Palm Harbor's Polka Happy Hour radio show breaks format norms

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There's a fun alternative on the airwaves during Wednesday's evening commute. 

The Polka Happy Hour with Wackie Jackie, on Palm Harbor's 104.1 WZIG, is a fun musical experience like nothing else on the radio.

The show's host and Jackie Zolnierowski said he called the independent, non-profit radio station's owner and pitched his idea for a show.

"I contacted Paul, the owner, and his dog, ZIggy and the next thing I know I'm on the air doing the Polka Happy Hour," Zolnierowski said.

The station's format is to have no format, calling it "extreme variety to stretch your mind."

"We can go from Led Zepplin to Bing Crosby to some country to some classical music without having to change the station," owner Paul Kempter said.

The stations 14 volunteer DJs are in it for the opportunity to have a voice in the community and to share the music they love with others.

"I get to play the Ramones, punk music, alternative music, new wave music. Music that I love for an hour and it puts me in a whole another world," explained DJ Heather Moore.

Snappers Grill and Comedy Club hosts the low-power station, which serves about 300,000 people in Palm Harbor, East Lake, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, and parts of Dunedin and New Port Richey.  Tampa Bay boaters are also encouraged to tune in from the water.

Online streaming is available on the station's website, wzig.org.