Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

WDAE-Florida's First Radio Station

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, June 21, 2021

1. WDAE-Florida's First Radio Station Marker

Inscription. WDAE was the first radio station to broadcast in Florida, doing so on May 15, 1922. The Tampa Daily Times was the original license holder, and the first radio studio was located in the Florida Citrus Exchange Building (later part of the Maas Brothers complex). Tampa Mayor Charles H. Brown, in the opening ceremonies, called radio "The Wonder of the Age that the human voice can be sent broadcast throughout the country."

Erected 2020 by Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council. Originally erected by the Tampa Historical Society in Cooperation with Radio Station WDAE, Robert Rounsaville, Owner. Replacement marker funded by the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1922.

Location. 27° 56.981′ N, 82° 27.533′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. Marker is at the intersection of North Franklin Streeet and East Zack Street, on the right when traveling south on North Franklin Streeet. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33602, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John And Ellen Jackson: Tampa Pioneers (a few steps from this marker); Teco Energy's Tampa Electric Company

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Tampa Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Federal Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woolworth Sit-In (about 400 feet away); Sacred Heart Church (about 500 feet away); Courthouse Square (about 500 feet away); Jimi Hendrix (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.

Regarding WDAE-Florida's First Radio Station. This is a replacement marker for one that disappeared in the 90s.

Also see . . . WDAE History. Note this states that a station in Miami is the first to broadcast and WDAE was second. (Submitted on July 1, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)

WDAE-Florida's First Radio Station Marker looking north. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, June 21, 2021

2. WDAE-Florida's First Radio Station Marker looking north.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 396 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 1, 2021, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.