FLORIDA LOW POWER RADIO STATIONS
Terry L. Krueger
Tocobaga Publications
©1996-2008
Terry L. Krueger, publish with written permission only
Florida Low Power Radio Stations (FLPRS hereafter in this document) is a
by-frequency compilation of Florida mediumwave (also known as AM or MW),
shortwave broadcast feeder, broadcast band FM (largely comprised of what most
consider pirate radio), and VHF band Travelers' Information Stations, along
with other micro-broadcasters or pirate radio within Florida and select
cross-border entries. Frequencies are in kiloHertz, unless otherwise
stated. FLPRS is posted at: http://home.earthlink.net/~tocobagadx/flortis.html
and http://www.geocities.com/geigertree/flortis.html. The editor actively supports the
micro-broadcasting radio cause and lobbying movement, which is why specific
confirmed addresses, announced phone numbers, proprietor names, etc. --
including those which I have located -- are not included on active stations
[not previously closed by federal or state authorities] falling into this
category.
UPDATES,
CORRECTIONS AND BROKEN LINKS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED. ¿CORRECIÓNES?
¿NO ENCUENTRAS LO
QUE ESTAS BUSCANDO? CONTACT/CONTACTO: tocobagadx@earthlink.net
RADIO-RELATED
AND OTHER ASSORTED LINKS are listed at the
bottom of this page.
FREQUENCIES IN BOLD
are active, or believed to still be possibly
active, pending confirmation. (Note: a few entries listed as active are
known to be irregular, i.e. active at certain scheduled times, or transmit only
for special events.) A generous portion of historically important
inactive stations have been retained on this list for archival, cross-reference
and/or potential reactivation purposes. With rare exceptions, I intentionally
exclude licensed FM broadcast band translators and most licensed or applied-for
Low Power FM (LPFM) category stations. Translators and LPFM stations can
be located via one of the broadcast database searches (see "Radio/TV
Search Engines" links at the end of this list). Note that the call
signs of state Department of Transportation entries often are generically
assigned for multiple transmitter use/location, temporary locations and/or
multiple frequencies. A printed copy of this web page is encouraged as a
useful reference in advance of traveling about Florida.
DETAILS IN RED TEXT are the most
current updates.
ABBREVIATIONS:
DoT = Department of Transportation (also known as Highway Advisory
Radio or HAR’s). Same as FDOT if a
Florida location.
FCC = Federal Communications Commission.
FDLE = Florida Department of Law Enforcement (state legislation in
2005 allows the FDLE to close unlicensed stations).
FLPRS = Florida Low Power Radio Stations (as in the page you are
reading).
HAR = Highway Advisory Radio (see “DoT” and
“TIS” definitions).
kHz = kiloHertz.
LPFM = Low Power FM
(FCC licensed).
LPR = Low Power
Radio (Some are Part 15 "legal" micro-broadcasters--often promoting
private businesses or community affairs--while others are considered pirates by
the FCC. Still others are shortwave broadcast
auxiliary/studio-to-transmitter links, experimentally licensed broadcasters, or
special government or military transmitters.)
LPTV = Low Power TV
(FCC licensed).
MHz = MegaHertz.
MIS = Municipal
Information Station (fixed-location city or county licensed transmitters,
usually providing community-oriented information).
Part [Pt.] 15 = FCC section, spelling out compliance regulations to
operate without any need for a license (very low power: see links on the bottom
of this page for additional information).
TIS = Travelers' Information Station (typically
parks, tourist attractions or highway advisory radios, also known as
HAR's). For simplicity, HAR’s, Realtor® Radio
or Talking House's are listed as TIS’s.
UPDATES
As
of May 29, 2008. See
respective entries for details. Each
item listed below is in red text for quicker search location.
- 530 kHz (MIS) WNMY250 Columbia County Tourist Development, Lake City
(REACTIVATED)
- 1610 kHz (MIS) WPLY701 City of Tarpon
Springs (UPDATE/PLANNED REACTIVATION)
- 1610 kHz (LPR) unidentified, Hillsborough County (NEW
ENTRY)
- 1710 kHz (LPR) “Voix
de la Lakay”, Winter Haven
(UPDATE)
530 (TIS) Jacksonville
International Airport WPGR772; using standard vertical. Unheard in
October, 2005 per D. Crawford. After
several years of inactivity, reactivated per R. Gitschier, December, 2003.
530 (TIS) Highway Advisory Radio, Cape Canaveral
area; inactive. Noted June, 1993 by D. Crawford. Ran
identifications as such and mentioned the Florida DOT and Florida
Solar Energy Center
(latter is headquartered at Port Canaveral, at A1A/528 Jct.).
530 (TIS) DoT WPZS817 State of Florida, Lakeland;
administrative update on February 28,
2006 applied, so this one does not seem to be dead. Per broadcast band listings from Rich
McVicar's FCC License Grant Yahoo! Group, via R. Wyman, April, 2004: this one
is for an STA that was cancelled on April 1, 2004, then WPYX399. Presume
it could operate under an STA until a new license is issued. See also
1620 kHz entry. Per J. Santosuosso, this is not active.
530 (TIS) "WECX" Eckerd College, St. Petersburg; in the early
1990’s, before moving to 99.9 MHz, the signal sporadically got out as
much as 40 miles. The 530 kHz
transmitter was eventually removed by the owner after the FM was installed, and
is currently mothballed.
530 (TIS) DoT, Sawgrass Expressway, Sunrise;
male loop with information on new interchange construction for the arena.
Referenced this as being a joint project by Broward
County and the Florida Department
of Transportation. Did not identify as "Highway Advisory
Radio". July, 1998.
530 (MIS) City of Coral Gables WQFW220;
listed in the Wireless Telecomm Bureau as lisenced since 10/18/06. Unconfirmed.
530 (MIS) City of Sunrise WNUJ665;
not active. But see 1610 kHz WPDA943 entry.
530 (TIS) Tropical Everglades Visitors Center WPAC338, Florida
City; male promoting tourism in
this Everglades and Upper Keys crossroad area.
Located on US Highway 1 (between the Burger King and KFC, west side). Still
active per the editor's visit in June, 2000, but inactive in June, 2003 per the
editor's observation.
530 (TIS) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo; has a history of
being sporadically active, running an open carrier-only sometimes, other times
with looped info audio. Signal doesn't even cover all of the parking lots.
Previously aired a male cart. Not heard June, 2003 by the editor though.
530 (TIS) Eglin Air Force Base; Per G. Bishop, will likely be active
22-25 May, 2001, during the statewide hurricane exercise. They have been
testing sporadically prior to this date. The station is occasionally
inactive, but has often operated 24 hours with either a test message or a
simple identification and mission statement loop. During active call-ups,
updated messages for local personnel is aired, instead. The purpose of
this TIS is for Department of Defense public affairs information, severe weather
warnings and military recalls. It gets out about 15 miles during the day
with 10 watts.
530 (TIS) Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge KIE616, West Summerland
Key; 'please don't squish the micro-deer' messages. Sign is on W Summerland
Key, coverage intended for nearby Big Pine Key as well. November, 2001:
carrier only per D. Crawford. In June, 2000, the sign is partly covered
and the station wass inactive per the editor's observation.
530 (TIS) Sawgrass Mills Mall, Sunrise;
inactive. Once the biggest mall on the planet
also arguably hosted the tackiest TIS, with parking info mixed with alligator
(or was it a panther?) growls. Never mind the fact that both were killed off to
make way for the Mall. The antenna was
in the southeast portion of the parking lot.
530 (TIS) Palm Beach International
Airport, West
Palm Beach; once active here (see 1630 kHz ).
530 (TIS) Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge KIE640; male loop mentioning
airboat rides, ticket prices; per Russ Scotka monitoring March, 1994, confirmed
active again (same location?) by L. Vencl at Boynton Beach off US 441, March,
1998.
530 (MIS) City of Margate; per
M. Hardester's list, though definitely never activated to date.
530 (TIS) Miami International Airport WNQM383;
inactive since 2003, but see 1610 kHz entry.
Presume the same (re-licensed?) as WPYP381, listed as licensed to
Miami-Dade County at 530 kHz from Miami International, ground floor parking
structure with license set to expire May 21, 2005.
530 (TIS) Biscayne National Park, Homestead; (listed as Biscayne National
Monument, Convoy Point, "Key Biscayne" [sic] in an old database);
once active, but silent (since at least after Hurricane Andrew). Note: the
lighthouse on Key Biscayne (Cape Florida Lighthouse--at Bill Baggs Cape Florida
State Recreation Area, the oldest lighthouse in Florida--constructed in 1825)
has great historic importance: lighthouse keeper William Cooley’s family was
killed here in 1835 in an attack that launched the Second Seminole War, and one
year later, the Seminoles again attacked, killing yet another lighthouse
occupant. The lighthouse was refurbished and reopened in mid-1996. Possibly a
new TIS will activate somewhere on the radio band either for one of the parks
on the island or even the lighthouse-proper (see 88.3 lighthouse entry).
