The East Coast of the United States of America stretches from the tropical blue seas and white sand of Florida’s Sunshine State to the Canadian border in the North. We begin our journey in the warm and relaxed islands of the Florida Keys, where modern-day treasure hunters are still at work, hunting for sunken Spanish gold.

When the Fisher family of treasure seekers finally struck it rich, the local authorities tried to claim the bounty for themselves, and the case went to the Supreme Court. We learn how the “Florida Keys” got their name, and how these small outlying islands are linked to the mainland.

The town of Marathon in the Florida Keys is home to a unique hospital dedicated solely to caring for sea turtles. Marine biologist Bette Zirkelbach tells us about the dangers that sea turtles face in the wild. A lifesaving operation takes place, and a turtle is treated for a mysterious viral infection.

The only coral barrier reef in the United States surrounds the Florida Keys archipelago, and has been badly damaged by environmental pressures including ocean warming. The Coral Restoration Foundation is dedicated to its salvation, and in underwater nurseries, new coral is being grown to replenish the reef.

We head northward into the great swampy wilderness of the Florida Everglades. Airboat Captain Jesse Kennon knows his way around these marshes and where to find their most well-known and well-feared inhabitant: the alligator!

Jesse Kennon’s family are the only permanent residents of Coopertown, and he takes on responsibilities as town mayor. A short way further up the coast lies Miami, once another small town, which underwent an almost miraculous growth to become the vibrant tourism, relaxation, and business hub we know today.

By the beaches of South Florida the lifestyle is relaxed, with plenty of time for outdoor activities. We meet Sean Reyngoudt, whose life changed when he lost a leg in an accident as a teenager. But that didn’t stop him becoming a wakeboarding champion and enjoying life to the fullest.

As well as attracting the rich and famous to its golden beaches, Florida’s great climate is also perfect for growing fruit, making the sunshine state one of the biggest producers of oranges in the world. We meet a citrus farmer who shows us some of the harvesting process.

Leaving behind the orange groves and retirement settlements of southern Florida, we travel on northwards, passing Pelican Island, America’s first ever nature reserve, and the historic rocket launch site at Cape Canaveral. Then we come to Daytona, which is popular with partying students and motorsport fanatics alike.

Daytona resident Gary Rosier has had a passion for automobiles for as long as he can remember, and meets every week with fellow enthusiasts to cruise to car shows in their classic cars. In Daytona, you can even drive your car onto the beach!

To the north of Daytona lies the city of St. Augustine, where the first Spanish settlers landed and built a fort. The area became a melting pot of peoples and cultures, gradually forming a cosmopolitan community. Today, its European heritage is still evident in its architecture.

Carl Halbirt is an archaeologist, and he couldn’t be happier with where he’s living. As he says, “St. Augustine is an archaeological gold mine.” But it’s not really treasure he’s after—a shard of pottery is a thrilling find if he can link it to the first European settlers to colonize the USA.

The delightful soul/hip-hop performer Maya Azucena shares her talent and wisdom gained from growing up in Flatbush Brooklyn. Also a quick look at an African American rapper who can rhyme in Japanese!

Maya Azucena talks about her various influences, which range from classic soul to gospel to synth pop. She talks about her experience growing up mulitiracial in an African American neighborhood and how it shaped her worldview.

Hip Hop is probably now the most pervasive popular music in the world, but it’s still at its freshest on the streets of New York, where it was born. These fresh young talents give us a take on Hip Hop’s new directions and ever changing possibilities for expression.