WIMAUMA’S WI-FI NETWORK
Wimauma Connects is a free internet Wi-Fi network that provides residents, families, and businesses in Wimauma Village access to online resources. The network was established in 2019 by Enterprising Latinas with funding support from Allegany Franciscan Ministries.
PHASE 1
Wimauma Connects is a network of Wi-Fi access points along State Road 674 where community residents living near the downtown area of the Wimauma Village can access free Internet 24-hours a day, everyday! Local businesses can provide their customers with access to the network while promoting their services. The network’s target area is from Sheffield Street to the East, and Edina Street to the West, on both the north and south sides of the SR 674 commercial corridor.
PHASE 2
In 2020, our goal was to bring internet service and connectivity to where it was needed most.
We identified three low-income, high-density residential communities in Wimauma:
- La Estancia
- The Groves
- Newmauma Homes
These three communities are home to more than 300 low-income families, or approximately 1200 people.
To reach that many homes efficiently, we installed several antenna towers in targeted locations including Reddick Elementary School, The Groves Apartments, and La Estancia Apartments. These antennas are solar-powered and provide connectivity up to a half-mile radius.
PHASE 3
In 2021, we began Phase 3 of the Wimauma Connects project by installing two antenna towers at the following locations:
First Prospect Missionary Baptist Church
6012 Edina St.
Wimauma, FL
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church
5909 Vel St.
Wimauma, FL
This helps us to serve more members of our Wimauma community by offering a broader range internet service.
Where to find the free Wi-Fi signal in Wimauma?
Look for the antenna at your favorite business in Wimauma. If they don’t have one, ask them to join the Wimauma Connects program. It’s free to join!
Ana’s Restaurant
5705 SR 674
(813) 634-3721
Aquarius Water
5914 SR 674
(813) 634-3134
Open M-F 9am-5pm
http://www.aquariuswatertampabay.com/
Tienda CentroamericaÂ
5704 SR 674
El Mariachi Loco
5640 SR 674
(813) 633-6777
Open M-F 9am-5pm
La Fruteria Mexicana
5803 SR 674
(813) 633-8786
Los Angeles Mexican Restaurant
5649 SR 674
(813) 938-5852
Royal Kutz Barbershop
5645 SR 674
(813) 494-0275
https://www.facebook.com/ROYALKUTZ813/
Swiger’s Crates and Boxes
5816 SR 674
(813) 634-1573
Taqueria El Sol
702 Railroad St.
(813) 633-2777
Open 7 days a week, 8am-10pm
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taqueria-El-Sol/113540532014263
Press Articles
WTSP – Published on: August 21, 2020
Read the article at: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/regional/florida/peeling-back-the-layers-of-the-digital-divide-in-rural-florida/67-65bd936e-2398-4aaa-a753-60b162966544
Tampa Bay Times – Published on: July 14, 2020
Read the article at: https://www.tampabay.com/news/hillsborough/2020/07/14/no-internet-no-link-to-the-world-so-450-wimauma-families-are-getting-free-wi-fi/
The Observer News – Published on: July 17, 2019
Read the article at http://www.observernews.net/2019/07/17/free-wi-fi-in-wimauma/
Telemundo – Published on: July 12, 2019
Watch the video at https://www.telemundo49.com/noticias/local/internet-gratis-para-vecinos-en-wimauma_tlmd-tampa/79218/
Univision – Published on: July 10, 2019
Watch the video at https://noticiasya.com/tampa/2019/07/10/mujeres-hispanas-crean-servicio-gratuito-de-internet/?fbclid=IwAR17fmpWj9V2M0OZ8SKrfd9X2mUf1IA7NdfuuEU7fofFr63_pgRBVa_HVq0
83 degrees – Published on: July 09, 2019
Read the article at https://www.83degreesmedia.com/forgood/nonprofit-seeks-free-wifi-in-wimauma.070919.aspx
abc Action News – Published on: July 05, 2019
Watch the video at https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-hillsborough/new-program-bridges-digital-divide-for-businesses-homes-in-wimauma