About Suncoast Radio

This is not big-time corporate radio.
This is hometown radio — the kind many of us grew up listening to.

I’m John Elliott, owner of Suncoast Radio, Inc., and my journey in broadcasting began back in 1965.

My broadcasting “empire” started in February 2010 when I purchased WZCC AM 1240 in Cross City. Dixie County residents may remember the station under several call signs over the years, including WDFL. After a lightning strike in 2009 knocked the station off the air, it remained silent until I bought it, rebuilt it, and returned it to the airwaves in March 2010.

Our original format featured “The Music of Our Generation” — classic rock and roll oldies.

Expanding into Levy County

In June 2011, we had the opportunity to expand into Levy County with the purchase of WLQH AM 940 in Chiefland.

WLQH had a long tradition of serving Chiefland and Levy County with local programming, news, and sports. Its tall tower at the north end of Chiefland provided a strong signal.

Because many residents travel up and down US-19 between Cross City and Chiefland for work, shopping, and recreation, we quickly saw the value in serving both communities together.

Since the signals of WZCC and WLQH overlapped near the Suwannee River Bridge, we began simulcasting our programming. Drivers could switch between 940 and 1240 as they traveled and never miss a song.

At that time WLQH carried Scott Shannon’s True Oldies Channel, which became the new format for both stations.

The First FM Signal

Our first FM station was a very small 10-watt FM signal in Newberry that had previously been part of a network operated by the Catholic Church.

In March 2013, we purchased 93.3 FM and spent several months working with the Federal Communications Commission to improve the station. We increased its power, changed the frequency to 93.1 FM for a clearer signal, and relocated the station from Newberry to Chiefland.

The improved 93.1 FM signal launched in August 2013, just in time to broadcast the Chiefland Indians Fall Classic football game.

Today that clear FM signal reaches into Gilchrist County, making Suncoast Radio the Tri-County area’s only truly local broadcast station serving Levy, Dixie, and Gilchrist counties.

Continuing the Tradition

In 2014, Scott Shannon announced that The True Oldies Channel would cease broadcasting as he moved to his new role as morning DJ on WCBS-FM in New York City.

We wished Scott all the best and continued our commitment to great music by keeping the format alive under Classic Hits Radio.

Bringing Back Classic Country

In 2017, WDVH-FM in Trenton changed formats from Classic Country to Joy FM. That left fans of traditional country music without a local station playing the artists they loved.

We listened to our listeners.

Suncoast Radio proudly brought back Classic Country, featuring music from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, and even earlier. Artists include legends such as:

Patsy Cline

Buck Owens

Hank Williams Sr. and Jr.

Dolly Parton

Garth Brooks

Shania Twain

We also introduced a lineup of DJs who love this music just as much as our listeners do.

Our weekend programming includes Original Country Gold, and the popular five-hour request show hosted by award-winning country DJ Rowdy Yates, airing every Saturday night from 7 PM to midnight.

Local Sports and Community Coverage

We haven’t forgotten our sports fans.

Suncoast Radio proudly broadcasts local high school football, including Chiefland Indians varsity games.

We also carry Prep Zone Nature Coast with Mike Ridaught, a well-known Gainesville sports broadcaster who provides coverage of high school athletics across the Tri-County region.

Our stations also provide:

  • Local news from the Florida News Network
  • National news from NBC Radio
  • Daily stock market reports
  • Local weather forecasts specifically for Levy, Dixie, and Gilchrist counties

We also offer the Community Bulletin Board, where churches and nonprofit organizations can promote their events free of charge. The announcements air three times daily and are sponsored by local businesses.

Suncoast Radio stations also interrupt programming whenever necessary to broadcast Emergency Alert System messages or NOAA Weather alerts affecting Levy, Dixie, or Gilchrist counties.

Expanding the Network

In 2018, we added an FM signal for WZCC in Cross City.

Today Country Legends Radio can be heard across the Tri-County region on:

  • FM 93.1 / AM 940 WLQH – Chiefland
  • FM 96.3 / AM 1240 WZCC – Cross City

Our programming is also live streamed across the country at SuncoastRadio.com.

A New Chapter: Classic Rock 107.9

In 2024, another opportunity came along.

The owners of FM 107.9 decided to sell the station, and Suncoast Radio was proud to acquire it.

Classic rock fans can rest easy — Classic Rock 107.9 continues the format listeners already love.

The difference is that it is now focused on serving the Tri-County community, bringing classic rock to listeners throughout Levy, Dixie, and Gilchrist counties.

A Lifetime in Radio

Suncoast Radio owner — and sometimes engineer and janitor — John Elliott began his broadcasting career in 1965 in Ohio.

Over the decades he has worked at stations across the country, from:

  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Clearwater, Florida
  • Fall River, Massachusetts
  • Honolulu, Hawaii

While living in Hawaii for nearly 30 years, John even appeared on television in small roles on Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-0 (the original series), and other productions.

During his mid-life crisis, instead of buying a Porsche, John decided to buy a radio station.

Now he owns three.

John is also a licensed paramedic, amateur radio operator, and avid boater.

Suncoast Radio Today

Today Suncoast Radio serves the Tri-County region with:

  • Classic Country
  • Classic Rock
  • Local sports
  • Local news and weather
  • Community events
  • Emergency alerts

All delivered the old-fashioned way — local radio for local people.

Scroll to Top