Beloved radio host cherished his life in Pembroke Pines. Here are 5 takeaways

John “Footy” Kross, a beloved South Florida radio personality and nonprofit leader, recently died at the age of 77.

A longtime Pembroke Pines resident known for his work at Miami’s Y-100 radio station and his dedication to the charity Here’s Help, Kross left a lasting impact on his community.

FULL STORY: Radio host, charity giant, Pembroke Pines resident John ‘Footy’ Kross dies

Here are the highlights:

• Kross gained fame in the 1970s as a DJ and talk show host at Y-100, where he worked until his retirement in 2006. His nickname “Footy” originated from his early days as a sports reporter.
• He was the driving force behind “Footy’s Wing Ding,” an annual charity concert that supported his nonprofit, Here’s Help. The organization praised his dedication to raising awareness and funds for those in need.
• Kross began his career at Here’s Help, an addiction treatment center, in 1969 and served as its CEO for 50 years. Despite his radio success, he remained committed to the charity, calling it his “first world.”
• A resident of Pembroke Pines for over 40 years, Kross formed strong ties with the community and its leaders. He was honored with a key to the city in 2023 for his service and dedication to helping those with substance abuse issues.
• Kross’s personal experiences with drug use in his teens fueled his empathy and understanding for those struggling with addiction. He cherished his life in Pembroke Pines, attributing his happiness to the city’s people, schools and community spirit.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in the Pembroke Pines News newsroom. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Pembroke Pines News journalists.