With the official launch of its new phase on June 9, Alegría Tampa Bay 100.1 FM hopes to become a radio alternative for Tampa Bay families, featuring programming based on positive music, entertainment and inspiring content.
Although the station began broadcasting Feb. 9, it spent the past few months developing more offerings that now includes live hosts, new programs, 24-hour continuous broadcasting, and the launch of its own mobile app.
“We are deeply grateful to God and very excited that we were able to officially launch the station on June 9. It was an evolutionary process to reach where we are now,” said Marlon Carrasquillo, director of Alegría Tampa Bay.
One of the station’s major advancements is the launch of the Alegría Radio app — available for Android and iPhone devices — allowing people both inside and outside the Tampa Bay area to listen to live programming from anywhere.
According to Carrasquillo, the app will not only stream the station’s signal but also offer exclusive content, such as podcasts dedicated to family, personal growth and reflection.
“Many people were writing to us from Orlando and other cities, saying they wanted to listen to us. Now that is possible thanks to our mobile app,” he noted.
A space to strengthen the family
The director emphasizes that Alegría Tampa Bay was born with a clear mission: to become a safe space for all families.
“We want anyone who listens to Alegría to go home wanting to hug, forgive, and bring their family together. Music has immense power to influence people, and we want to use that power to convey hope and joy,” he said.
Although the station upholds Christ-centered values, Carrasquillo clarifies that it does not represent any specific religious denomination nor does it function as a church.
“We are an entertainment outlet that selects positive music. Of course, we have a Christ-centered identity, but this isn’t about religion; it’s about Jesus and remembering that we are all one big family,” he said.
That philosophy is also reflected in the music selection, which includes renowned artists like Juan Luis Guerra alongside contemporary Christian music performers and inspirational messages aimed at connecting with people of all ages.
All-day programming
Alegría Tampa Bay’s new schedule features 24-hour broadcasting. Live programming begins at 8 a.m. with Alejandro Acevedo, who kicks off the daily lineup and stays on air until 1 p.m.
Afterward, Cristian Rojas takes the microphone, accompanying listeners until 6 p.m. In the evening, BJ Negrón joins the lineup, reinforcing the station’s live presence throughout the day.
The station also features short reflection segments aired throughout the day, hosted by well-known content creators and Christian leaders.
These include Rosalina Núñez, an influencer with over 500,000 social media followers; Pastor Jahaziel Rodríguez, who has more than 3 million YouTube followers; and BJ Negrón himself, all of whom share brief messages designed to offer encouragement, hope, and motivation.
A message for the Hispanic community
For Carrasquillo, Alegría Tampa Bay seeks to meet the need for a different kind of option on the Hispanic radio dial. “We are practically the only ones in Tampa focused entirely on this type of content. We want people to take a break from the constant stream of news and situations affecting their daily lives, and to find a place here where they can breathe, smile, and feel a sense of connection.”
The director concludes with an open invitation to the entire community: “If you want to have a good time, if you want to disconnect from the many things that impact our daily lives, listen to Alegría and lift your spirits — because that is why we came to Tampa Bay: to bring joy to people.”