New cell site in Horseshoe Beach aims to keep first responders connected during emergencies

HORSESHOE BEACH, Fla. (WCJB) -A new 160-foot cell site is now operational in Horseshoe Beach, designed to give first responders dedicated wireless connectivity during emergencies such as hurricanes.

Officials say the need for improved cell service became clear after communication was spotty during Hurricane Helene’s storm surge. The site is part of FirstNet, built with AT&T.

Designed to withstand storm surge

The platform sits 20 feet above ground to prevent submersion in the event of a storm surge similar to the one produced by Hurricane Helene. The site also includes a battery backup, a fixed generator, and underground fiber to reduce vulnerability to wind damage.

First responders and officials weigh in

Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler said communication was unreliable during storms like Hurricane Helene, prompting officials to address the gap.

“If you don’t have this type of communication during an emergency, and day-to-day, but mainly during an emergency, the quicker you can get that information, recognizing that information,” Butler said. “So whenever you have our deputies who are in the field, the feedback from our citizens here in our outreach communities back to the command post, we know what the need is, we know what supplies need to come, we can relay that up the chain so that can be the connectivity of that communication to our citizens.”

Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-3) said the project was personal for her district and for her family.

“Our district, we have seen four hurricanes in 18 months, and it really has devastated parts of our community, so this one was very personal,” Cammack said. “Also, as a wife of a first responder, I have seen very close, up close and personal the challenges that can result as a result of not having comms.”

More sites planned for North Central Florida

The Horseshoe Beach tower is the first of more than 135 sites being built across the country. Cammack said North Central Florida will see 19 sites in the near future. AT&T officials also plan to install a second cell site in Horseshoe Beach, though a timeline has not been set.

The new infrastructure comes as hurricane season is underway and public safety officials and residents are working to stay prepared.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.