Arcadia, a town rooted in Florida’s ranching and railroad history, is taking center stage in Our Vanishing Americana: Florida, a new public television documentary airing on WEDU PBS. The hour-long film, which premiered June 23, is the latest installment in an Emmy-nominated series that captures the spirit of small-town life across the southeastern United States.
Produced by North Carolina-based filmmaker Eric Davis and executive producer Mike Lassiter, the documentary profiles nearly 30 communities throughout the Sunshine State. Arcadia is among the most prominent, standing out for its deep cultural roots and enduring local landmarks.
“This film is a love letter to Florida’s forgotten corners,” said Davis. “We’re telling stories of tradition, craftsmanship, and identity—before they disappear.”
Preserving Heritage in Downtown Arcadia
Arcadia, with a population of just under 8,000, is the seat of DeSoto County and was once a bustling cattle and citrus hub connected by the Florida Southern Railway. Though time has weathered many of its storefronts, the town’s historic downtown remains one of the most intact turn-of-the-century commercial districts in the state.
The documentary features several of Arcadia’s best-known institutions, including Wheeler’s Café, an old-fashioned diner serving comfort food and nostalgia in equal measure, the Historic Heard Opera House, a 1906 performance hall now used for concerts and ghost tours, and the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, a century-old event that draws thousands each spring.
“We’re proud to represent what Florida used to be,” said Karen Lovett, director of the Arcadia Main Street Program. “There’s grit and grace in these buildings, and stories in every corner.”
A Broader Mission Across the State
Our Vanishing Americana: Florida is part travelogue, part oral history. The series, originally launched in North Carolina, expands its lens in this installment to capture the unique blend of Southern, coastal, and Caribbean influences that shape Florida’s small-town character. Other communities featured include Apalachicola, Micanopy, Mount Dora, and Ybor City.
The film is guided by photographer and preservationist Mike Lassiter, who has spent the last two decades documenting America’s Main Streets through photography and film. Lassiter says the project was inspired by the fading presence of family-owned businesses, general stores, and local theaters that once served as community anchors.
“These places are the heartbeat of America,” Lassiter said. “When they disappear, we lose more than just a building—we lose a connection.”
Free Access to Watch
The documentary is available for free streaming on WEDU PBS’s website, YouTube, and the PBS app. The project was made possible in part by support from Florida Humanities and local community partners.
WEDU is one of Florida’s leading PBS member stations, serving the Tampa Bay area and beyond with educational and cultural programming. Our Vanishing Americana: Florida reflects the station’s ongoing commitment to showcasing underrepresented stories and fostering a sense of place.
For viewers like Arcadia resident Linda Mathews, the recognition is long overdue. “We’ve always known Arcadia is special,” she said. “Now the rest of Florida—and maybe the country—will too.” For more information or to watch the film, visit: www.wedu.org/ourvanishingamericana
