Dave McKay Way: Pinellas Park to Rename Street

PINELLAS PARK, FL — A segment of Pinellas Park’s 81st Avenue North will soon have a new name. The city council recently voted unanimously to rename a stretch of the road Dave McKay Way.

The segment that will be renamed in honor of the late 99.5 QYK radio personality runs along England Brothers Park, the city said in an email. The official re-dedication of the stretch of road is expected to take place during the city’s Pinellas Pork BBQ Cook-Off and Rodeo on Oct. 1.

"Dave McKay was a personal friend of mine and just a really great guy," said Rick Butler, vice mayor for the City of Pinellas Park. "He supported so many City events and it will be truly an honor to have a street named after Dave in the Pinellas Park community. He will certainly always be remembered and greatly missed. All of Council felt privileged to make this dedication happen."

McKay, whose real name is Steve Ehmke, was found dead in his St. Petersburg home Aug. 4. The 55-year-old didn’t show up for his shift on the “Dave and Veronica Show,” prompting a co-worker to go check on him.

News of McKay’s death struck fans and friends hard with many taking to social media to express grief. The station also issued a statement in the wake of the loss:

Dave was one of the nicest people any of us have ever met and he was 100% the guy you heard on air for years.

If you were a listener to 99.5 QYK, you were his friend – that’s how he felt. Even if you’d never met him, Dave loved you.

Say a prayer for Dave’s family, his friends, and all of us here at 99.5 QYK – because we’re hurting right along with you.

Photo courtesy of QYK