“Good Morning America” summarized Florida in 90 seconds − seems impossible, but the longtime morning show covered just about everything that is so Florida.
On Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, “Good Morning America” shined a light on the Sunshine State, filming at Canaveral National Seashore for its “50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful” special. Since July, film crews have traveled across the country to capture each state’s unique identity.
For those keeping track, Florida was No. 27. Texas, the Lone Star State, airs next week.
Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, George Stephanopoulos and chief meteorologist Ginger Zee host “Good Morning America” or GMA on social.
ABC News correspondent Victor Oquendo filmed live from the Apollo Beach Visitor Center, south of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on the Volusia County side of the national park. The 90-second Florida segment aired on “Good Morning America” on ABC, ABC affiliates and the station’s social networks. See below to watch the GMA-Florida clips.
The segment included a “so Florida” thing for GMA’s “50 States in 50 Weeks: Florida” — crowds at Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore bundled up to watch a turtle release. The four rehabilitated sea turtles were treated at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, and all named after musical instruments (one turtle’s name was Tuba, for instance).
For those who aren’t familiar with the Florida-esque event, a sea turtle release happens when an injured sea turtle gets released and crawls back into the ocean in front of a crowd. Turtle releases typically draw an audience, like people watching Punxatawney Phil see his shadow on Groundhog Day.
Keep reading for information about “Good Morning America” filming in Florida for its “50 States in 50 Weeks” celebration for America’s 250th birthday.
‘Good Morning America’ films sea turtle release at Canaveral National Seashore near New Smyrna Beach, Florida
‘Good Morning America’ films in Florida for ’50 States in 50 Weeks.’ Watch ABC segment with Victor Oquendo
What is ‘50 States in 50 Weeks’ on ‘Good Morning America’ on ABC?
In honor of America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, “Good Morning America” launched its “50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful” special segments on July 3, 2025, starting with Delaware. GMA’s yearlong journey will “share stories that reflect the heart of each state and celebrate local heroes,” a news release states. In July, GMA’s “50 States in 50 Weeks” kicked off with the show’s resident meteorologist Ginger Zee highlighting the lifeguards of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol in Delaware, known as the First State.
The “Florida” segment was No. 27.
When did ‘Good Morning America’ film in Florida for America 250?
ABC’s “Good Morning America” morning show highlighted Florida, the Sunshine State, on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in its “50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful” segment with ABC News correspondent Victor Oquendo.
Oquendo suited up on a cool January day to film live from the Apollo Beach Visitor Center, 7611 Atlantic Ave. South, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Canaveral National Seashore − a national park and an ideal spot for watching a rocket launch − serves as the border between Volusia County and Brevard County, the Fun Coast and Space Coast, respectively. It’s part of Apollo Beach.
In the Florida segment, GMA also profiled the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida, and Kermit Carpenter − dressed in a Key lime green chef’s hat and matching Key lime green chef’s coat − of Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop. Oquendo, Kermit Carpenter and others at the Florida beach filming had Key lime pies on set. Back in New York City, where “Good Morning America” films, hosts Robin Roberts, Michael Strahan, George Stephanopoulos and meteorologist Sam Champion sampled Key lime pie from Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop at the studio.
How to watch ‘Good Morning America’ even if I don’t have cable
“Good Morning America,” the weekday morning show hosted by Robin Roberts, George Stephanopolous, Michael Strahan and Ginger Zee can be streamed live on Disney+ or other streaming platforms with live television, such as Hulu + Live TV.
Episodes of “Good Morning America” are available to stream on Hulu following their air date.
Watch GMA with the Disney+ bundle
Photos of Florida’s best beaches and Florida wildlife
Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the free Florida TODAY newsletter.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: ‘Good Morning America’ films at this Florida beach for USA 250th
Reporting by Jennifer Sangalang, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
