JEFFERSON COUNTY, FL (WTXL) \u2014 Jefferson County is among a group of rural communities in the Big Bend working to improve broadband internet access.<\/p>\n
WATCH FULL REPORT BELOW:<\/p>\n
Jefferson County works to close the broadband gap for residents<\/p>\n
Jefferson County has about 5,750 households. About 75% have a broadband subscription. Across Florida, that number is nearly 92%. About 85% of Jefferson County households have a computer.<\/p>\n
For people without either, local resources have become an important way to get connected. The Jefferson County Public Library is one place helping fill that gap.<\/p>\n
Emily Grosskopf, Director of Library Services at the Jefferson County Public Library, said the need is clear.<\/p>\n
“Around 20 or 30 people in a single day come by to use the internet… to access email, get their labels printed, do homework. It’s a pretty well-used service.”<\/p>\n
Grosskopf also pointed to barriers that go beyond infrastructure.<\/p>\n
“I know there is some expansion through fiber occurring, but that still isn’t accessible for a lot of people, both because of location and also because of price.”<\/p>\n
The library says a contractor is coming in to teach basic computer classes, helping people connect with work, school, and everyday services.<\/p>\n
Efforts to close the gap are also happening at the state level. <\/p>\n
Statewide, Florida’s Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program, known as BEAD<\/a>, also aims to expand high-speed internet to under-served areas of the state.<\/p>\n This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n