530 (TIS) J N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
KIE663, Sanibel Island; on-again, off-again, this
one is back on as of January, 2004 per D. Potter. The long loop is now
much shorter, and the previously non-parallel 1610 kHz outlet remains
inactive. Previosly, this has been heard as far away as Mullet Key (Ft.
DeSoto) by the editor when the signal got out much better. See also
non-parallel 1610 entry.
530 (TIS) Southwest Florida
International Airport KNNI706, Ft Myers; active again, per S.
McHale, may, 2004. First noted by the editor on March 3, 1996, with male and female
long cycled announcements on parking/rates. Strong for several miles beyond the
airport proximity. Blue signs were noted, posted on US 41 and Cypress
Lake/Douglas Road regarding this station. Calls
confirmed by G. Myers, July 2000, via a verification card.
530 (TIS) Florida State University,
Tallahassee; noted by the editor in May,
2008 consisting of a long loop by male with babble regarding remote parking (by
the Publix) with two shuttle service options and tram loop details for each;
threats to all about campus parking without a permit; and promises that this
station would carry information in the event of a campus crisis. One DTMF tone. Huge signal, noted (tune-in) on US-27 about
five miles north of the I-10 junction, and audible eastbound I-10 through exits
209A/B, where amazingly, Radio Enciclopedia, Cuba, began to co-channel during
this early afternoon and eventually dominated to near the I-10/I-75
exchange. This MIS does not appear on
the FCC dB, and no call letters announced on the loop. October, 2004: per G.
Bishop, “Heard on I-10 from mile marker 220, with information on special
parking rules for football weekends, parking sticker renewals, and advising
listeners to call 644-INFO during emergencies, such as a hurricane, for recorded
information. ID as “Florida State
University Traveler’s Information Radio Service.” No calls heard during the loop announcement. Mile marker 220 is about 12-miles from the
campus, so this one does get out.”
First noted by D. Harris, who says the antenna is by the softball
complex and is remotely controlled.
530 (TIS) Boca Chica Naval Air Station, Boca Chica Key; briefly activated
from the second week of September, 1998, per the Miami Herald's Keys edition (9/22/98), broadcasting weather updates
in advance of Hurricane Georges' westward trek. Emergency government
station with 100 watts. To be used during hurricanes or other natural
disasters.
530 (MIS) WNMY250
Columbia County Tourist Development, Lake
City; Reactivated! Not noted on the way
up on I-75 on May 17, 2008 but active on the return with a huge
signal. Long loop by male, promoting
local outdoor events such as the Olustee Battlefield; Suwanee, Ichetucknee and
Santa Fé Rivers; O'Leno State Park; downtown Lake City and local hotels;
proximity to central and south Florida tourist attractions, etc. Opening of loop is, "Hello and welcome
to Lake City..."
Call letters used within the loop ("WNMY Two Fifty"). Audio somewhat muffled and with a 60-cycle hum,
possibly from the recording source and not the transmitter. The signal is huge, audible just south of the
Alachua (city of) exit and even just north of Gainesville. Inactive in May, 2006 checks in Lake
City by the editor. Mr. Harvey Campbell, Director of Tourism
reported to FLPRS with this update (February
1, 2006): “[WNMY250] is
a Municipal Information Station and is licensed to Columbia County. It
broadcasts 24 hours a day area tourism information. The tower is located at the Columbia County Emergency Operations Center and is operated by the Columbia County
Tourist Development Council. The station
has a good quality range of approximately eight miles. In case of an emergency, a four minute
loop will provide residents and visitors with information on how to call the
Citizen's Information Center, shelters etc. We have recently requested "snipes"
on signage on U.S. 90 and I-75 in the vicinity of Lake City.”
This station formerly operated at the Florida Sports Hall of
Fame, promoting the Lake City
area businesses and including the call sign. Transmitter was located atop the
roof of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame building. Signal was rather puny, but
briefly audible via I-75 pass-by as confirmed by the editor with a June, 1998
pass-by. The FSHoF closed in 2002 and with it, this. Attempts to
relocate the FSHoF to Tampa failed.
530 (MIS) WPQB203 County of
Glynn, Brunswick, GA;
per FCC Grant updates, April, 2005: “… disseminate emergency
information to traveling public, such as: emergency evacuation during
hurricanes… 4/13/05
license renewed…” Note: up
until at least the early 1980’s at least one station was active as the
“Golden Isles
Visitor Center”
moniker from the Brunswick
area. Status and/or relationship to this
unknown.
540 (LPR) "WUFI" Florida International University, Miami
(south campus); according to Harry Torres, WUFI Music Director, via T. Simon,
this station has been on the air for at least 10 years with an eclectic mix of
music and specialty shows. WUFI's playlist appears in the College Music
Journal. This station is supposed to convert itself into an FM station
(they already have a construction permit: it's WRGP, 88.1 MHz, Homestead).
600 (TIS) Polk County Emergency Broadcast Station WPKJ773, Lakeland
(mobile); see 1610 kHz entry.
610 (TIS) WQEG758 Orange County
Expressway Authority, Orlando; license issued January 23, 2006.
Status unconfirmed. See also 1660
kHz.
640 (TIS) Jacksonville University;
reportedly has carrier current operation here, unconfirmed.
640 (LPR) WUCF-AM, Orlando;
closed circuit operation, active when I was attending UCF in the early '80's,
audible for a short range off-campus. Always took a pounding from the Cuban on
640. Probably long gone now. See also 88.7 MHz.
660 (LPR) "Old Town Radio", Kissimmee; an unlicensed station,
first noted late November, 1993, peaking at the 192 Exit from I-4. Huge daytime
signal across most of Central Florida till near the West
Coast. Played long reel-to-reel tapes of '60's bubblegum rock with
back-announcements by a male dj with occasional vintage commercials for added
effect. Was ultimately asked to close FCC several months later, never to return
to AM. See also 95.9 MHz entry.
680
(LPR) Drive-In Christian Church, Daytona
Beach Shores;
first noted in early '80's, then on 657 kHz, from a converted drive-in theatre
on A1A. Now on 680 and parallel 88.5 MHz, both signals don't make it much beyond
the church property. The Rev. Wallace Pomplin retired in July, 1995. The Rev.
Larry Deitch is now in charge. Used to be very friendly at verifying. A nice feature appeared in the April 6, 2007 edition of the newspaper
insert “Life” titled “America’s
Coolest Churches: MOST CHROME Daytona
Beach Drive-In Christian Church, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida. Locally, it's known simply as
"the drive-in." But even if
the Neptune theater -- and its giant mermaid sign --
are long gone, the parking lot continues to fill up on Sundays, just as it has
since 1953. An enormous altar has
replaced the screen, the former snack bar is an event hall, and the
ticket-booth attendants hand out that week's bulletin. Churchgoers can still use the old-time
speakers, though most prefer tuning in
to the service on the radio (at 88.5 FM or AM 680). With water at either side and cool ocean
breezes, the drive-in lures an eclectic flock of locals, beach-patrol members,
car enthusiasts, and, thanks to international TV coverage, vacationers from as
far as Japan. TO VISIT: 3140 South Atlantic Avenue; www.driveinchurch.net. Services are on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
710 (LPR) "WERU" Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University,
Daytona Beach, FL;
referenced on a University URL and possibly active, at least after summer
breaks. Untraced as May, 1999 check by D. Crawford, however, reportedly on
104.7 MHz now.
750 (TIS) DoT, Miami;
noted March, 1998 by T. Simon, referencing construction on the Florida Turnpike
and Bird Road.
Somewhat audible on the Palmetto Expressway.
760 (LPR) "WPCP", Pine Crest
School, Ft.
Lauderdale; was active in the early
90's (may still be). Used to circulate handbills promoting station events
on campus, per T. Simon.
780 (TIS) KAZ5520 "Florida
State Fair Information Radio", Tampa;
inactive, February, 2007 and 2008.
confirmed no longer active and signage on I-4 no longer replaced,
February, 2007 during the Fair schedule.
Previously, annually reactivated looped English announcements by a man,
woman and kids--followed by an announcement in Spanish by a man, with the
opening referencing "...KAZ5520 780 AM..." over barnyard animals
sound effects. Active only during the annual two-week Florida State Fair, each
February. Call letters initially were KGD595 (also listed as WPEV777 in
an FCC database). Blue signs are posted along I-4, but down
presumably due to road construction in February, 2006.
