Citrus County Planning Commission recommends denying rezoning for Holder data center project
The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission unanimously recommended denying a rezoning application for the proposed Holder Industrial Park expansion, which would include a data center. The decision came after significant public opposition and concerns over a lack of project details, environmental impacts, and utility demands. Separately, the county has enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications and is developing new regulations.
The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission (PDC) unanimously voted to recommend denying a significant rezoning application for the proposed expansion of Holder Industrial Park, which would include a data center. The decision followed a packed public hearing marked by strong resident opposition, who voiced concerns about environmental impact, water usage, power demand, traffic, noise, and the loss of rural character in central Citrus County.
Deltona Corporation, represented by attorney Clark Stillwell, sought to convert nearly 800 acres of agricultural and low-density residential land near County Road 491 and Tram Road into heavy industrial use. Stillwell stated the site would be exclusively for a data center, comprising four buildings and employing 50-100 workers upon completion. However, the PDC cited a critical lack of detailed information in Deltona's proposal, including an unconfirmed end user and uncertain utility impacts, as primary reasons for their denial.
PDC member Robert Sharra questioned why Deltona was pursuing rezoning before new county ordinances for data centers were adopted, echoing broader county efforts to regulate such developments. The county recently enacted a 12-month moratorium on new data center applications to allow time to study potential impacts. Residents like Tracy Landry and Susan Rodriguez passionately opposed the project, emphasizing Citrus County's "Nature Coast" identity over industrialization.
The PDC's recommendation now proceeds to the county commission, which will consider the applicant's request to table their review until November. This decision effectively halts Deltona Corporation's plan for the time being, pending further review and the development of new data center regulations within Citrus County.