Pinellas County reporter investigates AI data center rumors
Rumors about a potential AI data center on Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas County, Florida, have been investigated by the Tampa Bay Times. The investigation found no formal proposal for a data center currently exists, though an investment group considered the Derby Lane site. The rumors stemmed from Commissioner Kathleen Peters mentioning a possible ban on large data centers after an unidentified phone inquiry.
Rumors circulating on social media regarding a proposed AI data center along Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas County, Florida, have been investigated by Tampa Bay Times energy reporter Emily Mahoney. The investigation, detailed by Kylie Petrasic in the Bay Brief, revealed that as of now, no formal proposal for a data center in that specific location exists.
The speculation had suggested the old Derby Lane Greyhound racing track as a potential site. The investment group that owns Derby Lane confirmed they had considered a data center there at one point but ultimately decided against it due to technical issues.
The initial rumor began in late April when Pinellas Commissioner Kathleen Peters brought it up while discussing a potential ban on large data centers. According to the investigation, Pinellas County had only received an unidentified phone call inquiry about a data center, not a formal application.