Company Withdraws Controversial Industrial Park Data Center Proposal in Citrus County
Deltona Corporation has withdrawn its applications for a major expansion of Citrus County's Holder Industrial Park, which would have allowed large-scale data centers. This action effectively ends the controversial proposal, which faced strong public opposition due to environmental and quality-of-life concerns. The withdrawal follows a unanimous recommendation for denial by the Planning and Development Commission and the county's enactment of a data center moratorium.
Deltona Corporation has withdrawn its applications for a controversial expansion of Citrus County, Florida's Holder Industrial Park, effectively halting a proposal that would have allowed large-scale data center development. The withdrawal led to the cancellation of two hearings scheduled for July 14 before the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners. The developer had sought a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and rezoning of over 1,300 acres from residential to heavy industrial use, with a significant portion earmarked for data centers.
The decision by Deltona Corporation follows widespread public opposition and a unanimous recommendation for denial by the Citrus County Planning and Development Commission (PDC). During a nearly nine-hour public hearing on June 19, over 200 residents voiced strong concerns about potential impacts on the Floridan Aquifer, drinking water, noise, traffic, and the county's rural character. Critics also highlighted the lack of transparency regarding specific tenants and detailed plans for water and power usage for the proposed hyperscale data center.
Furthermore, Deltona's withdrawal came just five days after the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners denied the company's request to postpone the July 14 hearing. The county had previously enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers in May 2026 and is currently developing an ordinance to regulate such facilities. According to Jamie Ang, Communications Manager for Citrus County, there are no other data center proposals currently under review in the county.