Lee Commissioners accept grant funds to improve internet speed and equipment at North Fort Myers Recreation Center
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to accept $1.1 million in grant funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to furnish a computer lab, upgrade Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment, and expand broadband service to North Fort Myers Recreation Center, which is at 2000 North Recreation Park Way.
In 2022, Lee County, in cooperation with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Office of Broadband, asked residents and visitors to take a survey and an internet speed test to evaluate broadband capabilities and determine areas in need of added service. Surveys were taken online or in person at Lee County libraries and recreation centers in July 2022.
Participation in the survey and speed test helped to identify local gaps in high-speed internet service and advance the state’s overall broadband infrastructure expansion goals.
In response to the survey results, Lee County applied for and was awarded the grant to support the installation of fiberoptic broadband internet service at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center. It will enhance existing Wi-Fi by adding access points and create a computer lab within an existing classroom. Furthermore, the AV equipment in the multipurpose rooms, weight room and sports venues will be upgraded and expanded.
Currently, the recreation center offers broadband access at 50 Mbps, which will be upgraded to 250 Mbps. Broadband access will also be extended to the 4H annex and maintenance buildings. Inside the recreation center, the Wi-Fi system will feature 12 access points to ensure reliable coverage throughout the 33,000 square-foot facility, while the 4H annex and maintenance building will each receive one access point to enhance connectivity in those areas.
The new computer lab will be equipped with:
• 12 all-in-one desktop computers.
• AV equipment
• Furniture to accommodate a classroom for 11 students and a teacher.
The upgraded internet service and public computer lab will enhance workforce development training, financial literacy classes and other educational opportunities.
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Source: Lee County Government