Florida Matters: Defending Freedom (July 3, 2009)

On Television

Historic Preservation

This week we explore the beautiful ways Floridians are preserving the historic structures in our area. We'll go inside an 18th century Italian theatre, that has called Sarasota "home" for over 50 years. And we'll head to Polk county for a trip down memory lane, where Elvis Presley and Judy Garland were known to stop by. Then Larry Elliston takes us back to St. Petersburg's "yesteryear" to show us how what's old is new again.

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On the Radio

American flag, dog tags and a military uniform

Defending Freedom

While the explosions and bursts of light this weekend will make us "ooh" and "ahh," that's not the case for thousands of troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. This week on Florida Matters, meet some local members of the military who reflect with us about what the Fourth of July holiday means to them and why they chose to serve in the armed forces.

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Program Schedule

Radio - Tuesday at 6:30 PM | Sunday at 7:30 AM on WUSF 89.7 Friday at 7:00 PM on WSMR 89.1

Radio Guests

Navy Capt. Michael HartfordActive Duty Military Liaison at the Haley Veterans' Hospital

Marine Cpl. Miguel Delgado

Audio extras

Cpl. Miguel Delgado and Capt. Michael Hartford offer advice to students who might be considering military service. (1:43)

Listen to Annette Fly explain how she and her husband keep in touch with her son Garrett during his first weeks at the Air Force Academy. (0:59)

Col. Ron Fly, whose son just departed for the Air Force Academy, talks about what Independence Day means to him. (0:41)

Nancy Nelson talks about learning to become a military family now that her son Robert is attending the Air Force Academy. (0:24)

Nelson describes how her son decided to go to the Air Force Academy and how she worked to support him in that decision. (1:39)

TV: Related Links

To get involved with Historical Preservation, this is an excellent place to start

Radio: Related Links

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

Information for Returning Service Members - US Dept. of Veterans Affairs

U.S. Air Force Academy

List of 2009 Appointees to Military Academies

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Florida Matters

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State.