HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-108RESOLUTION 2020-108
RESOLUTION
SUPPORTING AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET
THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
'WHEREAS, reliable and affordable high-speed internet 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 internet 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, 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 imperative that the strategic plan be based on accurate and up-to-date mapping and the
internet access needs of the public and private sector; 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, in order to meet the goal of universal access to high-speed internet, it will be necessary to
determine what the private providers need to provide affordable and reliable connectivity in sparsely located areas,
and the support necessary to address issues of sparse populations and to provide expanded internet services, and
engage governmental entities at the Federal, State and Local level in order to be successful.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the Board of County Commissioners Indian
River County resolve as follows:
Section 1. That the Board of County Commissioners Indian River County hereby supports the State of
Florida and the Department of Economic Opportunity in the effort to achieve access to reliable and affordable high-
speed internet access to every household and business throughout the State of Florida.
Section 2. That the Board of County Commissioners Indian River County will assist the State Office of
Broadband by participating as needed in meeting the obligations of HB 969 including providing information,
assistance in mapping efforts, and supporting other such efforts that will lead to enhanced access to affordable,
reliable high-speed internet services throughout the State of Florida.
RESOLUTION 2020- 108
Section 3. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
The resolution was moved for adoption by Commissioner Su gan Adams , and the motion
was seconded by Commissioner Peter D. 0' Bryan , and upon being put to a vote, the vote was as
follows:
Commissioner Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman
Commissioner Peter D. O'Bryan, Vice Chairman AYE
Commissioner Susan Adams AYE
Commissioner Joseph Earman AYE
Commissioner Laura Moss AYE
The Chairman thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and adopted this Is t day of
December, 2020.AT • .
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
By P,;•
Joseph E. Flescher, Chairman
ATTEST: Jeffrey R. Smith, Clerk of
Court and Comptroller
By:
Deputy Clerk
Approved as to form and
Legal sufficiency
By:
Dylan Reingold