Beeler served as a volunteer DJ at WMNF from 1982— not long after the station's first broadcast in 1979— until 1999. After working in sales and marketing for 20 years, he began a career change in the late 1990s, earning an appointment as a planning commissioner for the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission from 1998 until 2006.
Last year Beeler completed a master's degree in urban planning at the University of Florida. He was also a graduate of the University of South Florida and H. B. Plant High School.
On Wed., Sept. 5, Taylor will devote her WMNF show, Surface Noise, which airs from 6 to 8 p.m., to Beeler and his favorite music. Listeners are welcome to contribute comments to laura [at] wmnf.org or via Facebook.
Among her fondest memories of Beeler are times when he would debate friends and fellow WMNF volunteers about politics. Beeler, a staunch Republican, often found himself in the minority among the political liberals attracted to community radio and Tampa's music scene, Taylor says.
"We all loved him. I respect anybody who has different views but is willing to stand their ground and not reject you and still be your friend," she says.
Update: University of Florida professor Richard Schneider writes in a comment below that UF's Department of Urban and Regional Planning will establish a memorial award in Beeler's honor. Anyone wishing to contribute to this award, which will be given to an entering graduate student, should contact Schneider at rschnei [at] ufl.edu.
