Verizon to submit application to build small cell poles on Longboat Key

The town is working to enhance cell phone coverage on the north end of the island as part of its underground utilities project.

Town Manager Tom Harmer said the town has had conversations with representatives from Verizon Wireless and AT&T.

“Verizon has actually indicated that they’ll be submitting an application to install a small cell on the north end of the island,” he said. “We’re going to be working with them.”

Harmer said it requires a special exception approval from the town’s Planning & Zoning Board. He said the Town Commission also might need to update its code to consider Verizon's proposal to install up to nine new small cell poles and antennas.

In previous months, Longboat Key town commissioners pointed out how poor cell phone service could create problems when someone needs to call 911 in the event of an emergency. Also, it’s a detriment for anyone trying to do business from their Longboat Key properties on the north end.

Public Works Project Manager James Linkogle said Florida Power and Light is removing overhead light poles in phase one of the project, which is the southernmost of the four-phase project. Crews started that process on June 16, according to Linkogle.

“A lot of the aerial crews were deployed for (Hurricane) Ida,” Linkogle said. “They have returned.”

CDM Smith consultant Mark Porter said the town is waiting for FPL to remove its remaining poles to finish phase-one work.

Phase two continues from the northern tip of the island to Dream Island Road. Wilco is working on installing FPL equipment and wiring in the Longbeach Village neighborhood and Bayou Hammock Road.

“Most of the conduits have been installed in that Gulf of Mexico Drive right-of-way,” Linkogle said.

Phase three work goes from Country Club Shores to the county line.

“Crews have completed all of the FPL conduit installations in that area, and they’re installing all of the splice boxes, switch boxes, so forth up to the 3700 block,” Linkogle said.

Porter said the project is on budget with no use of contingency funds for the first three phases of the project.

Phase four goes from Dream Island Road south to the county line. On Sept. 21, Linkogle said the town received the final binding cost estimate for phase four from FPL. The town will then submit the documentation to the Florida Department of Transportation for a right-of-way utility permit.

“Our permit for fiber and highway lighting is in review, and all of that work will commence within the next couple of weeks,” Linkogle said.

The town is in negotiations with Wilco for final utilities undergrounding.

“I still think we’re looking favorable for the overall undergrounding costs to come in underneath the budget,” Smith said.

The plan is to finish the undergrounding project by the end of 2022.