Orlando’s Bold Move to Bridge the Digital Divide in Parramore
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In a groundbreaking effort to address the digital divide, Orlando officials are spearheading a project to bring free public Wi-Fi to Parramore, a neighborhood where over half of the residents lack reliable internet access. This initiative aims to connect the community through a network of approximately two dozen Wi-Fi nodes, strategically placed across several blocks west of Interstate 4.
Why Parramore?
Parramore, a historic neighborhood stretching from Colonial Drive to Gore Street between Hughey Avenue and Orange Blossom Trail, has long struggled with economic challenges. According to recent census data, 53% of residents in one area reported having no internet access at home. Even those with access frequently enough rely on limited data plans, making it tough to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
With a median income significantly lower than the county average of $69,000, many Parramore residents face tough choices. “A lot of organizations are moving into virtual,whether it’s doctor visits or applications for things like food stamps and Social Security,” said Commissioner Shan Rose,whose district includes Parramore. “imagine the individuals who have to choose between the internet and keeping food on the table?”
How the Plan Works
The city is currently in the early stages of planning, with a yearlong timeline to implement the network. The proposed $123,000 planning budget, set for a vote by city commissioners, will cover the initial costs of installing Wi-Fi nodes on bus stops, light poles, and even solar-powered picnic tables.Additional expenses for installation and service providers will follow.
This initiative is part of a broader push to close the digital gap, fueled by $25 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Orlando’s share of this funding, totaling $58 million, has been allocated to various community projects, with $2 million specifically earmarked for broadband programs.
Building on Past Success
Orlando’s efforts are not without precedent. Last year, Orange County successfully connected over 1,300 properties in Bithlo, Christmas, and South Apopka to high-speed internet using federal funds. These successes highlight the importance of addressing both affordability and accessibility in tackling the digital divide.
The Bigger Picture
Nationwide, about 20% of households remain offline, often due to cost or lack of infrastructure. Orlando’s initiative in Parramore is a step toward changing that narrative,ensuring that all residents have the tools they need to thrive in a digital age. By investing in connectivity, the city is not only improving access to essential services but also fostering economic growth and community resilience.
What’s Next?
As the project moves forward, city officials are optimistic about its potential to transform Parramore. “This is about more than just internet access,” said Commissioner Rose. “It’s about giving people the opportunity to succeed, to connect, and to build a better future for themselves and their families.”
With the vote on planning costs approaching, the community eagerly awaits the next steps in this ambitious endeavor. If prosperous, Orlando’s model could inspire similar efforts across the nation, proving that bridging the digital divide is not only possible but essential for creating equitable opportunities for all.
In the heart of orlando, the Parramore neighborhood stands as a stark reminder of the digital divide that continues to affect communities across the nation. With a median household income of approximately $14,000 and an average resident age of 55, this area faces meaningful challenges in accessing reliable internet. For many, the lack of connectivity isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a barrier to education, employment, and opportunity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue became impractical to ignore. Schools shifted to virtual learning, leaving families without internet access scrambling to keep up. Tasha Robinson-banks, Senior Service Director at the Levy-Hughes Clubhouse of Boys and Girls Clubs of central Florida, witnessed this firsthand. “Oftentimes our kids rely on different spots around Parramore to get Wi-Fi,” she said. “You might not have it at home, but at the Subway they have it.”
For the 165 children served daily by the clubhouse, internet access is often limited to their time at the facility. Many rely on public spaces like fast-food restaurants or community centers to complete school assignments. This reliance on patchy,inconsistent connectivity highlights the urgent need for solutions.
Recognizing the problem, the City of Orlando has launched an initiative to expand free Wi-Fi access in Parramore. According to Mike Hess, the city’s Sustainability and Resilience Director, the plan won’t provide in-home internet but will ensure that residents can connect outdoors, just steps from their front doors.“Our vision is if you live in Parramore, right outside your house or nearby you have access to Wi-Fi,” Hess explained.
In addition to expanding outdoor Wi-fi, the city is reintroducing a program that allows residents to borrow wi-Fi hotspots and tablets from neighborhood centers. This initiative, which recently completed a successful one-year pilot, enables families to bring connectivity home for up to two weeks at a time. While the network won’t cover every corner of Parramore, it represents a significant step toward bridging the digital gap.
Demarcus Oliver, a 33-year-old Parramore native who recently returned to the area, sees the potential for transformative change. “I think it’d be an amazing thing,” he said. For Oliver, who currently enjoys internet access in his Creative Village apartment, the initiative could be a lifeline for neighbors struggling to stay connected.
The challenges in Parramore reflect a broader national issue. Approximately 20% of Americans lack reliable internet access,often due to affordability or infrastructure limitations. In urban areas like Orlando, affordability is the primary barrier. “Very rarely in the City of Orlando would it be an infrastructure issue,” Hess noted. “It really does come down to the affordability.”
