According to a press release from state Representative Ken Sorensen's office, BellSouth and the Legislature's Public Counsel have reached an agreement that will extend the life of seven digit dialing in the Florida Keys. Jack Shreve, Florida's Public Counsel, and Joe Lacher, BellSouth Florida President, agreed today to consolidate BellSouth rate centers in the Florida Keys and retain seven digit dialing for that portion of the 305 area code.
The rapid growth of telephone, cellular and paging services threatened to force the company to place a second area code in operation for its Florida Keys exchanges. The change would have required ten digit dialing for all local calls in the Keys. The proposal to require ten digit dialing for the Keys was not received favorably at a recent hearing before the Florida PSC, however. The PSC voted to put the proposal to a customer vote that would have required a rate increase. That agreement, reached on Tuesday, eliminates the need for a rate increase and a vote.
By combining its exchanges in the Florida Keys, BellSouth will eliminate 25-cent calling charges that apply for calls between some exchanges within the Keys. It is not anticipated that any telephone number changes will be required. The unique geography of the Keys lends itself to a consolidation of rate centers that will free up vacant numbers for future use by customers.
The agreement will now go to the PSC for final approval and implementation. If approved, the
consolidation of rate centers in the Keys should be accomplished next year.
Naval Air Station Key West will be conducting Field Carrier Landing Practice from Boca Chica from Nov. 14 to Nov. 20 with five E-2 Hawkeye Turboprop aircraft. The planes will be flying from 2-4 p.m. and again from 7-10 p.m. Five F-14 jets will be flying from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in a pattern at 600 feet. Residents of the area will experience elevated noise levels during this exercise.
If you require further information call the Public Affairs Office at 293-2425 or 293-2434.