Funding the Arts, Connecting SWFL & Ye Gods! | 8-25-2025 | WGCU News

In this episode of Southwest Florida in Focus, we explore compelling local stories shaping our community:

SWFL Arts Community Feeling Funding Cuts: In 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts and culture grants that had previously been approved by the Florida Legislature. This year’s state budget included $18.3 million in arts and culture grants, but only a handful of Southwest Florida arts organizations qualified for a share of the money. WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall spoke with several arts leaders in the community to learn how they can move forward despite the lack of much needed funds.

Connecting SWFL Through the Outdoors: Bikers and hikers can rejoice as a new trail system is beginning to come to fruition throughout the region. The Florida Gulf Coast Trail aims to connect 420 miles of pathways with existing trails that would stretch from Tampa all the way to Naples. WGCU’s Emma Rodriguez and Andrea Melendez hit the key spots along the path.

Ye Gods Podcast Comes to WGCU: Get ready to grab your headphones and enjoy a new radio program from WGCU. Ye Gods! with Scott Carter showcases conversations of “biblical proportions”. Carter talks with comedians, musicians, writers and faith leaders in a thoughtful and entertaining conversation. He spoke with us about what listeners can expect from this brand-new joint venture.

The Combination of Arts and Aerobics: The origins of the art of aerial silks is debated, but it was in the 1990’s when Cirque du Soleil revamped the technique and brought it to the masses. Now, fitness groups in Southwest Florida and getting into the act and offering classes for those who are willing to bring their workout to new heights. WGCU’s Tom Hall and Amanda Inscore Wittamore spoke to participants and learned that despite looking like a daunting exercise, anyone can learn to master the silk harnesses.

#Art #SWFLArt #FortMyers #DowntownFortMyers #AllianceArts #FloridaRep #Theatre #Painting #Gallery #Funding #Florida #GovernorDeSantis #Budget #Veto #FLGulfCoastTrail #Trail #Hiking #Bicycle #Outdoors #Tampa #Sarasota #CharlotteCounty #LeeCounty #CollierCounty #Naples #YeGods #Religion #Faith #ScottCarter #Podcast #Host #Radio #NPR #NPRStudio #Conversation #God #PublicMedia #Fun #Listening #EFStudiosLTD #AerialSilk #Aerobics #Exercise #Fitness #Art #CirqueduSoleil #Circus #WGCU #SouthwestFlorida