While the sunshine is plentiful on Anna Maria Island, cell phone service is not.
But that will soon change, as construction is underway on Bradenton Beach for a new 150-foot cell tower.
Once it’s finished and the local cellular companies add their equipment to the site, the cell service will improve.
It’s an improvement in technology locals say they’re happy to see.
Local worker John Sandals said anytime he takes a call while working on the island, he has to step outside away from the buildings.
Others complain of the same problems.
The city of Bradenton has leased the property on which the new cell tower sits to Florida Tower Partners of Bradenton for $320,000.
While Bradenton Beach’s new cell tower is nearly complete, Anna Maria is still in the planning process. Construction of the city’s long-awaited tower has been pushed back until April.