New data centers will be blocked next year
Citrus County commissioners passed an ordinance blocking data center approval for at least a year. They were reacting to residents who packed the meeting place to protest the data center. FOX 13’s Evan Axelbank reports.
Holder, Florida – Citrus County commissioners heard from residents that their backyard is not the place to put a data center.
“I hope you understand how afraid voters are,” one speaker said. “We’re scared. We don’t want this to happen.”
Opposition grows over Holder’s data center proposal
Back story:
The commission chamber was filled with people outraged by the mere idea of building a data center near the intersection of Route 41 and the North Lecanto Expressway.
Commissioners are giving the city a one-year delay in approving any zoning changes that could lead to data center construction.
One year grace period approved
Deltona Corporation is considering building the center on Holder’s 800-acre property.
Another speaker said: “We need to come to a complete stop.” “You can’t destroy the home (and) business. That’s too much.”
Statewide political issues
Let’s dig deeper:
The conversation is the latest in states at war over data centers. Fort Meade city commissioners gave early approval to a data center that is expected to generate 450 jobs and tax revenue.
State administration officials said they were relieved there were still approvals left before the project could be fully greenlit, and Gov. Ron DeSantis said he was concerned about the center’s impact on public resources, as well as the impact of artificial intelligence technology on young people.
“AI data centers will require more energy than we can currently provide,” said Citrus County Commissioner Rebecca Bays.
The Florida Legislature passed a bill that would require disclosure of documents filed by big tech companies with local governments and ban them from building near residential areas or schools.
What’s next:
Citrus County commissioners acknowledge that data centers have become a hot topic.
Another speaker said, “Where does the e-waste go when it needs to be upgraded or replaced?” “Where does the water come from?”
The moratorium on rezoning data center plans will last for at least a year while county officials consider the issue.
source: Information for this article was gathered from Citrus County Commission meeting records, public testimony records, and public works impact statements released by Commissioner Rebecca Bays and Governor Ron DeSantis.
