Today, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and the University of Florida (UF) announced a significant development in public safety messaging with the launch of the first BEACON site at WUFT-FM in Gainesville. This initiative aims to enhance communication during disasters through a 24/7 text-to-speech platform that broadcasts critical information.
"Under the Governor’s leadership, the state is empowered to leverage technology and find innovative solutions to best serve Floridians," said FDEM Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. He emphasized the importance of expanding outreach platforms following an active hurricane season to ensure timely information for residents and visitors.
BEACON utilizes broadcast radio's long-standing reliability combined with modern technology to deliver messages directly via AM radio, FM HD channels, and a mobile app. "The University of Florida’s public media enterprise... has been a national leader in providing innovative, unique and powerful tools," said UFCJC Dean Hub Brown.
Safety messages are uploaded from sources like the National Weather Service and IPAWS alerts, then converted into natural-sounding speech in English and Spanish. Plans are underway to include Haitian Creole and other languages.
FDEM plans further expansion across Florida with partners WUFT, FPREN, and Futuri Media. The BEACON stream can be accessed on FM frequency 89.1 HD4, online at WUFT.org, or via a mobile app available on major platforms.
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