During a recent government meeting, residents of Lee County voiced urgent concerns regarding inadequate internet access and issues related to property access and emergency response.

Janet, a resident of Veil Road, highlighted the critical need for high-speed internet in her area, where current service from AT&T provides speeds as low as half a megabit per second. She emphasized the importance of reliable internet for students, particularly in light of recent disruptions caused by a hurricane, which necessitated remote learning. Janet urged the commission to prioritize broadband access for all households in Lee County, expressing disappointment over a projected two-year timeline for service expansion.

In a separate discussion, Commissioner Long addressed a situation involving residents of Oliver Trails who are struggling with access to their homes due to a complex driveway situation. The issue arose when emergency services had difficulty locating a home during a medical emergency, highlighting the potential dangers of the current access arrangements. The residents, Jeff and Elizabeth Miller, explained that their home is accessed via a long, unmaintained driveway that is not officially recognized, complicating matters further.

The commission discussed the need for legal guidance to address these access issues, particularly as the original developer had not adhered to approved plans regarding property access. The Millers expressed their desire for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that their primary concern is safety and proper access to their home.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for infrastructure improvements in Lee County, particularly in terms of internet access and emergency response capabilities, as residents seek solutions to longstanding issues affecting their quality of life.