Election Changes, 30 Years of “Rent,” and Visiting the Duanwu Festival

In this episode of Southwest Florida in Focus, we explore compelling local stories shaping our community:
Election Changes in Collier County: Florida is preparing for what is shaping up to be a busy election season. Voters will be choosing a new governor, congressional leaders, and deciding whether to cut property taxes. Collier County Supervisor of Elections Melissa Blazier joins WGCU’s Jennifer Crawford to talk about important deadlines for voters and how they are impacted by new congressional maps.
30 Years of “Rent”: The rock musical "Rent" celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. When it debuted on Broadway in 1996, the show broke taboos by centering its story on the LGBTQ+ community, drug addiction, and the HIV and AIDS epidemic. WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall stops by Alliance for The Arts in Fort Myers to detail how the underlying message of the musical still resonates today.
“Frozen” Comes to the Stage: WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall follows the transition from all-time Disney classic to unforgettable stage performance. We’re stepping behind the scenes as cast members materialize into the iconic cast of "Frozen" to see how they re-create the magic of the award-winning movie at the Broadway Palm Theatre.
Visiting the Duanwu Festival: The Duanwu Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese calendar. And that specific date is actually very significant for some Chinese people, who consider the fifth month of the year unlucky. According to the Smithsonian, the Duanwu Festival dispels misfortune and bad spirits. WGCU Culture and Connections Reporter Elizabeth Andarge delves into how Southwest Florida takes part in the celebration.