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Suwannee County OKs 255-foot T‑Mobile Tower after Commissioners Warn Hands Tied on RF Rules
Summary
The Suwannee County Board approved a special permit for a 255‑foot, self‑support communications tower proposed by Next Tower Development Group for a T‑Mobile site, after public concerns about aesthetics and radiation and a county attorney warning that federal law generally preempts local limits on radio‑frequency emissions.
The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners voted 4‑0 on July 15 to approve special permit SP‑25‑07‑03 for a 255‑foot self‑support communications tower and associated equipment proposed by Next Tower Development Group for a T‑Mobile site. The tower will sit on agricultural‑zoned land near the intersection of County Road 250 and County Road 200, west of Live Oak.
Why it matters: Commissioners and residents debated coverage gaps, safety and look of the tower. County staff said federal law limits local oversight on radio‑frequency effects, narrowing the county’s options. The board approved the applicant’s resolution and added the usual county permit conditions.
County planning staff Ron Meeks told the board the…
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