May/June 2025
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO, PAUL GROVE
Summer is a time to slow down and enjoy the best moments of the year, and we’re excited to bring you a lineup that makes the most of the season.
There’s so much to look forward to! Join us in welcoming Lissette Campos as the new host of Florida This Week, Tampa Bay’s longest-running prime-time public affairs program, now entering an exciting new chapter. Plus, a new season of Greater is on the way, celebrating the people, places and stories that make our region unique.
And don’t miss the National Memorial Day Concert, an unforgettable tribute to those who have served in our military and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Through it all, we remain committed to bringing you trustworthy news, educational resources and stories that connect you to the world.
Thank you for your support — you make these programs possible, and we’re grateful to have you as part of the WEDU PBS family.
Onward and upward,
Miss Austen
Unraveling a Literary Mystery
Step into the world of Jane Austen through the eyes of her devoted sister in MASTERPIECE’s Miss Austen. This reimagined tale delves into one of literary history’s most intriguing mysteries: Why did Cassandra Austen burn her sister Jane’s letters?
Set in 1830, years after Jane’s death, the story follows Cassandra on a quest to retrieve private letters that could tarnish her sister’s reputation. As she uncovers the letters, Cassandra is transported back to her youth, where family feuds, romantic entanglements and dashed dreams shaped her life alongside Jane’s. Through flashbacks, Miss Austen explores themes of sisterly love, personal sacrifice and the origins of Jane’s unforgettable stories.
This powerful narrative comes just in time to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025. Don’t miss this heartfelt journey into one of literature’s most enduring legacies.
Premieres Sunday, May 4, at 9 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS App.
A Journey of Healing and Kindness
Take an unforgettable journey where compassion and the healing power of nature come to life. NATURE: Hummingbirds of Hollywood follows a woman as she cares for injured hummingbirds, guiding them through their recovery, revealing the delicate beauty of these creatures.
Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, this visually stunning and heartfelt story celebrates love and fragility as it becomes a metaphor for the human capacity to nurture and restore. Discover how moments of kindness, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect, touching lives in ways we may never fully understand.
Airs Wednesday, May 7, at 8 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS App.
Mark your calendars for Public Media Giving Days, a two-day digital celebration on May 1 – 2.
This special event unites supporters of public media in highlighting the vital role it plays in our communities. Together, we’ll raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations and show how public media enriches lives every day.
Your support during Public Media Giving Days ensures that trusted journalism, inspiring stories and educational programs continue to thrive.
Let’s come together to celebrate WEDU PBS and sustain the value of public media in shaping a better future for all.
Please join in by making an extra gift to support WEDU PBS during this special event.
A Tapestry of Flavor
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure as The Great American Recipe returns with a brand-new season!
This beloved cooking competition showcases eight talented home cooks from across the country, each bringing their most cherished recipes to the table. Season 4 is a vibrant celebration of the diverse culinary traditions that make American cooking so special.
Hosted by Alejandra Ramos, and with judges Tiffany Derry, Chef Tim Hollingsworth and food writer Francis Lam, this inspiring competition invites you to experience the power of food to tell stories, bridge cultures and celebrate individuality.
Follow along each week as home cooks pour their hearts into their signature dishes, leading up to the ultimate showdown to win the national title for The Great American Recipe.
Discover heartwarming stories, mouthwatering recipes and a celebration of food that truly connects us all.
Premieres this summer. Watch live or stream with the PBS App.
Honoring America’s Heroes
The National Memorial Day Concert is an annual favorite and an unforgettable tribute to our nation’s finest. This inspiring event, set against the beauty of the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, honors our military personnel, veterans and the heroes we’ve lost. The bravery of the fallen is remembered through the sharing of their stories and musical performances by our nation’s most renowned artists.
The concert includes stirring performances by military choirs and ensembles and the treasured tradition of the Salute to Services. This impactful evening provides an opportunity for our nation to unite in gratitude and solemn remembrance.
