Lakeland Man Accused Of Running Pirate Radio Station

By TBO.com
Published: November 07, 2008

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LAKELAND --

A Lakeland man was arrested today, accused of running a pirate radio station out of a local motel.

Frankie Grover, 53, 1017 North Lake Parker Drive, was charged with operating a radio station without a federal license, a felony.

Polk County sheriff's detectives tuned in to a possible crime when they saw a flier advertising a party sponsored by "Blazin' 87.9 Da Biz." A check with the Federal Communications Commission showed no license had been issued to use the FM 87.9 frequency.

Detectives searched three rooms at the Kingston Inn Motel, 910 East Memorial Drive, and found Grover was operating a live web cam, Internet and radio broadcasts. The daily playlist included talk shows, live interviews and R&B, soul, gospel and blues music.

Grover previously owned WHNR AM in Winter Haven.

Authorities said Grover was renting the rooms for $450 per month. Detectives seized all of Grover's equipment. He was released after posting a $1,000 bond.