Ann Kelly retires Friday from WDUV mornings. She closes out nearly four decades in the Tampa market.
What We Know The 105.5 Soft AC personality ends her tenure after 12 years hosting mornings at WDUV. Moreover, Kelly previously spent time at sister station 94.9 WWRM, where she joined the air in 1988 as part of the “Shepherd & Shepherd” morning show with then-husband Read Shepherd. Previously, she worked in Toledo and Syracuse before arriving in Tampa.
What They Said Cox Tampa Vice President and Market Manager Jason Meder praised Kelly’s impact on the community. “Ann’s talent, compassion, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to serving our community have defined what local radio should be,” Meder stated. “While we will miss hearing Ann every morning, her impact on our listeners, our station, and Tampa Bay will be felt for generations.” Additionally, the company highlighted Kelly’s “AnnVenture” approach to storytelling and her popular “Ann Kelly’s Kitchen” blog.
What Remains Unclear The station has yet to name Kelly’s successor. Furthermore, Kelly hasn’t disclosed her specific retirement plans. Additionally, no announcement addressed whether the morning slot shifts format or remains Soft AC. WDUV hasn’t announced any listener send-off events.
What It Means Tampa Bay radio loses a seasoned voice who championed local engagement. Furthermore, WDUV must navigate a significant on-air transition after years of morning stability. Importantly, Kelly’s legacy extends beyond radio through her Lupus advocacy, board work with the Tampa Bay Arthritis Foundation, and support of the Suncoast Animal League. The departure marks the end of an era for Cox’s Tampa cluster.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.