We, the people, urge the state of Florida to establish a statewide mesh network and MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) server to enhance communication during storms, hurricanes, and other emergency situations. This initiative will provide critical infrastructure for both everyday communication and emergency management, especially in times when traditional communication networks are compromised or unavailable.

Why This is Needed:

• Hurricane Vulnerability: Florida is prone to frequent and devastating hurricanes, with over 120 hurricanes having impacted the state since the early 1900s. Many of Florida’s communities face disruptions in telecommunications during storms, leaving residents and emergency responders without reliable communication.
• Mesh Network: A mesh network, like Meshtastic, allows devices to communicate directly with each other without relying on centralized infrastructure like cell towers or internet service providers. This means that even if power goes out or cell networks are overwhelmed, communities can still stay connected, share vital information, and coordinate efforts.
• Advantages of MQTT for Emergency Communication: The MQTT protocol is lightweight, efficient, and ideal for low-bandwidth and high-latency environments, which is common during emergencies. It supports fast, reliable messaging with minimal resource usage, which can be crucial when traditional systems fail. An MQTT server would allow first responders, local authorities, and residents to send and receive real-time updates on storm conditions, evacuation routes, shelter availability, and more.

Public Safety & Community Resilience: This mesh network will not only enhance community resilience by allowing individuals to communicate during emergencies but also enable local and state agencies to coordinate in real-time. It will provide vital information on evacuation plans, safety instructions, and weather warnings, ensuring that even the most remote areas are reached with critical data.

Supporting Data:

• Hurricane Irma (2017): During this devastating storm, communication networks in many parts of Florida were severely impacted. Thousands of residents had no access to cell phones, emergency alerts, or the internet, which delayed emergency response and created confusion about shelter locations and evacuation routes.
• Hurricane Michael (2018): Communication breakdowns were a significant issue in the Florida Panhandle. Many areas lost power and cellular connectivity for days, leaving residents and first responders without an efficient way to communicate.

• Studies on Mesh Networks in Emergencies: Research and real-world implementations, such as the use of mesh networks during natural disasters in Puerto Rico, show that these systems provide critical support when conventional infrastructure fails. Mesh networks have been proven to improve communication in disaster zones by enabling peer-to-peer connections and reducing dependence on central networks.

Proposed Action:

We propose that Florida take immediate steps to:

• Develop a statewide mesh network infrastructure using available technologies like Meshtastic or similar systems, ensuring that every county, city, and community is included in the network.
• Establish a centralized MQTT server for government agencies, first responders, and residents to access and transmit crucial information.
• Collaborate with tech companies, universities, and local governments to pilot and expand this network.
• Educate the public about how to use this system for emergency communication and ensure that low-cost or no-cost devices are available for communities in need.

By implementing this system, Florida will be better equipped to protect lives, enhance public safety, and ensure that residents have reliable communication during one of the most vulnerable times of the year – hurricane season.

We urge state leaders to prioritize this proposal and take decisive action now to strengthen Florida's communication infrastructure for the benefit of all its residents.

Sign the petition today to help make Florida safer and more connected in the face of disasters!

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