810 (TIS) EPCOT Center,
Lake Buena Vista;
here and on 900 kHz years ago, prossibly inactive, as not heard June, 2000 by
G. Bishop.
830 (LPR) "WBCC" Bethune-Cookman
College, Daytona
Beach; a carrier-current operation. The signal has
sporadically gotten out over 40 miles. Status unknown.
830 (TIS) Kennedy Space Center; here during "Third Century
America" expo in 1976, antenna atop VAB. Long defunct.
870 (TIS) WGW861, Key West
; operating since 7/24/93.
Operated by the City of Key West,
with English female parking information (has run English/Spanish in the
past). A huge signal that is audible from the Dry Tortugas
(70 miles due west) to the central Keys. Seems to have sporadic technical
problems, with carrier-only (or off the air) sometimes. Noted fair level
in Naples, FL
by D. Potter in August, 2003. So this may get well beyond Florida
if co-channel can be avoided.
880 (TIS) DoT WNNC526, Tampa; a sign between Exits 2 and 3 (Greater Ybor
City area) appeared in March, 1998, advising motorists to tune in 880 "For
Construction Information" and warning that the Exit 6 (US-301) of-ramp
southbound is closed. Affiliated with the I-4
Expansion Project. However, as of August, 1999, this appears to have
been replaced with a nearby 1610 kHz transmitter (see also 1610 kHz I-4 entry).
900 (TIS) EPCOT Center, Lake Buena
Vista; definitely inactive per December, 1997
check. See 810.
940 (MIS) WPTI814 Pinellas County Emergency
Management; Largo
(9685 Ulmerton Rd.); reactivated
mid-September, 2006 as per the editor’s observation, and confirmed from
this location. This one had been
malfunctioning since at least early January, 2006, with a 24/7 open carrier. The editor sent an e-mail to the Pinellas
County Emergency Management office; response and fix is pending. The calls WPTI814 are now being used (at
least via the Largo transmitter) on the
recordings. The first transmitter to appear as of September 25, 2001 as
first heard by G. Myers. Audible throughout most of Pinellas
County, and into Hillsborough at
least as far as Waters and Florida Avenue
in north Tampa. Male looped
"You are listening to a test broadcast from Pinellas
County Emergency
Operations Center,
operating on 940 kiloHertz AM, WPD300." As of September 26, they were
relaying NOAA Weather Radio KHB32, Riverview. By October, 2001, a brief
looped male appeared about every five minutes, referencing fire prevention,
calls [not original WPD300] WPTD300, and an e-mail and website address, with
NOAA audio resuming after the loop. Background: via David Bilodeau, Pinellas
County, via G. Myers: "The
installations begin next week [August
27, 2001]. The first three sites should be operational in 90
days or less. The delay is with the phone circuits. The frequency
will be 940 AM..." Per G. Myers, a check of the FCC
website shows the transmitters at 1700 Curlew Rd.,
Palm Harbor;
9685 Ulmerton Rd., Largo;
and 3101 5th Ave. S., St.
Petersburg. I first learned of this via
WTVT-13's newscast on May 1, and sent an e-mail inquiry via the Pinellas
County web site. A prompt and
detailed reply followed from Gary Vickers, Senior Coordinator, Pinellas County
Emergency Management (E-Mail: ema@co.pinellas.fl.us). "Thanks for
the interest in our TIS project. Details such as frequency, transmitter
location, etc. are not available yet. We just recently received the Board of
County Commissioners approval to enter into a contract with Information Station
Specialists, Inc. of Zeeland, Michigan.
The contract will provide a system of three low power AM TIS stations
distributed throughout the County to achieve as close to 100% coverage of the
jurisdiction as possible. This will include coverage of the three
bridges/causeways that serve as major Evacuation Routes. The ultimate goal is
to establish an adjunct to our existing methods (Government Access TV 18,
Internet site, and major Radio/TV broadcasters) of communicating real time
emergency information and instructions to the public. All three transmitters
will operate on the same frequency and broadcast content 24 hours a day. At
startup the content will consist of specific Emergency Preparedness information
and messages with real time emergency instructions inserted as situations
occur/warrant. Ultimately, we may expand the content to cover a broader range
of topics of interest to our citizens. The project is scheduled for
completion, testing and acceptance no later than September of this year.
Obviously we may have portions of the system operational prior to then. Once we
establish the frequency and locations we will forward the information to you as
requested. The stick for the Ulmerton Road stick is easily viewed
(mounted on a telephone pole behind the chain link fence that houses County
vehicles, located a few blocks east of the Home Depot).
940 (MIS) Pinellas
County Emergency Management; Palm Harbor; the third transmitter (1700
Curlew Rd.) seemingly came up early November, 2001, per fair signal in Safety
Harbor per the editor. See 940 kHz Pinellas County Emergency Management, Largo
entry for extensive details and history.
940 (MIS) Pinellas
County Emergency Management; St. Petersburg; the second transmitter (3101
5th Ave.) came up early November, 2001. See 940 kHz Pinellas County
Emergency Management, Largo entry for extensive details
and history.
960 (LPR) Tropicana Field (WFLA audio), St.
Petersburg; per D. Potter, April, 2003, back on
with the beginning of the regular Devil Rays season. Per Potter in 2002:
"... On the air again this year as advertised... As has been the
case in recent years, the signal seems to have a lobe to the NW, i.e. when
driving across the dome on 1st Ave. N, the signal is wiped out on the east side
by 970 WFLA's splatter but readable on the NW side at equal
distances." Carrier current operation within the dome facility,
active since the Tampa Bay Devil Rays
debut in March, 1998 (simulcast 970 kHz WFLA, the local Devil Rays flagship
station). (This frequency was initially referenced in the April 2, 1998
St. Petersburg Times sports section.) Appears to pull the plug shortly
after each game. Originally active on 900 kHz during Tampa
Bay Lightning (hockey) games that were initially held here, then relaying WFNS
(910 kHz) audio. WFLA frequently airs Devil Rays promos, advising
listeners to tune to 960 while at the facilities.
1020 (LPR) "WUTZ" University
of Tampa; reportedly active
afternoons/eves, student operated.
1030 (TIS) Walt Disney
World Magic Kingdom,
Lake Buena Vista;
similar to 810/900 EPCOT outlets. Presumaby inactive, as not heard June,
2000 by G. Bishop.
1060 (TIS) "St.
Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport " WPIM363; this one has fallen
silent since probably at least early August, 2007 once again. Last reactivated in September, 2005 after
several months silence. Began in June,
1995. Strong signal, male voice parking information. Blue signs are posted on from
approaches Ulmerton/688, the Bayside Bridge
and the airport entrance. Noted poorly
in Bradenton -- about 35 miles
south, daytime--in November, 1996.
1060 (TIS) "AM 1060", MacDill Air Force Base (Tampa);
first observed operating with the 1993 AirFest. The 1994 cart was nearly
two-minutes long w/ complete schedule of events. The cart mentioned that this
low power signal is operated by the 6th Fixed Airbase Wing. Reactivated 5/28/94 w/ nonstop loop tape, later
inactive again. Male voice cart, "This is a test of AM 1060, testing
1-2-3-4-5 5-4-3-2-1" aired for weeks after the event. For AirFest
'97, a male loop, referencing 828-4163 for additional information aired,
however inactive when on base during the 1998 and 1999 shows, and appears to be
inactive.
1060 (LPR) "WJAY - La Poderosa", Coral
Springs; via T. Simon, August, 2000: "I noticed
in a magazine a listing for a "WJAY - La Poderosa" on 1060 in Coral
Springs (Broward County),
and with a 954 area code phone number. Format is Spanish tropical...
"La Poderosa" is WWFE, 670 kHz's slogan here... I haven't heard it
myself, so I don't know if it's a micro or carrier current station (or maybe a
legit operation we've all missed)" No WJAY [in Florida]
appears in the FCC database.
1100 (TIS) Department of Transportation WNNC526; this is listed on
the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau web site. Since the calls
associated with this are the same ones assigned to other mobile transmitters on
other frequencies, no location (if any and/or if active) is stated.
1100 (MIS) "Shores Information Radio", Daytona
Beach Shores; first noted by D. Crawford, July, 1997.
Male loop, mentions that the station is run by a "coalition",
including the county commission and City of Daytona Beach Shores. City
information, weather, phone numbers, etc. referenced. Signal extends well along
I-95 north of the Ormond beach
exit, also well south of Port Orange
per the editor's observations in August, 1997. Inactive per D. Crawford,
May, 1999 check.
