Our Story
Community radio, born on the Nature Coast
WZRE grew out of a simple idea: the music and stories of the Big Bend deserve a home on the dial.
Who we are
WZRE is operated by the Big Bend Heritage Music Association, a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to preserving and performing the traditional and homegrown music of North Florida. The station started as a Low Power FM signal at 99.3 and quickly became a gathering place for musicians, storytellers, and listeners across Taylor County.
Our mission
To broadcast the heritage music of the Big Bend, amplify local voices, and provide free, noncommercial educational programming to everyone within reach of our signal. We keep our airwaves local: local hosts, local music, local news you can use.
A full-power upgrade
On August 29, 2026 WZRE becomes a full-power noncommercial educational (NCE) station at 89.9 FM. More power and new transmitter sites along the Gulf Coast mean clearer listening in the places our neighbors actually live, fish, and work — from Horseshoe Beach up to the Econfina River.
How we're funded
As a noncommercial station, WZRE does not sell advertising. We're sustained by listener donations and by underwriting support from businesses and organizations that believe in community radio.