Topping off ceremony at 150 feet

The installation crew posts the American flag atop — 150 feet above the city — the new Bradenton Beach cell tower Sept. 11. Islander Photos: Jack Elka

The Bradenton Beach cell tower was brought on a large flatbed truck to the site adjacent to the city’s public works and police buildings Sept. 11. Raising the tower involved two cranes, one able to reach 160 feet in the air. The first section was set on the prepared base at approximately 11 a.m., bolted down, and followed by the raising of the other components, until about 12:30 p.m. when, finally, it was topped off. Islander Photos: Jack Elka

Part two of the four components that comprise the tower is placed into position by a crane with help from the crew in a basket hanging from the second crane. After the parts were delivered and equipment was in place, the installation was completed in about two hours. To come: a carport-style building that will support equipment on the roof and allow parking underneath, cell antennas and a sheath to cover the spindle sections, and the start of improved cell service and monthly rent payments to the city.

It took a team effort, but at the last moment of the tower raising, Bradenton Beach Chief Sam Speciale came running from the police building adjacent to the site with an American flag for an official topping off of the cell tower and a remembrance of the day — Sept. 11.

Kevin Barile of Florida Tower Partners and Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale celebrate the topping off of the cell tower with two members of the crew at the top of the tower.