1120 (LPR) "Radio Dimension Nouvelle", Homestead;
per T. Simon: "Noted a very strong signal whilst playing around with the
Sony ICF-2010 last night [October 21,
2003]. Kreyol, thought I heard a mention of
"Miyanmi" (Miami), then
some English music as if they were tracking a CD. Can't say for sure what
it was, but it was lighting up almost all the lights on the signal strength
meter. She seemed to be talking about "Dieux d'Israel"
("God of Israel"), so suspect a religious micro of some sort.
Subsequent logs confirm Christian programming.
1140 (TIS) WPGN232, Florida City; never heard, but listed in the FCC TIS dB
as licensed to Florida Power & Light Co., set to sexpire February 9,
2005. Purpose unknown.
1160 (LPR) “WJJD”, Calvary, Georgia;
formerly located in Tallahassee, Florida
with “Classic Country” format.
A Part. 15 compliant station,
inactive since June, 2005, when the station proprietor deactivated in
preparation for a move to Calvary, Georgia
(across the Florida state
line). Reactivation of 1160 kHz as well
as new 1700 kHz is planned later in 2005, per their now-defunct web page.
1180 (TIS) Department of
Transportation WNNC526, unknown location(s); the editor noticed this channel
entry in the FCC dB. The call sign is generic
for all FDOT transmitters which are mobile, thus deployment of this one is
unknown (if even active).
1200 (TIS) Walt Disney
World Magic Kingdom,
Lake Buena Vista;
see 1030. Presumably inactive, as not heard June, 2000 by G. Bishop.
1200 (TIS) Cypress Gardens TIS, Winter Haven;
long-inactive (since mid-'80's) per John Santosuosso.
1210 (LPR) 'Talking House' (various), Hillsborough County; a December
12, 1998 Bay New 9 feature referenced an unidentified realtor, who purchased 20
transmitters operating on 1610 kHz and this in-band channel.
1280 (MIS) WQCA448 City of Miramar; T.
Simon reports in November, 2005: “I can confirm [this] it is indeed on
the air per a couple of weekends ago… with info. on [Hurricane] Wilma,
and a sign near the city building in East Miramar (near
US 441) stating "Hurricane Info 1280 AM", nice signal.” FCC dB shows WQCA448 calls licensed June,
2005 through January, 2015. WQCR308 is
listed as the assigned calls from June, 2005 until November, 2005.
1300 (TIS) IFAS/Florida Sea Grant WPMG813 [I-95 Welcome
Center], Yulee; see 1680 kHz "Florida
Welcome Center",
Yulee entry. This University of Florida's Institute of Food and
Agricultural Sciences/Florida Sea Grant-sponsored TIS broadcasts looped
information regarding the dangers of potential zebra mussel mollusk
infiltration into Florida for border-crossing tourists on I-75, Jennings (1610
kHz) and I-95, Yulee (1300 kHz), with a third (unknown frequency) to be added
on I-10 at the Alabama border. Confirmed the Yulee site is acrive in
June, 2001. Transmitter is located at the Florida
Welcome Center
near Yulee, on I-95 southbound. Long looped babble about the snail
perils, etc. by man. No signs noted to promote tuning to this.
There are two information slicks amongst the brochures regarding the
snails. Signal noted as far north as St.
Marys Road, GA.
1300 (LPR) “Vybe Radio”, Miami;
slogan per the station’s temporary URL, which also states the format is
“dacne, 80’s, 70’s, house, trance” music. Discovered by M. Cooper, August, 2005. The station operator claims to be a Part 15
station, using multiple transmitters, with techno and old R&B music,
occasional PSA’s.
“Programming was techno until about 5
p.m. when they started playing old R&B. Back to techno when I heard them again around
9 p.m. They claim to be a network of legal Part 15
stations and mentioned 1300 and another station on 1580, though I didn't
recognize the name of the city for the latter.
Signal was quite strong in downtown Miami…
(as well as) between Coconut Grove and Downtown Miami. As I got to North Miami
(79th St exit of I-95, and
heading east) they were (dropping off)… so transmitter location must be
in downtown Miami-Coconut Grove area (or further south).”
1320+/- (TIS) Spaceport USA, Kennedy
Space Center;
ex-1610, highway signs reflecting the change as well. In the past, this station
has aired live space shuttle (STS)-to-control audio prior to launch, for
visitor stand listening. Confirmed
active again for STS-121 launch on 4
July, 2006, by D. Crawford.
Then with long gaps between segments.
1420
(LPR) “Radio Godgive”, Orlando; appears to be inactive as of
November, 2006. Noted on 11 February, 2006, but antenna no
longer located at the building D. Crawford traced it to awhile back (just off Lancaster
on Winegard). The station seemed to move
further west now, judging from the signal.
July, 2005: per D. Crawford, [then] located the station in the
Pinecastle area on Winegard, just south of Lancaster
at the Haitian Church
of the Brethren, where a sign outside of the building stated “Radio
Godgive.” See inactive 89.5 MHz
“Magique FM” entry.
1440
(TIS) "WKQV," Parkland; moved in-band, July,
2006. See 1620 kHz entry for station
background.
1500 (TIS) NOAA Weather (KIH63, Orlando relay), Lake Buena Vista/Kissimmee
rest stop; active briefly in 1989 from I-4 rest stop near Buena Vista. Signs
remained up for a couple of years after deactivation. NOAA QSLed John
Santosuosso.
1500 (TIS) DoT WPKU228, Lake Worth Service Plaza, Florida Turnpike;
per D. Crawford, July, 1998: information about Palm Beach County road work,
“... is your gas gauge nearing empty?” and Highway Advisory Radio tags. Gives
phone number 1-800-749-PIKE, as well.
1510 (TIS) DoT WPUR527, Charlotte County;
update per D. Potter, November, 2003: the new six-lane bridge is open,
transmitters are silent.discovered independently the same time by T. Ham and R.
Nervous in August, 2002. Also heard in September, 2002 by the editor, and
this channel has now been dedicated to northbound traffic only, while 1640 is
newly established for southbound information (see entry). Lots of
blue/white signs and bulb signs, alerting motorists to tune to these for Peace
River Bridge
construction updates. The same generic calls used for 1510 and
1640. They are adding additional lanes. Approximately five miles of
coverage, with multiple transmitters set up along the construction zone and
preceding the construction zone two miles north on I-75, and two mile south on
I-75. Loop includes call sign, purpose of station
and warning of delays and lane blockage. Multiple transmitters in the
median (at least five for each direction channel).
1510 (TIS) City of Lakeland WPZW713,
Lakeland; per J. Santosuosso, July,
2004: running canned stuff and unusually strong compared to the past. Per
broadcast band listings from Rich McVicar's FCC License Grant Yahoo! Group, via
R. Wyman, April, 2004: presume the calls reflect a new license in conjunction
with an STA (4175 Medula Road is on the entry), thus this would be the the
former WPEP788 "Sun-N-Fun Radio", Lakeland Linder Regional
Airport. Active for the 2003 events as of April 2 per J. Santosuosso, for
the Sun-N-Fun Fly-In. Also, has been active for the Wings & Strings
fall event and referencing upcoming live broadcasts of on-site FAA seminars.
Coverage has consisted of events at the weeklong annual Lakeland Sun-N-Fun Fly-In , discovered by
D. Crawford April 14, 1996.
Activated in 1995 so that Sun-N-Fun could comply with the American With
Disabilities Act. "People who are hearing-impaired and rely on hearing
aids cannot listen to public address systems because of a conflict in
frequencies. The radio station allows them to be in touch with everything going
on at the Fly-In", per "The Ledger" (Lakeland)
on April 9, 1997. Per D.
Shallbetter, Chairman (45 Sioux Lane, Lantana, FL 33462, e-mail
shallbet@aol.com), power is a mere one watt, and (in 1997) was 24 hours for the
duration, mostly live till 10 p.m. local with some taped interviews. Ran a loop
overnight. Also, live sessions are scheduled for Certified Flight Instructor
Seminars (at least nine sessions up to the 1998 Sun-N-Fun events). In addition,
Shallbetter will participate in the year-round activities at the FAA Production
Studio (a full-fledged TV production studio). Anyone who wants to volunteer may
contact Shallbetter.
1540 (TIS)
Sea World, Orlando; confirmed
inactive by G. Bishop, December, 2007. Last
heard in December, 2003 by Bishop, plugging Discovery Cove, audible over a
half-mile from the park. Previously noted by the editor with a loop,
referencing discovery.com, "you can touch a shark."
1540 (MIS)
WPZP574 Escambia County, Pensacola;
per G. Thomas, “… is on the air here in Pensacola
with hurricane preparedness info.
