Okeechobee data center proposal draws backlash as NVIDIA mention and expansion concerns emerge

The Pahokee One data center project in Okeechobee, Florida, initially presented by Indian River State College (IRSC) as an economic and workforce development opportunity, is now facing considerable community opposition. Residents claim they are only recently learning details about the proposal, which involves transforming 205 acres of a former school site, with an additional 800 adjoining state-owned acres raising fears of a much larger development. Sixth-generation Okeechobee resident Wyatt Diehl expressed concern over the environmental impact on sensitive waterways feeding Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades, as well as the limited local benefits from what he perceives as niche job creation. Adding to residents' alarm, IRSC Vice President Andrew Treadwell briefly mentioned ongoing talks with AI giant NVIDIA as a possible partner during a February commissioner update. This reference, coupled with the potential for a 1000-acre site, has led residents to fear the project could evolve into a massive hyperscale data center, despite the Florida Governor's reported stance against such large developments. IRSC declined an on-camera interview but issued a statement asserting that Pahokee One is designed as a relatively small 9-10 megawatt operation, intended as a living learning lab for students, and would not impact water supply or raise electricity costs. The college also indicated that the project is still in development and seeking private sector partners.