A Fernandina dual purpose flagpole receives upgrade

Submitted by Mike Pikula

October 1, 2014 4:57 p.m.

Have you wondered what was happening to the flagpole in front of the Nassau County School Board building on Atlantic Avenue this week?

Well, first it’s more than a just a flagpole. The thick white pole also houses antennae for cellular phones. Technicians are upgrading the cellular antennae to incorporate new technology for Verizon and T-Mobile customers to enable faster data transmission. The flagpole/tower itself is owned and maintained by Crown Castle, Inc. but erected on Nassau County School Board property.

According to Sharyl Wood, the Public Information Officer for the School District, the arrangement enables the School District to properly display the American flag at no cost and receive an annual rental payment from Crown Castle ($13,224.95/year). In the basket enjoying the view while they work are BetaCom technicians David Turner and Bobby Baggett. The flag was temporarily at half mast only to permit the work.

Editor's Note:  We thank Mike for sharing his photos and information on the flag pole upgrade.  A great story!