The 50th annual Tampa Bay Hamfest will be held December 12th and 13th, 2025
Let us fasttrack you to order tickets and space.
President’s Message
Hello. I thought it was about time for a few updates for the 2025 Tampa Bay Hamfest. But first a sad comment. Ian Renton, W4RIR, has become a Silent Key. Ian was a long-time personal friend in addition to being a long-time volunteer with The Florida Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Council, the outfit that puts on this hamfest. Webmaster, Treasurer, photographer and all-around volunteer and champion strawberry shortcake eater. Back when the Future Farmers of America were our food vendor their special desert was strawberry shortcake, a piece of vinalla cake in a bowl with strawberry piled on top and a bunch of whipped cream. The last year they did it , the year before Covid, I saw Ian eat 5 strawberry shortcakes on the day. Five!! Ian admitted to the five but would not comment on if he had more that I dd not see. Rest easy old friend, I am sure you can all the strawberry shortcake you want where you are now.
We have some changes In our venue. Nor sure yet how it will affect us. The Strawberry Festival is building a new building in our tailgate area. We may have to start using the land south of the Armory building for tailgate or maybe some other solution but we will have the 2025 Tampa Bay Hamfest there in any case. Also the Armory has been converted from the meeting rooms to a museum but we have other rooms for our forums. We still have a large tailgate area, the Carriage House and the Expo building so not a huge difference. Make your plans to come see use in December.
73,
Bill AG4QX
President of The Florida Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Council
N4RIR /SK
Robert “Ian” Renton, of Tampa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. He was born on February 17, 1936, in Scotland to Alexander and Elizabeth (Sneddon) Renton. Ian is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Doreenand his cherished rescues Shelties, Milo and Jock.
A lifelong learner, Ian earned degrees from McGill University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the University of Connecticut (UCONN). He spent more than 40 years working as a mechanical engineer. An avid amateur radio operator (call sign W4RIR), Ian served as treasurer and webmaster for the Florida Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Council.
To neighbors, he was affectionately known as “Mr. Ian” a reflection of his kindness, quiet generosity, and the care he showed to all around him. To his family, he was “Mr. Fix-It,” always ready to solve a problem or repair anything that needed attention. Ian had a sharp wit and a dry, endearing sense of humor that kept us laughing and lightened even in the hardest moments.