Checking the FCC website, this station apparently became active on February 13, 2005, but I sure
haven’t heard it before today (March 2nd). Listed 10 watts but puts out a nice
signal.” Listed as
“temporary” on the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau site.
1570
(LPR) “Radio Free Pensacola”; per G. Thomas, March, 2006: an guerilla poster was noted on a on a light
pole in a Pensacola shopping center which said,
"Radio Free Pensacola, 1570 AM and 107.7 FM GOD, GUNS, GUTS"
and included a cross (Christian) symbol.
However, nothing heard on either frequency, and there are no
locally-licensed stations active on either channel. See same entry under 107.7 MHz.
1570 (TIS) DoT WPLW619, Pensacola;
per G. Bishop, January, 2003: this call in use on 1570, 1580, 1590, 1630, 1640,
1650, and 1690 for I-10/110 destruction. See 1640 for details, and the
abovce link for a map of transmitter locations.
1580 (TIS) Wootens Nature Tours, Ochopee; noted by Paul Zecchino in the NRC
DX News vol. 63, No. 26 (May, 1996), incorrectly listed as "Everglades
City" location, with a three minute loop describing nature tours,
alligator viewing and swamp boat rides. Range then reported at aproximately 10
miles. However, inactive per the editor's observation (at their parking
lot) in June, 1999. H. Johnson visited the attraction in November, 2003,
and was told the transmitter broke six or seven years ago, not to be replaced
due to cost.
1580 (TIS) DoT WPLW619, Pensacola; per G. Bishop, December, 2006, loud hum. Aible with looped information for eastbound
I-10 traffic crossing the Escambia Bay Bridge, including the alternate routing on US-90. ID
as WPWL619. Strongest at Exit 16, Davis Highway (FL-291). Inaudible on the east side of
the bay. No placards or message boards showed this frequency. This call in use on 1570, 1580, 1590, 1630,
1640, 1650, and 1690 for I-10/110 destruction. See 1640 for details, and
the above link for a map of transmitter locations.
1590 (TIS) DoT WPLW619, Pensacola;
inactive, October, 2006 per G. Bishop.
Last confirmed active, per G. Thomas, February, 2005, with male
speaker. per G. Bishop, January, 2003:
this call in use on 1570, 1580, 1590, 1630, 1640, 1650, and 1690 for I-10/110
destruction. See 1640 for details, and the above link for a map of
transmitter locations.
1590 (MIS) City of Pinecrest WQFS221; listed
in the Wireless Telecomm Bureau as lisenced since 9/20/06. Unconfirmed.
1590 (LPR) radio.cadillac.com, Hialeah;
see 1700 kHz entry for details. Billboard located on the Palmetto
Expressway.
1600 (TIS) “weather information radio”, near Ocala;
J. Santosuosso noted this in October, 1996. Signs are on both sides of the
Interstate which read to tune to AM 1600 (not 1610 or 1620) for weather.
Location is just south of Route 200, between exits 67 and 68, where there are
rest stops. Nothing heard, however, on 1600/1610/1620 kHz.
1609.5+/- (LPR) "Excel Telecommunications", Clearwater;
first noted by the editor in November, 1995 close to 1608 kHz (recently closer
to 1610 kHz) with one minute loop by man, promoting Excel Telecommunications
followed by Century 21 Realty, giving address for office and phone numbers
581-7641, 585-7118 (home recorder) and 586-3514. This is run by Ron Griffith
from his home at 1761 Kenilworth Drive, Clearwater,
FL. While it is one of the realty radio
transmitters (seven at his disposal, but the only one currently active), it is
unique in that it is promoting his telemarketing company and operating from his
own home. A "tune to 1610" sign was is in his front yard,
appropriately. Antenna remains, but now silent.
1610 (MIS) City of Tarpon Springs WPLY701; inactive since
mid-2007, but according to the St. Petersburg Times feature by Rita Farlow,
Times Staff Writer, Thursday, May 8, 2008 “The skies over Fred Howard
Park will be dark this Independence Day.
City commissioners decided Tuesday that money earmarked for the annual
fireworks display could be better spent.
Specifically, commissioners agreed the $22,500 budgeted for the display
should go toward replacing the city's AM 1610 radio station, which relays
emergency information to residents and has been broken since late last
summer. The damage to the equipment is
irreparable and it needs to be replaced, said interim City Manager Mark
LeCouris. Initial estimates show a new
radio system would cost between $20,000 and $25,000 for equipment and
installation — roughly the same amount as the pyrotechnics, said city
spokeswoman Judy Staley. If the city
immediately puts the money toward a new system, it could be up and running by
June 1, the start of hurricane season, LeCouris said. "This is an
opportunity right now to get started on it," he said.” This began broadcasting on April 2, 1997 and was always off-frequency, closer to 1609.83 kHz. Since
September, 1998, sometimes relaying KHB32 NOAA Weather Radio, Riverview
(162.550 MHz). Other times with original messages, which are frequently
updated with information on community events and emergencies; thus far with a
male voice on all. Varying from 1609.76-1609.93 kHz. Chief Harry
Leonard explained that the primary purpose of this is for emergency
announcements--live or taped--during the ongoing Stauffer Chemical Co. property
remediation (removal of various chemicals, including phosphorus). The property,
and transmitter/stick are located at 877 Anclote Road. Plans may include coordinating transmitter use for natural
disaster emergencies as well. Power is 10 watts. Also present when I talked to
Chief Leonard was a representative from Federal Signal Corporation, the private
firm that installed the equipment. First day of broadcast was Wednesday
afternoon April 2 ("We wanted it on in time for our staff
meeting...") An April 5, 1997 St. Petersburg Times feature on the
cleanup project referenced this station, mentioning that flyers were mailed to
area residents detailing how--when a siren went off--they should tune to 1610.
A map showing a primary and secondary 'fallout' radius was also published. Near
local signal noted by the editor in June, 1998 as far as just west of St.
George Island State Park, daytime.
1610 (MIS) City of Clearwater WPXD855;
inactive as of May 1, 2003,
per the editor. Discovered by G. Myers, March, 2003. Began
broadcasting in March, 2003, only temporary. Per Doug Matthews, Public
Communications Director for the City of Clearwater
[in an April 9th e-mail to G. Myers]: "... We plan to continue using the
station through the end of May, at which time the equipment will be returned to
the manufacturer..." Usually running brief looped annoncements on
traffic and parking conditions, and identifying incorrectly as "WPXD 1610
AM." Fairly decent signal, and right on frequency (unlike the City
of Tarpon Springs' TIS). Why the FCC granted a licence to 1610 kHz
instead of 1620 is a pot smokers dream. According to the March 25th St.
Petersburg times: "To help beachgoers navigate through the traffic jams,
Clearwater officials have set up a radio broadcast on 1610 AM that gives
drivers traffic updates, alternative routes and parking information. The city
has budgeted $6,000 to broadcast recorded messages for 90 days. It began
broadcasting Friday [March 21, 2003]."
And indeed the FCC shows a brief license period, expiring on September 13, 2003. "It's
certainly worth a try, especially in light of all the construction that is
going on," said Garry Brumback, Clearwater
assistant city manager. "With downtown as under repair as it is, we are
willing to try almost anything to make the lives of both our citizens and our
tourists easier."
1610 (LPR) unidentified, Hillsborough County; first noted 30 March, 2008 while driving to Brandon on the Crosstown Expressway. I noted this when first hitting the
frequency just past Ybor City.
Weak, with nonstop Spanish modern Christian vocals, peaking around Causeway Blvd., if you want to call it
peaking. Signal still present just SE Brandon, but much weaker. No ID or any voice announcements, including
through top-of-hour. Initially I
presumed it to be crossmod/mixing products from one of the Tampa Bay Hispanic
stations, but not parallel any of these, including 820 kHz in Largo (Pinellas County).
Upon the drive home, around 2330, maybe a weak trace in the same area it
peaked, but quicikly overtaken (if them) by the Tampa International Airport
TIS. My guess is it's not in Ybor or
urban Tampa (bad frequency with the loud TIS), and based on the peak, I
bet it's something due east o Brandon-proper, closer on even across the Polk County line.
1610 (MIS) Marion County
WPQD502, Ocala; listed on the FCC
database as licensed from June, 2000 through June, 2005. Unconfirmed.
1610 (TIS) DoT, Duval Co./St. Johns Co. line; December, 2003: mobile
sign noted northbound on I-95 by R. Gitschier.
