Fort McCoy cell tower

Argued the tower serves only a handful of residents while permanently scarring the rural landscape.

Warned of industrial creep, saying nothing can buffer a 195-foot tower.

Said he supports progress but asked the tower be placed away from the Rawlings site and homes.

Called the Big Scrub a historic cultural resource tied to Rawlings and said tower lights would ruin the night sky.

Seventy-year area resident with family ties to the Rawlings history opposed the tower.

Hog Valley landowner said he'd refused the tower company for ten years and asked the board to deny it.

Read a letter from UF historian Florence Turcott urging preservation of the Fidelia Laxton property.

Briefly aligned herself with prior opposition.

Spoke of the family's connection to Rawlings' interviews and questioned 1996-era health policies.

Read a letter from journalist Donna Green Townsend citing Rawlings' deep bond with the Fidelia family.

Lives beside the site; read her mother-in-law Carol Fidelia Laxton's account and asked the board to vote no.

His family has owned the land 145 years; he cited late notice, property value concerns, and questioned what zoning protects.

Said the tower would be a visual blight on her family's untouched 1881 homestead where she hopes to raise her children.

Called the family land a living time capsule and asked the county to keep rural Marion rural.

Building on 20 acres herself, she asked the board to reconsider the tower's placement.

Newer resident who traded city convenience for Fort McCoy's dark skies; called the tower a property-rights infringement.

Noted the room was full of opponents and none in support.

Asked for a 60-day continuance, citing the pending National Register application and a property appraisal — but was denied the delay.