Marion Landowner in AI Data Center Talks, Speaker Claims at Citizen Workshop
A former St. Johns River Water Management District official claimed a Marion County landowner is in talks with an AI data center interest, though 352Today has not confirmed any active application. Marion County commissioners are scheduled to hold a workshop on September 21, 2026, to discuss potential local rules for data center construction. Citizens expressed concerns about water usage, noise, and the long-term economic benefits of data centers.
During a citizen's data center workshop in Ocala, Florida, Bruce Kaster, an attorney and former St. Johns River Water Management District official, stated that a Marion County landowner is currently in discussions with an AI data center interest. Kaster, who received this information confidentially from a lawyer, did not disclose the landowner's name, the company involved, the parcel location, or the acreage, citing confidentiality. 352Today has not yet confirmed any active AI data center application in the county.
Two newly elected Marion County Commissioners, Mike Crimi and Jeff Bairstow, were present but did not confirm Kaster's claim. County commissioners have publicly stated that they are not reviewing any active data center applications. However, an official Board of County Commissioners workshop is scheduled for September 21, 2026, at the McPherson Governmental Campus to explore potential local rules for data center construction. Commission Chair Carl Zalak III noted that, under current regulations, a data center in unincorporated Marion County would require a special-use permit on industrial land.
Former Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn attended the workshop, advocating for the potential economic benefits of data centers, such as new jobs, and citing high schools training for data center roles. However, attendees and speakers questioned the sustainability and practicality of such job claims, arguing that many data centers are highly automated and operational roles are specialized, not entry-level positions.
The workshop heavily focused on environmental concerns, particularly water usage and aquifer stress, declining spring flows, and the county's existing over-permitted status. Speakers from Citrus County advised Marion residents to engage with commissioners before any application becomes quasi-judicial. A land planner urged residents to base any opposition on the comprehensive plan and land development code, emphasizing evidence over emotion. Other concerns raised included noise, backup generators, light pollution, and potential long-term health effects.