That legacy was celebrated on May 26, 2026, as clergy, staff, listeners, and benefactors gathered for a special Mass marking the station's 40th anniversary. Founded in 1986 by Bishop Thomas Larkin, Spirit FM was established with a simple yet profound vision: to proclaim the Gospel through Catholic radio and extend the Church's presence beyond the walls of its parishes.

“Forty years ago, Bishop Thomas Larkin spoke the first words on the radio station,” Bishop Gregory Parkes recalled during his homily. “His vision was to start a Catholic radio station that would evangelize and would provide Mass to those who otherwise were unable to attend their local parish.”

Reflecting on the anniversary, Bishop Parkes noted that the number 40 holds deep significance throughout Sacred Scripture, representing times of testing, purification, growth, and preparation for mission. He said the same could be said of Spirit FM’s journey over the past four decades.

“Spirit FM has become much more than a radio station,” he said. “Many people have found comfort in moments of loneliness, some have rediscovered the Church after being away for years, others have heard the voice of hope while driving to work, sitting in traffic, or struggling through difficult seasons of life. Evangelization often happens quietly and consistently. A song can touch a wounded heart, a prayer can calm anxiety, a testimony can awaken faith, and a simple message about God's love can change the direction of someone's life.”

Those consistent moments of evangelization continue each weekday morning through Davis Watts and Maria Pendleton, the hosts of the Spirit FM Morning Show. Davis, who joined the ministry in 2008 and now serves as Program Director, and Maria, who recently celebrated her first year on the air, see their work as much more than entertaining listeners. Their goal is to create a space where people encounter joy, hope, and Christ before the busyness of the day begins.

“Whether you're dropping the kids off at school, commuting to work, or sipping your morning coffee, you're invited to be part of something more than just a radio show,” said Davis. 

Along with prayer and conversations rooted in faith, the show includes lighthearted features such as “This or That” and “The Impossible Question,” inviting listeners to laugh together and engage with one another.

“We try to encourage fun, laughter, and connection with our audience bright and early,” Maria said. “We hope to turn people's ordinary drives or daily routines into meaningful moments. For many listeners, those moments have become part of their daily lives.” 

Tina, who listens each morning with her daughter on the drive to school, says Spirit FM has become an extension of the values she hopes to teach at home. 

“Spirit FM is helping to raise my daughter and my spirits daily,” she shared.

The station’s impact extends into Catholic schools as well. At St. Lawrence Catholic School, seventh-grade teacher Jenny Nansel begins each morning by playing the Morning Show for her students before class and Mass. 

“It's a fun way for my homeroom to engage in discussion before we head to Mass,” she said. “They miss it when it's not available. Watching them listen to their shoutouts and recordings on the Morning Show was a highlight of the year.” 

Her student, Liam, says the program has helped classmates discover shared interests and build stronger friendships. 

“Spirit FM has impacted our classroom in a positive way,” he said. “We’ve learned things about each other we never knew we had in common.”

Stories like these illustrate what Spirit FM has accomplished throughout its 40-year history. Through music, prayer, teaching, local programming, and authentic conversation, the station has created countless opportunities for people to encounter Christ in the midst of everyday life. 

“We are all called to proclaim the Good News with whatever tools we've been blessed with,” said John Morris, Spirit FM’s station manager, who has served the ministry for nearly its entire history. “We give God praise and glory for this radio ministry. The Lord has provided us with the ability to affect more lives than you can imagine.”

As the anniversary celebration concluded, both Bishop Parkes and John Morris reflected with gratitude on the bishops, clergy, employees, volunteers, benefactors, and faithful listeners whose support has sustained the ministry for four decades. Looking ahead, Spirit FM continues to expand its outreach through parish events, school visits, concerts, conferences, live broadcasts, and new initiatives, ensuring that future generations will continue to encounter the Gospel through Catholic radio.

For Davis and Maria, however, the heart of the ministry remains unchanged. 

“Join Davis and me every weekday morning as we pray with you, laugh alongside you, and walk through life together, always pointing back to Jesus,” Maria said.

Spirit FM provides an opportunity to encounter the Lord whether you are someone going to and from their job, a student or teacher navigating the school year, a parent or child trying to live out the faith in their family, or are transitioning through various life changes. This station invites all to encounter Christ.

Forty years after its first broadcast, Spirit FM continues to fulfill the vision that launched the ministry in 1986, bringing the hope of Christ into homes, cars, classrooms, workplaces, and hearts throughout the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and beyond.