Improved cell service in Anna Maria is coming.
Representatives from the city of Anna Maria and Florida Tower Partners gathered Feb. 20 for a groundbreaking at the tower site at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
With a spade in one hand and a giant “check” in the other, Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy thanked people for their efforts, especially a trio of former Anna Maria mayors and Florida Tower Partners.
“We couldn’t have done this without you,” he said. “Thank you for helping to bring the city of Anna Maria into the 21st century.”
FTP presented Murphy with a check for the city — an initial lease payment of $365,000. FTP has a five-year lease with the city and a right to extend the lease for seven more five-year terms.
Construction was set to begin Feb. 23 and continue until mid-March. The tower, which will be 162 feet tall and can accommodate up to six antennae, is expected to be operational in May.
Verizon and AT&T have expressed interest in placing cell antennae on the tower.