Watch out below!
A panel falling from a cell tower June 15 — not the first such incident — prompted concern from a Bradenton Beach business owner and city action.
Mike Bazzy, owner of the Bradenton Beach Marina at 402 Church St., adjacent to the cell tower site wrote asking for help June 15, expressing his concerns.
The panel fell, he said, about 100 feet northeast of the tower in a walkway in the marina boatyard. The 12-by-4 foot panel is made of heavy plastic, a nylon composite and stainless steel fittings.
The tower is at 403 Highland Ave.
This was the sixth incident of a panel falling from the tower, according to Bazzy.
In early April 2015, a panel fell and landed on public works property.
On April 27, 2015, a panel fell and landed in front of the marina office.
On Sept. 10, 2015, multiple panels fell, landing on a boat at the marina, on Bazzy’s southern property line and two on Church Avenue.
On two other occasions, a panel put a hole through the roof of the public works building and another panel landed on property at 302 Church Ave.
“We’ve had several near misses over the years,” Bazzy said. “How long will we continue to accept this hazard?”
The cell facility is owned by SBA Communications, which leases the tower property from the city.
City attorney Ricinda Perry said public works director Tom Woodard and Mayor John Chappie asked a representative how SBA plans to address the problem.
SBA Communications said they plan to use a drone to check for a deficiency in the tower construction, as well as hire an engineering expert to review the panels.
Additionally, SBA plans to use hurricane tape and clips to address any imminent hazards.
Woodard said he asked SBA not to reinstall the fallen panel.
Florida Tower Partners constructed the tower in September 2014.
Florida Tower Partners also constructed a tower in Anna Maria at city hall.
For now, the tower neighbors are on the lookout.