Sunshine Stories invites you on a journey beneath the surface of South Florida’s sun-kissed shores. Each episode uncovers the hidden corners, secret histories, and vibrant communities that make this region a tapestry of culture and color. Follow along whether you’re a curious local craving fresh adventures or a visitor eager to discover more than just the beaches.
Ep. 1: Cauley Square: South Florida’s Timeless Hidden Village
We sat down with Abigael Gonzalez, an employee at Cauley Square for over a decade, to explore the rich history and charm of this hidden gem. From its preserved vintage architecture to its artistic community, Abigael shares what makes Cauley Square a special place for locals and tourists.
Helene Juarez is a bilingual junior at Florida International University with an interest in video editing.
Juarez hopes to become a video editor for films, advertisements, and digital content platforms. She is passionate about storytelling through visuals and is actively developing her skills in Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and motion graphics.
Juarez will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital communication and media in Spring 2027.
Andrea Penso is a student at Florida International University who is interested in visual storytelling.
Penso has experience in video production, photography, graphic design, and motion graphics. Penso's creative journey has taken her across multiple countries and has influenced her storytelling style with a multicultural lens for every project. Her goal is to amplify meaningful narratives, especially in the world of sports and social media.
Penso will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor's degree in digital communication and media in Spring 2026.
Jacob Tandron is a senior at Florida International University who hopes to work in the production side of film and television.
Tandron has experience in script writing, video editing, and social media work. He creates and edits videos on his social media accounts as well as a freelance photography business.
Tandron will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital TV and multimedia production in Spring 2026.
Ashley Escarcena is a junior at Florida International University with a strong passion for multimedia production and digital storytelling.
Escarcena is interested in stories about different cultures and lifestyles. She has experience in managing content and Adobe software such as After Effects and Premiere Pro. Escarcena hopes to pursue a career as a producer, director, or video editor to create meaningful content that inspires audiences.
Escarcena will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital communication and media in Summer 2026.
Michelle Bustos is a senior at Florida International University who is interested in digital media.
Bustos currently works as a video editor for Miami Dade where she produces video content used by the district. She has worked on projects heavily focused on telling the story of the working class people in South Florida. Bustos hopes to work on documentaries focused on uplifting the Hispanic and queer community.
Bustos will graduate from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media with a bachelor’s degree in digital communications and media in December 2025..
