Spotty cell phone service is fairly standard in the agricultural heartland. But as rural Florida grows so does the need for infrastructure such as cell phone service.

That’s why commissioners will weigh two proposals to erect towers in the fast-growing Port LaBelle area and in North West Hendry County.

The first proposal at State Road 80 and Cowboy Way calls for a 150 foot tower with an additional 5 foot allowance for a lightning rod. The tower would be surrounded by trees.
The second off Howard Road calls for a 195 foot high tower with a four foot allowance for a lightning rod. This tower would also be surrounded by trees.

The public hearings could draw opposition. That’s what happened at the Local Planning Agency meeting earlier this month. Several residents spoke out about the Cowboy Way site saying the tower was not visually appealing and would negatively impact the character of the surrounding community.

Reports say county staff tried to allay the residents explaining the proposed tower would be much shorter and less visually intrusive than some of the existing communication towers throughout Port LaBelle.

Both proposals passed through the planning agency with unanimous support.
The Hendry County Commission meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday.