The future of a 170-foot cell tower in St. Augustine Shores will be decided when the Board of County Commissioners hears an appeal Tuesday.
The proposed tower, planned for a church-owned parcel along Shores Boulevard, was originally rejected in December 2025 after a 6–1 vote by the Planning and Zoning Agency, following hours of public comment from neighbors.
Residents raised concerns that the tower would be visible from homes, streets, and green spaces.
Many also cited potential impacts on nearby nesting birds, safety during hurricanes, and possible effects on property values.
Speakers said the tower did not fit with the quiet, family-focused character of a neighborhood developed in the 1970s.
The applicant argues that the agency’s denial was based on assumptions rather than evidence.
They note in filings with the county that the land is church-owned, the tower would be set more than 250 feet from the nearest home, and although the design could accommodate multiple wireless providers, it currently has only one committed user.
The appeal also states that concerns about the neighborhood’s future development were speculative and should not influence the decision.
The applicant asserts that the rejection would prevent new wireless service in the area, which is restricted under federal and state law.
At tomorrow’s hearing, the commissioners will decide whether to overturn the agency’s denial and allow the tower to proceed, or uphold the previous decision and effectively halt it.
Although the Planning and Zoning Agency typically serves an advisory role, in this case its decision is final unless overturned by the Board of County Commissioners.
