engage and inspire through our content,” said Dr. Phil Hoffman, WUCF executive director. “Presidents In Florida comes at an interesting time in history with Florida taking a major role in that process throughout history, in the present, and in years to come.”
Presidents in Florida was written and produced by veteran television journalist Buddy Pittman and University of Central Florida History professor and author of the book “Presidents in Florida” James C. Clark. Clark, known as one of Florida’s leading historians, is the author of nine books, and the editor of a three-volume anthology of Florida literature. Clark and Pittman also included interviews from multiple UCF faculty and staff such as Amy Foster, UCF History professor; Barbara Gannon, UCF History professor, David Head, History teacher at UCF; David Morton, UCF History department adjunct professor; and Lori Walters, UCF research assistant professor.
The film is narrated by long-time CBS News radio reporter Peter King. King is known for his coverage of NASA and the Space Shuttle program between 1995-2011. He continues to report of the space industry including the commercial space industry and the return to human spaceflight in 2020.
Premiering during WUCF’s final fundraising drive of the year, Presidents in Florida is a perfect example of the power of community storytelling. With the support from our viewers, WUCF can continue to deliver on its commitment as Central Florida Storytellers. Viewers can donate by visiting wucf.org/donate.
Following the premiere, Presidents in Florida will be available to Passport members only until it airs again in Jan. 2021.