Myakka Area Cellphone Coverage May Expand

One of Sarasota County’s notorious “black holes” for cellphone coverage is in the Myakka area, in the eastern part of the county. But that might change this year if a new cellphone tower is erected.

Spire Development wants to install a 199-foot monopole communication tower at 14399 Fruitville Road, on a 339-acre parcel now used as a cow pasture. The site is about a mile from the end of eastern terminus of Fruitville at Verna Road.

‘The company wants to lease 1,600 square feet for the base of the tower and an associated equipment building.

“We hosted a community meeting,” said Lauralee Westine, the attorney representing Spire. She said those attending were split about 40/60 on the idea, with 40 percent in favor. “Our intent is to move forward,” she said.

The tower would have space to support the equipment for five carriers, and Westine said carriers are interested. “We have a large gap in coverage there,” she said.

Westine said the people attending the neighborhood meeting on Dec. 19 were “well-researched, well organized and respectful.”

Spire Development is using the comments from the neighborhood meeting to modify the location of the tower on the property. Westine said she did not know if the carriers planned to offer the new 4G level of service, or stay with the current 3G protocol.

Because a special exception to the zoning rules is required, Westine will file an application when Spire is ready. The project will go before the planning board and then the county commission for approval.

Unlike other communities where cellphone tower locations can become heated issues, Westine said Sarasota County’s codes and procedures are very clear, and applicants who follow the rules are seldom turned down.