WMNF 88.5 FM – Where Music, News, and Culture Collide

On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to facilitate closing the U.S. Education Department. And before that, the Trump administration announced that nearly half of the U.S. Department of Education would be laid off. During a visit to Florida this month, Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, stated that she is taking steps to close…

Round up of WMNF news headlines including the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, immigration policies, and U.S. Postal Service rally.

About 70 postal workers and labor organizers rallied in Tampa today (Thursday) amid threats to privatize the United States Postal Service. It was part of The American Postal Workers Union’s national “Day of Action”  Last month President Donald Trump said he may put the U.S. Postal Service under the control of the Commerce Department. In…

Michael Schneider, a pilot and founder of Pilots To The Rescue describes the career reinvention that preceded his taking flying lessons.

The WMNF Song of the Day for Friday March 21, 2025 is “Smokin’ Guitar Cat” by New Port Richey, FL based blues, jazz, and soul act Julie Black and Her Band. “Smokin’ Guitar Cat” drops today and tells the surrealistic story of an Ybor City guitar player who inspires the community with music. In return, the…

In the 19th century, London’s West End area known as Seven Dials was notoriously dangerous and disreputable; not a safe place to be after dark. This darkness and danger provided the perfect inspiration for the dusky, foreboding sounds created by the new musical union now known as Sevendials. Renowned musicians Mark Gemini Thwaite, Big Paul…

The WMNF Song of the Day for March 20, 2025 is “Different Guy” by The Hails. The Hails are Robbie Kingsley, Franco Solari, Dylan McCue, Andre Escobar and Zach Levy. They met in Miami, formed in Gainesville before returning to south Florida. Now with with multiple albums out, The Hails crisscross the country touring and…

“The season changes remind us of the ever-changing nature of life and the importance of embracing it.” – Anonymous Equinoxes are events that happen twice a year when the Northern and Southern Hemisphere experience “nearly” equal amounts of daylight and darkness at all latitudes. Equinoxes are also associated with seasonal shifts. These seasonal shifts signify…

Blues Virtuoso Brings Award-Winning Guitar Mastery to Tampa Bay’s Premier Music Festival on May 10th Tampa Bay music lovers are in for a genuine treat as four-time consecutive Blues Music Award winner Sue Foley takes the stage at Tropical Heatwave 2025. The Canadian-born guitar virtuoso will bring her exceptional talent and high-energy performance to this…

In an exciting announcement for music lovers, Latin Grammy winner Cheo (José Luis Pardo) is set to bring his distinctive blend of dance, funk, and Latin rhythms to the highly anticipated WMNF 88.5 Tropical Heatwave 2025. The Brooklyn-based artist, known for his eclectic musical taste and dance floor-filling abilities, promises to deliver an unforgettable performance…

Florida’s legendary rockabilly outfit Rocket 88 returns to Tropical Heatwave 2025, bringing their cosmic-themed, high-energy performance to the Cuban Club Ballroom. With endorsements from Jerry Lee Lewis and a history of electrifying shows, these pompadour-sporting rockers promise an unforgettable night of toe-tapping, hand-clapping entertainment that’ll put a bop in your socks and a shakin’ in your shoes.

Experience the authentic sound of the Grateful Dead as Uncle John’s Band, the Southeast’s premier Dead tribute for nearly three decades, performs at WMNF’s Tropical Heatwave on May 10, 2025. Don’t miss this legendary Florida group bringing their improvisational magic to the Ballroom from 10:15-11:15 PM.