IRSC nixes plans for controversial data center amid claims college lied about project details
Indian River State College (IRSC) has canceled plans for a controversial data center in Okeechobee County, Florida, following accusations from the Florida Department of Commerce that the college lied about project details to secure a $1.5 million state grant. The cancellation also comes after significant community opposition due to concerns over energy and water consumption. IRSC will be required to return a portion of the grant money.
Indian River State College (IRSC) has reportedly scrapped its "Okee-One" data center project in Okeechobee County, Florida. This decision follows accusations from the Florida Department of Commerce that the college misrepresented project details to secure a $1.5 million state grant in 2024. Emily Hetherington, a spokesperson for the Department of Commerce, stated that IRSC "deceived state officials" regarding the project's energy and water plans, leading the state to deny a second round of funding.
The project, initially welcomed by local officials as an economic boon, faced significant community backlash. Residents expressed fears that the hyperscale data center would strain the local energy supply and deplete millions of gallons of water from sensitive wetlands. Andrew Treadwell, IRSC’s associate vice president of government and community relations, attempted to downplay the project's scale, but community members, including Wyatt Deihl, initiated a Change.org petition that garnered over 3,200 signatures, highlighting concerns about transparency and the true beneficiaries of such developments.
Despite IRSC's attempts to secure additional funding and increase the data center's capacity beyond Florida Power & Light's initial 9-megawatt limit, and discussions with entities like Nvidia, the project's fate was sealed. Okeechobee County Commissioner Tim Borroughs confirmed the cancellation after speaking with Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. Borroughs also noted that IRSC would be required to return nearly half of the initial $1.5 million grant due to grant term violations. The proposed site, a former juvenile detention center with a history of abuse allegations, also faced opposition from those sensitive to its past.