1610+/- (TIS) Department of Transportation, Cypress
Creek Toll Plaza
(Florida Turnpike), Pompano Beach;
frequently-changing carts (sometimes male and female) regarding construction,
temporary operation. Measured at 1609.89 once. Inactive.
1610 (LPR)
“WDCX,” Dade City; update
as of April, 2007 per the proprietor:
“WDCX- Part 15 is an
alternative news and talk station operating on 1610 kHz from sunrise to sunset
in Dade City. WDCX provides programming that disappeared on
commercial station WDCF-1350 which is now Christian/Spanish. Programming includes the TalkStar Network,
From The Grassy Knoll, hosted by
The Vyzygoth, local news and weather, alternative music and political
commentary, Lennie The Cabbie, American Sunrise, Old Time Radio and much
more. There are no holds barred on
WDCX! WDCX-Part 15 operates using a FCC
Certified Part 15 Hamilton Rangemaster transmitter and covers much of Dade City and areas toward San Antonio. There are future plans to link multiple
transmitters to increase the coverage area.
In addition to broadcasting on 1610, the station also streams on
Live365. WDCX’s web page can be
found at: http://home.earthlink.net/~wdcx and
those wishing to submit program material for airing may do so by emailing the
Program Director at: wdcx@earthlink.net or via snail
mail at: Post Office Box 2263, Saint Leo, FL 33574.” Ex-87.9 and 102.9 MHz.
1610 (TIS) DoT WNNC526, I-75 Hillsborough County; two DoT transmitters active
on I-75 as of June, 2007 for road embankment revamp project.
One transmitter appears to be north of the I-4 interchange and has been
running open carrier only (overtakes Tampa International’s TIS just east
of downtown). The southern transmitter is located in the
median near mile marker 259, airing a looped female with construction times,
call sign and (interestingly) the sounds of trucks passing. Inactive by March, 2008 recheck while in the
same area.
1610 (TIS) DoT WNNC526, Hillsborough County (various
locations); last active near I-75 and I-4 with calls announced, per D.
Crawford, July, 2006. As many as four
DoT transmitters have been active at different locations for months during the
snail-like I-4 Expansion Project. As of November, 1999, the first
eastbound blue 1610 sign appears near M. L. King/9th Street, with additional
transmitters near the I-4/I-75 interchange; near the Branch Forbes Road exit;
and just west of the S.R. 39 exit. Running the same male voice cycle
(very long). At times, has sporadically included brief information on the
Lakeland Sun-N-Fun Fly-In (see dedicated 1610 entry), such as during the 1997
event. See also 880 kHz entry.
1610 (TIS) DoT, Lake Wales;
by early 2002, no longer active with resurfacing completed. First noted
by the editor in January, 2001. Brief cycling announcement by female,
opening with "Thank you for tuning to 1610 AM Radio..." and
referencing State Road 60, five miles of construction, milling, painting and
drainage modification. Location is about three miles west of Lake
Wales on State Road 60. A
bulb sign and mobile blue highway advisory radio sign are displayed. Location
is likely to move westward as the resurfacing project progresses. Fairly
strong signal, heard in Winter Haven
when at the initially-discovered location.
1610 (TIS) Pinellas County (mobile); last active at the Tierra
Verde/Madelaine Key (Fort DeSoto Park) causeway; noted signs for this in early
May, 1996 (flashing bulb signs referring to the frequency). This transmitter
was formerly used at South Pasedena's Corey
Bridge repair project, where an
orange sign was posed on both sides of the road. Ongoing south Pinellas
County barrier island bridge
refurbishing was scheduled through 1997, thus this transmitter could reappear,
if it’s really functional any more.
1610 (LPR) Pt. 15 operation, Altamonte
Springs; March, 2008, per the
operator: “I have a Wild Planet Radio DJ [transmitter]. They haven't made it in years. It broadcasts on 1610 Hz. Not sure on the wattage but I know it
complies with FCC Part 15. No
‘call letters’ now, just run
music and sometimes talk.
1610 (MIS) City of Ft. Lauderdale WPZK221;
listed on the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau page as granted on January 27, 2004. Confirmed
active via D. Crawford, December, 2004, running a loop with phone number, URL,
etc. Per the City URL: “The City of Fort Lauderdale has launched a Public Information Radio System located at
1610 AM on the radio dial. The station will provide residents and visitors with
public service announcements and up-to-date information about traffic, weather,
parking, special events and more. The
station, which is part of the Highway Advisory Radio System or
“HARS,” is currently broadcasting information related to the
Florida Marlins Championship Celebration and Boat Parade, including traffic
restrictions, boating advisories and parking information. The boat parade will
take place on Tuesday, October 28, 2003 at 4:30 p.m.
along both sides of the New River from Stranahan House west to the Las Olas Riverfront. The
parade will be followed by a celebration at Las Olas Riverfront, located at 300 S.W. 1st Avenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Following the
Florida Marlins Championship Celebration and Boat Parade, residents and
visitors in the City of Fort
Lauderdale are
encouraged to continue to tune in to 1610 AM to hear updates and advisories 24
hours a day, seven days a week. The station will broadcast information related
to traffic and transportation, parking, boating, parks and recreation, public
services and utilities, and festivals and special events including the upcoming
Greater Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the 17th Annual Fort
Lauderdale Sound Advice Blues Festival. In addition, in the event of an
emergency, 1610 AM will broadcast critical safety and security updates. The range of 1610 AM covers approximately a 5-mile
radius from the transmitter’s location in Holiday Park. The City of Fort Lauderdale will also utilize four
portable informational signs which can be strategically placed around the City
to advise motorists to tune to radio station 1610 AM for the most up-to-date
information. For more information about
1610 AM, please contact the City of Fort Lauderdale Public Information Office at (954) 828-4748.”
1610 (MIS) City of Sunrise WPDA943; confirmed still active per the
editor in June, 1997, with “This is a test of radio frequency 1610, 1-2-3-4,
this is a test of radio frequency 1610
male loop. Thanks D. Crawford, October, 1996 observation. See also
WNUJ665 entry on 530 kHz.
1610 (TIS) Department of Transportation, Canoe Creek Service Plaza
(13 miles south of US-192 on the Florida Turnpike, near St. Cloud); referring
as Highway Advisory Radio with male loop with bridge construction information,
pitch for buying gas at service plazas, gave information phone number
800-749-7453. Transmitters at these facilities appear to be permanent
installations (i.e., not the mobile DoT units). All have signs announcing their
existence, with flashing amber lights to indicate there is new information.
This data per D. Crawford, October, 1996, still active July, 1998.
1610 (TIS) "WKQV," Parkland; see 1620 kHz
entry for details; 1610 is the alternate channel.
1610 (TIS) Department of Transportation, Boca
Raton; per T. Simon, July, 2000: looped construction
widening project information for the Turnpike, near Glades
Blvd. Computer generated signs with
"Tune to 1610 AM" on the approach. Possibly the same one (if
so, moved with construction progress) as heard by J. Santosuosso, January, 2001
on the Florida Turnpike between Delray Beach
and Boca Raton. Should not be
confused with the old 1500 kHz sites which are still operational.
The cynical TIS warns you about doubling the speeding fines. At times you
literally do not move at all.
1610 (TIS) Department of Transportation, Sawgrass Expressway, (toll
plaza just north of I-595 interchange, near Ft. Lauderdale); per D. Crawford,
October, 1996: usual format, but special emphasis on financial consequences of
running the toll booth, i.e. $100 fine, and giving excuses why the speed limit
isn’t 70 m.p.h. yet. Carrier-only noted in the area, July, 1998.
1610 (LPR) radio.cadillac.com, Hollywood;
see 1700 entry for details. This frequency noted by T. Simon, April,
2001, with a looped jingle referencing "Radio Cadillac, with Rex and
Roy..." Located on the Turnpike, near Hollywood.
1610 (TIS) Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International
Airport, Hollywood; formerly here,
moved to 1670 kHz. See also the 1610 WPMN326 entry on 1610.
1610 (TIS) Broward County Aviation Department WPMN326; unknown site (see Ft.
Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport entries on
1610 and 1670 kHz). Listed on the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau URL.
1610 (LPR)
“Radio Simcha,” North Miami Beach; per David Citron’s “South Florida
Radio Pages,” [June, 2005], “… Simcha, host of the Sunday
morning Jewish radio program “Bagels With Simcha,” has established
his own Part 15 low-power radio station, Radio Simcha (1610), in North Miami Beach. Part 15
stations can only be heard for a couple of blocks and do not require a
license. "It's 100% legal"
says Simcha, who scrupulously followed the FCC regulations authorizing this
very-low-power station. Bagels With
Simcha, his regular weekly program, is heard from 10 AM 'til noon Sunday mornings on WLVJ (1040) all over south Florida.”
