WGCU premiers Paradise? Or Paradise Lost? The Story of Captiva Island

From the winds of Hurricane Charley to the construction of expensive mansions and multi-family condominiums, the nine-mile island of Captiva continues to change.

The history of Captiva Island is unveiled WGCU Public Media's 30-minute documentary: "Paradise? Or Paradise Lost? The Story of Captiva Island," the 47th production in the series, "Untold Stories."

"These stories need to be told," says Rod Clark, "Captiva Island" writer and producer. "History provides a guidebook into the future."

The documentary premieres Friday, Feb. 27, at 8:30 p.m. and will reair on Sunday, March 1, at 11 p.m. on WGCU-TV.

The film traces Captiva's past from 18th-century Calusa Indians to early settlers like John and Elizabeth Dickey; and on to its modern landscape of people, as well as natural and man-made events, such as the building of a causeway connecting the island to the mainland.

Until his death last year, artist Robert Rauschenberg called Captiva Island home.

"I was impressed at how passionate these islanders are about their slice of paradise," Mr. Clark said. "They may have different visions of what it should be, and the future sometimes collides with the past, but they feel deeply that Captiva is a very special place."