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Roy M. Speer
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Speer was born in Key West. He earned an undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor’s degree in law from Stetson University College of Law. With Lowell “Bud” Paxson, he co-owned AM-1470 WWQT (1977-1983), a small 5-kilowatt daytimer licensed to Dunedin and, in 1985, and was a co-founder of the TV shopping giant Home Shopping Network.
An industrious entrepreneur and businessman, the lawyer-turned-developer made the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest people in America. He grew vegetables in Puerto Rico and owned a boat dealership, beautician school, restaurants, lounges, a marina, marine dredging operation, and an oil and gas drilling and exploration company.
At the age of 30, he ran for mayor of St. Petersburg, but was disqualified for not meeting the residency requirement. He was an assistant state attorney for Pinellas County from 1965 to 1967, chief lobbyist for the city of St. Petersburg, owner of Aloha Utilities in Pasco County, and a home developer. He also established the Roy M. Speer Foundation, which supports many charitable and educational organizations.
After a long illness, Roy Merrill Speer, Jr., passed away at his home in New Port Richey on August 19, 2012 at the age of 80.
Station History
1977 - 1983 Other Tampa Bay Area Stations (Management)
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