As the city moves forward with its plans, the focus remains on creating equitable access for all residents.By combining outdoor Wi-Fi expansion with hotspot lending programs, Orlando aims to empower its most underserved communities. For the children of Parramore, this could mean the difference between falling behind and thriving in an increasingly digital world.
What are the specific challenges faced by the residents of Parramore regarding internet access?
interview with Commissioner Shan Rose: Bridging the Digital Divide in Parramore
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Commissioner Shan Rose, thank you for joining us today. Orlando’s initiative to bring free public Wi-Fi to Parramore is a bold and inspiring move. Can you tell us more about the driving force behind this project?
Commissioner Shan Rose: Thank you for having me. The driving force behind this initiative is simple: equity. Parramore is a historic neighborhood with a rich cultural legacy,but it’s also a community that has been disproportionately affected by economic challenges. Over half of our residents lack reliable internet access, and in today’s world, that’s a meaningful barrier to chance. Whether it’s applying for jobs, accessing healthcare, or helping kids with schoolwork, the internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. This project is about leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone in Parramore has the tools thay need to succeed.
Archyde: The digital divide is a nationwide issue, but Parramore seems to be particularly affected. Why is this neighborhood a priority for Orlando?
Commissioner Shan Rose: Parramore is a priority as the need here is so acute. The median household income in Parramore is around $14,000,which is significantly lower than the county average. Many residents are forced to make impractical choices—paying for internet or putting food on the table. Additionally,the average age of residents here is 55,which means we have a lot of seniors who may not be as familiar with digital tools but still need access to essential services like telehealth and online benefits. By addressing the digital divide in Parramore, we’re not just improving connectivity; we’re improving quality of life.
Archyde: The project involves installing Wi-Fi nodes across the neighborhood. Can you walk us through how this will work and what residents can expect?
Commissioner Shan Rose: Absolutely. We’re planning to install approximately two dozen Wi-Fi nodes strategically placed across several blocks west of interstate 4. These nodes will be mounted on bus stops, light poles, and even solar-powered picnic tables to ensure broad coverage. The goal is to create a seamless network that residents can access for free, whether they’re at home, waiting for a bus, or enjoying a park. We’re also working with service providers to ensure the network is reliable and fast enough to handle everyday needs, from streaming educational videos to attending virtual meetings.
Archyde: This initiative is part of a broader effort funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. How dose this project fit into Orlando’s larger goals for community development?
Commissioner Shan Rose: This project is a cornerstone of our broader vision for a more connected and equitable Orlando. The American Rescue Plan Act has provided us with critical funding—$58 million in total, with $2 million specifically earmarked for broadband programs. We’re using these resources to address not just the digital divide but also other pressing needs like affordable housing, job training, and healthcare access. By investing in connectivity, we’re laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and community resilience.
Archyde: Orlando has seen success with similar projects in other areas, like Bithlo and South Apopka. What lessons have you learned from those experiences that you’re applying to Parramore?
Commissioner Shan Rose: The projects in Bithlo and South Apopka taught us two key lessons: affordability and accessibility are equally important. in those communities, we saw how high-speed internet transformed lives—students could complete homework, small businesses could reach new customers, and families could access vital services. But we also learned that infrastructure alone isn’t enough. We need to ensure that residents know how to use these tools and feel empowered to take advantage of them. That’s why we’re planning to pair the Wi-Fi rollout with digital literacy programs in Parramore.
archyde: What’s next for this project, and how can the community get involved?
Commissioner Shan Rose: The next step is the vote on the $123,000 planning budget, which will cover the initial costs of installing the Wi-Fi nodes.Once that’s approved, we’ll move quickly to finalize the network design and begin installation. We’re also looking for community input to ensure the project meets the needs of Parramore residents. We’ll be hosting town halls and workshops to gather feedback and answer questions. I encourage everyone to get involved—this is a community-driven effort,and your voice matters.
Archyde: Commissioner, what’s your vision for Parramore’s future once this project is fully implemented?
Commissioner shan Rose: My vision is a Parramore where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. A connected community is a stronger community. I see kids excelling in school as they have access to online resources, seniors staying healthy through telehealth, and entrepreneurs launching businesses from their living rooms. This project is about more than just internet access—it’s about hope,opportunity,and building a brighter future for Parramore.
Archyde: Thank you, Commissioner Rose, for your time and for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative in Parramore and beyond.
Commissioner Shan Rose: Thank you. I’m excited about what’s to come, and I’m grateful for the support of the community and our partners in making this vision a reality.
End of Interview
Stay tuned to Archyde for updates on Orlando’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and other groundbreaking community initiatives.
