Petition urges leaders to reject proposed AI data center in DeSoto County
A petition is circulating in DeSoto County, Florida, urging local and state officials to reject a proposed AI data center by DCIP Group. Opponents cite concerns over noise, water use, energy demand, and impacts on the county's rural character and environment. County commissioners previously approved rezoning for a portion of the project, which could eventually span 1,300 acres.
Residents of DeSoto County, Florida, have launched a petition titled "Stop approval of the proposed AI data center in DeSoto County, Florida" to oppose a large-scale AI data center complex proposed by DCIP Group. The petition calls on decision-makers to reject the project, citing numerous concerns including noise, excessive water and energy consumption, extensive land clearing, increased truck traffic, lighting, wildlife impact, drainage issues, air quality degradation, and a potential negative impact on property values.
Opponents argue the industrial nature of the data center, with its constant hum, threatens the county's rural character, which is known for its open lands and agriculture. Despite assurances from DCIP Group CEO Jon Brown and Chairman Wilson Trilha regarding the use of a closed-loop cooling system to minimize water usage, residents remain skeptical.
The opposition follows a decision in March by DeSoto County commissioners to rezone 34 acres at a decommissioned power plant site for DCIP Group's initial data center phase. The developer's plans could expand the project's footprint to over 825 acres, potentially reaching 1,300 acres if fully approved. While Commissioner Elton Langford highlighted the potential for $26 million in annual local taxes from the first data center to address county needs, opponents urge caution, fearing industrial influence and long-term strain on resources with limited permanent job creation.