The network that America relies on apparently wants to build a cellphone tower in one of the most scenic areas of Fort Myers. It would be built at the intersection of McGregor Boulevard and Clifford Street near the downtown area, just off the Caloosahatchee River.
"We're losing our most beautiful portions of Fort Myers, honestly, to technology," said Virginia Harper, president of the Lee Trust for Preservation.
Harper knows there's always change but believes the historic area of McGregor Boulevard needs to stay the same.
"The section toward the river used to be a beautiful view from here, so now we want to put up a huge cell tower," Harper added.
She says Verizon is proposing to put up a cell tower that's more than 40 feet tall.
"I don't think it needs to be here. I'm not happy with more technology, more cell towers, more power poles crowding up, you know, an already busy district," she told NBC2.
Not everyone agrees with Harper.
"I'm really for moving forward for progress, for technology," said Colleen Kelly, a Fort Myers resident.
Kelly is no stranger to cell towers, she worked for a cell tower company 20 years ago.
She told NBC2 that while they can be an eyesore for some, there are ways for companies to make people not even notice.
"They can really make cell towers look, you know, almost indistinguishable," said Kelly. "They can make them look like some of the palm trees, they can blend them into the side of buildings, they really can do a lot if they want to and if they're forced to make it keeping with the area."
That's exactly what Verizon is trying to do. It sent NBC2 a statement Wednesday afternoon saying, "Verizon is installing several small cell sites in the Fort Myers area to provide critical connectivity for residents, businesses, and first responders. We understand the historical significance of the area and are working with local officials to ensure the equipment is both aesthetically pleasing unobtrusive to the community."
Kelly knows it's vital for a community like this that's growing every day.
"Technology is coming whether we want it or not," Kelly added.
NBC2 reached out to the city of Fort Myers Wednesday to see if it would have to approve a permit for Verizon to build the tower, they told us no permits have been submitted yet.
Count on NBC2 to keep you updated on this story.