Migrants are self-deporting, a potentially bad wildfire season

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

The Legalities Behind Self-Deportation for Immigrants: As the federal government continues efforts against perceived illegal immigration, the US Department of Homeland Security has reported that nearly 1.9 million people have agreed to self-deport this past year. Individuals are choosing to depart on their own in order to avoid arrest. This could lead to bans on their possible re-entry back into the United States. WGCU’s Culture and Connections Reporter Elizabeth Andarge spoke to one woman who is choosing to take her family back to Central America following her husband’s detainment by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Then, we are joined by immigration attorney Indera DeMine to learn more about the issues migrants are dealing with in the current legal system.

SWFL Primed for Bad Wildfire Season: According to a weather summary from the National Weather Service, 2025 was the driest year in over a decade for the Sunshine State. The lack of precipitation has been felt hard in Southwest Florida where current extreme drought conditions are the worst since 2001. WGCU Senior Environmental reporter Tom Bayles attended a gathering of local public safety agencies, who discussed how these dry conditions could have ramifications for the incoming brush fire season.

Baker Museum Looks Back At The Age of Art Deco: 100 years ago, the glamorous and opulent styles of Art Deco made its way across the pond and into the American art scene. One of the most prominent artists of that time was Tamara De Lempicka, renowned for her highly stylized paintings. She is one of the focal points of an exhibition at the Baker Museum of Art, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Art Deco. WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall details how this show wouldn’t have been possible without the lifelong passion for art collection of Jay and Patty Baker.

How The Buccaneers Got to Tampa Bay: The Super Bowl is once again expected to break the record for the most viewed television program in history. While New England and Seattle will be the center of attention, Florida has a well established connection with professional football. 50 years ago, one local man was instrumental in helping Tampa become a location for an NFL franchise. WGCU’s Bryant Monteilh tackles the story.