Resolution 032-2021 MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA
MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION NO. 032 -2021
A RESOLUTION BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTING THE AVAILABILITY OF AFFORDABLE AND
RELIABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS reliable and affordable high-speed intemet access is essential for Floridians to be
prosperous and meet today's challenges; and
WHEREAS the absence of access to reliable and affordable high-speed intemet service
prevents communities from achieving the high quality of life that is considered a fundamental
component for educational and economic success; and
WHEREAS the absence and/or lack of high-speed Internet:
• hinders the ability for all schoolchildren to have access to educational opportunities;
• hinders access to telemedicine to improve health outcomes for its residents, and to
provide access without demanding travel and transportation;
•hinders the ability for rapid communication between the public and law
enforcement agencies;
•hinders the ability for communities to maintain and expand business opportunities,
stimulate job growth;
•hinders the ability to engage in innovative technologies that are required for a vibrant
economy.
WHEREAS in 2020 the Florida Legislature recently passed House Bill 969 creating an Office
of Broadband within the Department of Economic Opportunity requiring the creation of a strategic
plan that has goals and strategies for increasing the use of broadband Internet service in the state;
and
WHEREAS it is important that a collaborative strategic plan addresses the intemet access
needs of the public,supports the ability of the private sector to provide expanded intemet services,
and engages governmental entities at the Federal, State and Local level, and identifies necessary
resources; and
WHEREAS a strategic plan be based on accurate and up-to-date service information and
mapping; and
WHEREAS the National Association of Counties has developed "Test It!" an easy to use
"mapping tool"that can be used to assess availability of Internet; and
WHEREAS the Small County Coalition developed its"Florida Broadband Initiative" and the
Florida Association of Counties developed its broadband initiative called"Access 67"to advance
greater access to affordable, reliable high-speed intemet services throughout Florida's
communities; and
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,FLORIDA:
Section 1. The Monroe Board of County Commissioners hereby supports of Small County
Coalition, Florida Association of Counties and the State of Florida Department of Economic
Opportunity in the effort to advance and achieve access to reliable and affordable high-
speed interne[access to every household and business throughout the State of Florida.
Section 2. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners will assist the State Office
of Broadband by providing information, assistance in mapping efforts, and supporting other such
efforts that will lead to enhanced access to affordable, reliable high-speed intemet services
throughout the State of Florida.
Section 3. This resolution shall become effective upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,Florida,
at a regular meeting held on the 20th day of January,2021.
Mayor Michelle Coldiron Yes
Mayor Pro Tem David Rice Yes
Commissioner Craig Cates Yes
Commissioner Eddie Martinez Yes
Commissioner Mike Forster Yes
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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Approved for legal sufficiency by Monroe County Attorney Robert B. Shillinger on 1/25/21.
Robert B. Digitally signed by Robert B.Shillinger
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