WDAE ---Florida's First Radio Station

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, 1993

1. WDAE ---Florida's First Radio Station Marker

Inscription. WDAE was the first radio station in Florida to be licensed commercially to operate by the Federal Communications Commission. The license was issued May 15, 1922, to The Tampa Daily Times. It aired its first programs that date from the original studio in the Florida Citrus Exchange Bldg. (now Maas Bros.). 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 by The Tampa Historical Society in cooperation with Radio Station WDAE, Robert Rounsaville, owner.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1922.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 27° 56.986′ N, 82° 27.531′ W. Marker was in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. Marker was at the intersection of North Franklin Street and East Zack Street, on the left when traveling north on North Franklin Street. The former WDAE/Maas Brothers building has been demolished. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Tampa FL 33602, United States of America.

We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. John And Ellen Jackson: Tampa Pioneers (here, next to this marker); WDAE-Florida's First Radio Station (a few steps from this marker); Teco Energy's Tampa Electric Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Tampa Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Woolworth Sit-In (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Federal Building (about 400 feet away); Sacred Heart Church (about 500 feet away); Courthouse Square (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.

More about this marker. Marker has been replaced with a new one with updated text.

2021

2. WDAE - Florida's First Radio Station Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2019, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 297 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 24, 2019, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. 2. submitted on April 23, 2021, by Deryn Pomeroy of Syracuse, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.