Fort Meade commissioners vote unanimously for hyperscale data center

Fort Meade city commissioners unanimously approved a 20-year agreement for a 1300-acre hyperscale data center, overriding major public opposition. Residents expressed concerns about the enormous consumption of water and electricity, noise pollution, and overall environmental impact, speaking for over two hours in public comment. Michael Bennett, a local business owner, voiced worries about the project's proximity and its direct impact on his and his neighbors' quality of life due to noise and vibrations. Despite these concerns, commissioners moved forward with the project, which will be Florida's first hyperscale data center, often used to power artificial intelligence. Vice Mayor Petrina McCutchen acknowledged that the decision involved "leaps of faith," while resident Jessica Bennett highlighted the emotional connection residents have to their homes near the proposed site. The project's water usage, estimated at up to 50,000 gallons of city water daily, requires a permit from the Southwest Florida Water Management District board. City officials noted that revenue from the project could fund improvements to water infrastructure.