By Pamela Nicholls, GSAC Board Member
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The Verizon 5G cell antenna on the median opposite Windsor Court and Jamaica Towers has been approved by the City. Image via Permit Application on NaplesGov.com, accessed on August 21, 2023.

Naples City Streets and Stormwater Department continues to receive applications for the installation of Verizon 5G cell antennas along Gulf Shore Boulevard North.  As previously reported, earlier this year the City approved wireless systems at 10 locations around the City, including three on GSBN – at 2880, south of Harbour Drive, on the median opposite Windsor Court and Jamaica Towers; 1301 (Lowdermilk) and 851 (Naples Beach Club).

There are seven more Verizon applications for permitting under review, including three more antennas planned on GSBN. You can view all applications here.  Although the City has promised to do its best to preserve the aesthetic integrity of neighborhoods, due to state legislation, its authority regulating the deployment of this new technology is limited.

The proposed location of a 30ft Verizon 5G cell pole opposite Spindrift and The Billows. Image via Permit Application on NaplesGov.com, accessed on August 21, 2023.

A Florida statute, amended in 2019, includes language that prohibits municipalities from adopting or enforcing certain ordinances, regulations, or requirements related to communications services. The statute also specifies limitations on municipal authority to regulate and manage municipal roads or rights of way.

So far, all applications under review have been submitted by Verizon. This does not preclude their competitors (T-Mobile, AT&T, etc) from applying to install equipment. As the City may not have the ability to prevent these communications facilities from being installed or regulate the location of the facilities, the potential for a proliferation of cell towers along GSBN might be considerable.

Verizon has applied for installation of a 35ft curbside cell tower opposite Venetian Cove Club and Horizon House on GSBN. Image via Permit Application on NaplesGov.com, accessed on August 21, 2023.