1610
(TIS) Miami International Airport
WQDT910; reactivated, as heard
by D. Crawford on February 17, 2007 with female English mentions of
"16-10" and "1-800-xxx-xMIA" phone number; presumed
inactive for a long while, as last entry in log is October, 2004. First heard by D. Crawford, October,
2004, running English male loop with mentions of Miami-Dade and 1610, maybe Spanish section
also but tough copy. FCC TIS dB lists as
licensed as of August 18, 2004. Per C. Dunne, also in October, 2004, this
[was] running a six-second looped, “You are listening to 1610, Miami
International Airport,
Miami-Dade County, Florida. This is only a test.” See also 530 kHz
entry. Former calls were listed as
WQAW405, but new calls listed effective October 28, 2005 and with Special Temporary Authorization
status.
1610 (TIS) Department of Transportation, Miami;
heard during the November, 1995 Jiffy Lube 300 NASCAR Race with traffic info.
1610 (TIS) "Radio Recovery", Homestead; shortly after the
devastating 8/24/92 passing of Hurricane Andrew, the US Army established this
emergency TIS which remained active for several weeks, relaying info in
English/Spanish/Kreyol and I believe a native Central American dialect for
displaced residents. IDed as "Radio Recovery, the Voice of Task Force
Andrew." Signal was ultimately heard on sunrise skip and nights throughout
Florida and beyond. WINZ (940
kHz) also briefly rebroadcast Radio Recovery tapes on 50 kW emergency authority
power at night. While long inactive, it's certainly very likely a similar
operation would appear in the event of a future natural disaster elsewhere.
1610 (TIS) unidentified, Monroe County; in September, 1996, R. Scotka heard
a weak signal, man mentioning, “This station is owned and operated by Monroe
County... 50 watts.
1610 (TIS) Department of Transportation, Sarasota;
current location for an FDOT transmitter is on I-75, near Fruitville
Road (Exit 210).
A sign was noted by the editor in August, 2007, northbound on I-75. Female loop regarding lane closures due to Palmer
Blvd. overpass construction that is scheduled to
be completed by January, 2008. The
roving mobile(s) is back on as of December, 2006. Noted by P. Zecchino with”Test Message
One: 1-2-3-4-5” then female regarding canal rehab by DoT. Mile Marker 308 area (Bee Ridge and Clark
Road exits on I-75 median). Heard clearly until MM 195. One was active in June, 2001, located on I-75
near Bee Ridge Road.
Pretty strong. The DoT has deployed up to two mobile transmitters along
I-75 between Manatee and Sarasota
counties for several years, where the latest construction is.
1610 (TIS) “Florida
Welcome Center”WQDM482,
I-10 near the Alabama/Florida border;.
License issued September 5, 2005. Unconfirmed.
Per G. Bishop, an extension of the previous 1610 kHz license issued
here?
1610 (TIS) DoT WPLW619, Pensacola;
per G. Bishop, February, 2005: “New since hurricane Ivan (9/16/04). Transmitter is just
east of mile marker 34 on I-10, on the north side of the westbound lanes.
Westbound traffic advisory for trucks. Only Pensacola
deliveries are permitted across the bridge, all other trucks must use the
detour route, exiting at Exit 31.
1610 (TIS) Hurlburt Field Radio; used for "information on natural
disasters and severe weather info." First noted 11/8/94. See also Eglin AFB outlet on 530.
Information per G. Bishop. In early January, 1996, this station emitted weird
"open car door chime" or Windows ding.wav-ish tones nonstop. Per
Keith Rhodes, the station is inactive due to a lightning hit only six moths
after activation. Funding has not been appropriated for repairs.
1610 (MIS) Manatee Information Radio, Crystal
River; First logged December, 1994
by D. Crawford in Gainesville.
Currently (June, 1998) running a 10-minute female loop, opening with
"Welcome to Manatee Information Radio...". Per 4/13/93 St
Petersburg Times article: plans called for airing 10-minute cart, with hope of
getting singer Jimmy Buffett to record a six-minute portion of the tape (note:
see “Florida Bay Research Radio” 1610 kHz entry), dedicated to biological info
about manatees. KIE653 call letters/numbers were allocated for the
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge on 1610 kHz, while another was reported
to be planned on the same frequency by the Crystal River Chamber of Commerce,
which was granted $8,750 for the project, presume ultimately the same
station. Blue signs on the US-19 north/south ends of Crystal
River city limits refer to
"Manatee Information" on 1610. Has sporadically been noted
inactive or running carrier only since; last report of activity was February,
2007 by G. Bishop. Not appearing in the
FCC’s Wireless Telecommunication Bureau listing.
1610 (TIS) Anastasia Island State Recreation
Area WPAC848; though inactive for several months at least, reported back on the
air, per T. Roberts, Hilton Head, South Carolina
in January, 2002 (daytime reception, even). Appeared around October, 1993
as first observed by D.Crawford, subsequently heard on CanavDX-93. Subsequently
heard often at night at my Clearwater
location, and even observed at least as far north as North
Carolina! Location is near St.
Augustine.
1610 (TIS) Cape Coral Bridge;
reported in M. Hardester's list, never traced by the editor, however.
1610 (TIS) radio.cadillac.com, Tampa;
ad campaign apparently over, as this has gone silent since late March, 2002 per
G. Myers. This frequency first heard in February, 2001 by G. Myers, with
the same loop as the 1700 kHz transmitter on US 19 in Palm
Harbor (see detailed entry).
Very good on Kennedy (i.e., by Ferman On Kennedy auto dealership) from downtown
to Dale Mabry where Tampa International's TIS takes over. Particularly strong
at Ashley and Madison, where the Tampa Visitors Bureau is located. Also hrd
from Gandy and Dale Mabry and Waters and Florida,
best west of downtown. By early April, 2001, switched to loop referencing
the website.
1610 (TIS) Tampa International Airport
WYZ235; one of the oldest TIS's in Florida, inactive for awhile in due to
interference problems, reactivated 10/21/93. Always runs a male loop with
parking/terminal information. As of
June, 2007, revamped equipment and spewing a huge signal across much of
Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
1610 (TIS) Canaveral National Seashore KIE710 (and) KIE711; there were two
TIS's here till the mid-or-so '80's, one on the north end and one on the south.
Presume never to be heard again.
1610 (TIS) Gulf Islands National Seashore KID751, Santa Rosa Island; once
reported as active from this island, but confirmed inactive by the editor in
June, 1998 per observations between Apalichicola and Dauphin Island, Alabama
(and no antenna at the likely site: the Fort Pickens sector enty).
1610 (LPR) "WOWL" Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton campus;
a former three watt operation, the station moved to 91.7 MHz (see entry) in
late 1997.
1610 (TIS) St. Petersburg Municipal Pier KNFH965; operated by the City of St.
Petersburg briefly around 1984.
1610 (LPR) ”Radio Independance”, Ft. Myers;
independently noted since late May, 2004 by D. Potter and T. Simon, Haitian
Kreyol format, not to be confused with the south Miami-Dade operation. Heard again by the editor in August, 2007 and
upon returning home, confirmed the station slogan after searching the web and
finding www.radioindependance.com. A linked program site,
“Carl’s Corner,” also references a “RTA 88.7” and
“Radio Verite Sou Tanbou” on 95.03 (sic) FM., but not clear what
these entries are.
1610 (TIS) J N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge KIE665, Sanibel
Island; inactive per T. Simon, June, 2003. Previously aired
long looped female Refuge information, not parallel 530 (see entry).
Strong signal far beyond the Refuge.
1610 (LPR) Bonita Bay Housing Development, Bonita Springs; ran a powerful
promo TIS around '90-'91, heard well from I-75, per D. Potter. Inactive per
editor observations.
1610 (MIS) WQEY818 City of Palm Coast;
per the FCC’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau site: Address P O Box
City State 2 Commerce Blvd., Palm Coast, FL 32164, May 23, 2006 issue date, expiration date: May 22, 2016. Discovered by R. Gitschier, July, 2006, who
tells FLPRS: “… A city government station, sometimes playing
National Weather Service and also a school informational loop. At night it can be heard in Bunnell
Center. This essentially is in response to the locals
clamoring for a local station for information, especially during
emergencies. There are no local Flagler
County commercial AM’s or FM’s
yet, so we have to patiently wait for Daytona/Orlando stations to throw us a
bone…”
1610 (MIS) City of Deltona;
noted in November, 2004 by D. Crawford and confirmed as the City of Deltona
by J. Nesmith. Programming is a relay of
NOAA Weather Radio Orlando (162.475 MHz), interrupted by periodic local
announcements by male and female voices.