Airs Sunday, May 25, at 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. Watch live or stream with the PBS App.
Powerful Stories, Unforgettable Impact
Independent Lens brings thought-provoking documentaries that captivate and inspire.
Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s takes you inside the lives of three families facing the emotional and physical toll of Alzheimer’s. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at love, sacrifice and resilience in the face of a devastating disease. Premieres Monday, May 5, at 10 p.m.
Who Is Michael Jang? is a fascinating documentary that uncovers the life and work of a once-overlooked photographer finally getting the recognition he deserves. His quirky, candid shots capture moments in time like never before. Premieres Monday, May 19, at 10 p.m.
Two films showcasing the depth of human experiences — don’t miss these compelling stories!
Watch live or stream with the PBS App.
A New Season of Greater!
The Emmy Award-winning Greater series returns this May with a brand-new season, continuing its journey through West Central Florida’s most fascinating communities.
This season, we’ll continue exploring the unique history, culture and hidden gems of cities like Sarasota, Ybor City, St. Petersburg, and Lakeland, celebrating the people and places that make these cities truly special.
Through immersive storytelling and stunning visuals, Greater offers an in-depth look at the heart of our communities, uncovering untold stories and spotlighting local treasures. Whether you’re a longtime resident or discovering these places for the first time, you won’t want to miss a single episode.
The season premiere airs Thursday, May 15, at 8:30 p.m., immediately following WEDU Arts Plus. Learn more at wedu.org/greater.
For decades, Florida This Week has been Tampa Bay’s go-to source for in-depth discussions on politics and public affairs. Now, the region’s longest-running prime-time public affairs program is entering an exciting new chapter — welcoming Lissette Campos as its new host!
Campos, a respected voice in West Central Florida journalism, brings her deep political expertise and thoughtful moderation to the show’s dynamic roundtable discussions. Each week, she’ll lead a diverse panel of journalists, academics, officials and insiders in analyzing the latest headlines and issues shaping our state.
And now, Florida This Week is more accessible than ever! In addition to watching on WEDU PBS, you can listen on the go with the newly available podcast. Whether you’re catching it on TV or tuning in from your favorite podcast platform, you won’t miss a moment of insightful, balanced discussion.
Don’t miss new episodes with Lissette Campos! Tune in Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on WEDU PBS or stream the podcast anytime.
Learn more at wedu.org/floridathisweek.
Every contribution makes a difference.
There are a variety of opportunities to donate and help support the programming you love by considering creative non-cash gifts such as:
IRA Charitable Rollover
Individuals who have reached age 70½ can donate up to $100,000 to WEDU PBS directly from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA), without treating the distribution as taxable income. Giving from your IRA is a great way to satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) tax-free and support WEDU PBS’s mission to serve the public good and to aid in the creation of an informed citizenry. Talk to your financial or tax advisor about rolling 401(k) monies into an IRA to make a tax-free charitable contribution to WEDU PBS.
Stocks, bonds and mutual funds
Donating stock or mutual funds you have held longer than one year and which have appreciated in value directly to WEDU is a savvy giving strategy to avoid capital gains taxes. Consult with your financial advisor to help leverage your gift for the best tax savings. Remember, sometimes it might be more tax advantageous to sell depreciated stock and give a gift of cash to WEDU PBS with the proceeds — a double tax savings!
Donate your car, motorcycle, boat, RV, kayak or even real estate!
We make donating your vehicle or other mode of transportation simple and convenient with fast pickup and streamlined paperwork. You benefit by possibly being able to reduce your taxable income. Plus, you avoid paying for advertising, loss of privacy and possible security risk. In addition, there is no need to pay for registrations, insurance and repairs to keep your transportation in working condition.
Please contact us for easy gifting of real estate that may have become a burden to own or insure. For more information:
CALL: (813) 739-2959
EMAIL: [email protected]
VISIT: wedugiving.org
