I worked as the Promotion Assistant and Traffic Manager for WMFE-TV from 1972-1976, when it was located in Mid Florida Tech at 2908 West Oak Ridge Road, Orlando, 32809.
The station suffered a tragedy on June 8, 1973 when the tower their antenna was being attach to collapsed, killing two tower workers. Orlando Sentinel Flashback in Orange County column revisited the event in 1990.
RADIO, TV STATIONS OFF AIR. A sudden collapse of a 1,500-foot television tower near Bithlo killed two men and injured two others. Authorities said structural failure was the reason Florida’s tallest structure fell. Three television stations and two radio stations were affected by the loss of the $500,000 tower. WFTV-Channel 9 was off the air for several weeks and WDBO-Channel 6 switched back to its old tower and came back on the air at reduced power. Public station WMFE-Channel 24, in the process of installing antennas on the tower, continued to broadcast with its existing equipment. WBDO-FM (92.3) and WDIZ-FM (100.3) were off for a short time.
The station rebounded quickly and found new viewers and members with their antenna placement on the taller tower. There were Pledge Weeks, Auctions, and community events.
Bobby Sherman at SeaWorld
Pine Castle Pioneer Days 1974
WMFE-TV Channel 24 Staff circa 1975
WMFE - TV Tower Collapse in Bithlo
Bobby Sherman at Sea World
Bobby Sherman at Sea World
1974 Pine Castle Pioneer Days Certificate of Appreciation
July 1976 WMFE-TV Membership Guide - Back cover
July 1976 WMFE-TV Membership Guide - Inside Back Cover
July 1976 WMFE-TV Membership Guide - Inside Front Cover
July 1976 WMFE-TV Membership Guide - Front Cover