In a startling incident that unfolded on July 30, 2025, Jimmy Altman, a homeowner in Lake Park, Florida, found himself grappling with the aftermath of a fallen utility pole. The event was triggered when a truck collided with low-hanging wires, resulting in the breakage of a wooden utility pole. This not only led to live power lines tumbling down but also sparked a small fire in Altman’s yard, affecting his boat and truck.

Altman described the moment as explosive, noting that it cut off his power and could have had deadly consequences if the wires had fallen just seconds earlier. He had previously alerted several companies about the deteriorating condition of the pole, which he claimed was rotting, leaning, and infested with termites. Over a year, he attempted to initiate repairs, sharing emails from April 2024 where he reached out to Florida Power & Light (FPL) and AT&T for assistance in replacing the pole.

Responsibility in Question

In the aftermath of the incident, both FPL and AT&T seemed to wash their hands of responsibility. An AT&T spokesperson mentioned that while the company owned the pole, it had no wires attached and deemed it stable in April 2024. Following the crash, FPL crews quickly replaced the broken AT&T pole as an emergency measure.

Estimating the damage at around $30,000, Altman is facing significant financial strain. His insurance claims were denied, adding to his woes. FPL stated they were not the pole’s owner and clarified that the truck driver had struck a telecommunications line, not an FPL power line. Bodycam footage revealed the truck driver admitting to hitting the wires, complicating the matter further.

Seeking Justice

Altman is now on a quest for accountability, firmly believing that AT&T’s negligence is at play due to their inaction despite his repeated warnings. He has reached out to CBS12 News regarding the situation and attempted to contact the transportation company, Styline Logistics, but has yet to receive a response. Meanwhile, AT&T has provided a contact number for residents with concerns about utility poles.

Determined to find answers, Altman is actively seeking legal representation. His hope is that by sharing his story, he can shed light on the issues surrounding utility pole maintenance and ensure that such a dangerous situation does not happen again.

This incident raises broader questions about utility infrastructure maintenance and the responsibilities of utility companies. It serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures in ensuring public safety and the need for accountability when negligence leads to property damage and potential harm.

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