Dick Goleno was a beloved sports broadcaster and a defining voice in Polk County athletics. Beginning his radio career in 1960 at WSOM-FM, Goleno called play-by-play for Salem High School football and basketball. In 1968, he moved to Lakeland to work as a sports announcer for WLAK and joined WONN-AM in 1970, where he became a staple of local sports coverage. 

Goleno was best known as the host of Polk County’s top-rated morning sports show on WONN-AM and for his 30-year tenure as the play-by-play announcer for Lakeland, Rochelle, Kathleen, and Santa Fe High School football from 1970 to 2001. He also covered spring training games for the Detroit Tigers, the Florida High School Basketball Finals, and served as the official voice of the Lakeland Racetrack and the Orange Cup Regatta in their early days. 

Renowned for his enthusiasm, professionalism, and deep love for sports, Goleno remained Polk County’s biggest sports fan until his untimely passing in September. His decades of dedication left an enduring impact on local sports broadcasting and the community he served.