Clay County is becoming a destination location for those wanting to move out of urban areas. For some, it's coming home, for others it's looking for an escape from the traffic and crime that is increasing every day.

One of the boxes that must be checked for millennials and those who work remotely, before they make a move, is how much bandwidth is available. Specifically, can I get fiber to my house?

Thanks to Comcell, Precinct 3 is almost completely covered by fiber. Precinct 4 is served by both Comcell Fiber and point-to-point wireless. Pinnacle and Nextlink have also installed towers that provide competitive options for many residents in Clay County. Satellite internet is an option, but not necessarily a good one.

Recently, Richard Lowery, Commissioner Precinct 1, and I met with representatives from Charter/Spectrum communications who announced that they have received a grant to install fiber in the northern portion of Clay County. (see blue area of the map) They currently plan to install 125 miles of fiber beginning this fall.

This project is similar to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, enacted on May 20, 1936, which provided federal loans for the installation of electrical distribution systems to serve isolated rural areas of the United States.