1610 (MIS) WPRF526 Town of Melbourne Beach; active since
approximately September, 2000 in coordination with the Melbourne Beach
Volunteer Fire Department (which installed a warning siren system in
June, coupled to a 45 foot pole on the east side of the fire station).
When in operation, the station will continuously relay NOAA Weather Radio,
Melbourne. When necessary, to provide information about an emergency,
Town officials can record a special message. Confirmed active by D.
Crawford in September, 2000 with NOAA audio and slightly off frequency at
1609.95 kHz, and June, 2002 with no ID inserts.
1610 (TIS) Duke Properties and Investments "Talking House",
Port St. John; see 1620.06 entry.
1610 (TIS) Spaceport USA,
Kennedy Space
Center; all entries of this here
are wrong; see 1320+ entry.
1610 (TIS) Everglades National Park, Shark
Valley Visitor Center;
appears to be defunct, as H. Johnson notes that the sign is no longer posted
(and still inactive). This was inactive after Hurricane Andrew. However,
it reactivated since at least fall, 1996 as heard by D. Crawford. Heard in
June, 1997 by the editor, with male loop and DTMF tones punctuation. Presumably
the same station noted since December, 1997 with a female recording referencing
the 50th Anniversary of the Everglades National Park, US-41, observation tower,
Florida Bay,
etc. and measured at 1610.05. According to the Gulf
Coast Visitor Center
Park director in September, 1998,
the transmitter was damaged by lightning. Due to a high visitor response
to the tapes, they hoped to reactivate and planned to approach Gloria Estefan
to record a brief segment, much like the old Jimmy Buffett excerpt on Florida
Bay Research Radio (1610 kHz).
1610 (TIS) Everglades National Park, Gulf Coast Visitor Center, Everglades
City; the "10,000 Islands" loop used to operate off frequency, closer
to 1611 kHz, until fall of 1998 when corrected. However, upon visiting
the Visitor Center
in September, 1998, the editor was told by the park director that a lightning
strike destroyed the transmitter and it will not be replaced. Also
confirmed per H. Johnson in November, 2003 as gone, with no signs remaining.
1610 (LPR) "La Unica 16-10/Radio
R-C-H/Haitian Community Radio", Homestead, FL; still active with a big
signal extending to mid-Key Largo and the southeastern portions of The
Everglades as of August, 2007 per the editor, who also noted an live, accented
English ID as, “You are listening to Radio R-H-C operating under FCC Part
15 rules, oh boy!”. Reportedly
using a Pt. 15 compliant Hamilton Rangemaster-1000 transmitter, but is in need
of an audio processor to correct the overdriving we all notice. At least
two of the ID's anyway, and also reported by H. Johnson in December, 2003 as
calling themselves "Haitian Community Radio." They also now
have a banner promoting this frequency and an SCA. Huge, massively
overmodulated signal noted late afternoon May 31, 2003 at Florida
City with Kreyol vocals.
Recheck a short while later, in Spanish with tejano and modern Mexican vocals,
male DJ. Bearing on the portable was due east/west this at about one mile
north of the Card Sound Road exit on US-1. Despite the huge signal
(obviously very close), the signal vanished only a couple of miles south of the
Card Sound exit. During the Spanish programming, a sole but clear
"La Unica 16-10" ID was noted. By 2030 EDT on May 31, they
reverted back to Kreyol programming. The next morning, June 1 at 0730
EDT, Kreyol church services were in progress. And at 0830 EDT, English
black church revivals and English preacher were in progress. Then upon my
return home early afternoon June 5, this was noted with Spanish again, and
several clear "Radio R-C-H" slogans. The signal dropped out on
the Turnpike before SW 112th Avenue.
So, this one is running Kreyol, Spanish and English blocks for the migrant
workers in the vicinity, possibly even 24/7. Though the signal range is fairly
small, I wonder if this accounts for some of the non-New England
unidentified Kreyol logs in the past. Radio RCH is a network, with
stations such as this relaying their programming.
1610 (LPR) "Radio Tropicale", Miami;
noted regularly since mid-1996 by D. Crawford, with Kreyol programming, Radio
Tropicale references. Signal has been audible past 9
a.m. local. Noted by the editor in June, 1997 while on the
Palmetto Expressway/826, peaking around the US1 exit. Strong, running
impassioned Kreyol radio drama complete with soud effects (presumably a
transcript or satellite feed). Weak at the Broward
County line. However, this may be
inactive now, as untraced since the last quarter of 1997.
1610 (LPR) "WKCR" Miami-Dade
Community College, Miami;
noted by the editor on the Florida Turnpike from around SW
152nd St., peaking around (or just south of) SW
88th St. Anglo male dj with 70's disco music
program. Referenced an event at Miami-Dade
Community College (south campus).
Confirmed as the student station by Tony Simon.
1610 (TIS) DoT (or Miami-Dade County)
Miller Drive construction
TIS, Miami; observed July, 1997 by
D. Potter. Located in the vicinity of 40th St.
and the Florida Turnpike extension. Wiped out "WKCR"'s (see) fade-in
as one heads southward.
1610 (TIS) WPKJ773 Polk County Division of Emergency Management Radio
Information System, Lakeland (mobile); discovered by D. Potter, early April,
1998 near Highland City with a 3-4 minute female loop of mostly FEMA
information for victims of ongoing flooding. No relation to the Sun-N-Fun
Radio or DoT operations nearby. Additional details courtesy of Polk
County radio communications
specialist Richard Sharp: the transmitters are licensed only for 600 and 1610
kHz (not additional 520 or 1600 kHz as previously reported from another
source). Power is 10 watts nominal, though the transmitters are capable
of 60 watts, are battery powered and can operate for two-to-three days, or
alternatively AC powered. Both stations are remote controlled to allow
for quick updates. The transmitters were deployed in Osceola county to
assist after the February, 1998 tornado and also in the Feldhaven/Nalcrest area
of east Polk County
after a March, 1998 tornado struck. Either this or the fixed location
activated during Hurricane Georges (late September, 1998) passing, and after
Tropical Storm Harvey (September, 1999). See below (fixed location) as
well.
1610 (TIS) Polk County Emergency Broadcast Station, Lakeland;
activated late October, 1996. Began operations with the following message:
“Good day. This is a test of the Polk County Emergency Broadcast Station. For
those of you receiving this message, this is only a test. In the event of an
actual emergency, this system would be used to broadcast emergency messages and
direction. Once again, this is only a test.” (Message is followed by DTMF
tones.) Per J. Santosuosso, the location is on Ewell
Road, behind the Medulla Fire Department #2.
Transmitter is rated at 60 watts. Per David Cash of the Polk County Emergency
Management Division: they are aware of nearby 1610 activity by the DoT as well
as the annual Sun-N-Fun (see 1610 entry) broadcasts, and will cooperate. This
agency also plans on taking delivery of a second and portable unit soon,
frequency undetermined. This test may end soon, but future tests are likely.
Address for reports: David Cash, Polk County Emergency Management Division, Polk
County, P.O.
Box 1458, Bartow, FL
33831. As of editing, is
running an open carrier only, continuously. Per Keith Rhodes, a trailer has also
been delivered, which includes variable transmitting capabilities (see WPKJ773
entries on 600 and 1610 kHz). The purpose of this equipment is for easy
deployment in the event of evacuation or shelter information for evacuees from
neighboring coastal areas.
1610 (TIS) WPEP788 "Sun-N-Fun Radio", Lakeland
Linder Regional Airport;
see 1510 kHz.
1610 (TIS) Florida Bay Research Radio WQO743, located at US
1 mile marker 111, on the mainland (north of Key Largo);
Produced by the Florida Sea Grant . Frequently updated loop with Florida
Bay environmental information
(mangroves, manatees, etc.) and a couple of related short messages by
singer/songwriter/author Jimmy Buffett (including a telco quality sound-byte of
his song,“Margaritaville”) and high school students. Plans to use NOAA weather,
too. Began operation 22 March 1996.
Power 10 watts, vertical antenna on 50 foot pole. QSL from Jay Humphreys,
jbh@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu, Florida Sea Grant Communications Director, University
of Florida, Gainesville.
A CNN feature on the station was aired during the 1996 Democratic National
Convention, per Humphreys. Audible to at least Lower Matecumbe Key. Per June,
1997 observations by the editor, this one (was) offering a nice saltwater fish
identifier book for anyone who filled out a Florida Bay Research Radio survey
sheet at the Key Largo Visitors' Center (mile marker 106). I promptly filled
one out (extra copy on hand) and got my book One segment was also using
Buffett's "Banana Wind" instrumental as t