Citrus County Planning Commission recommends denying data center rezoning
The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission unanimously recommended denying a major rezoning application for a proposed data center at Holder Industrial Park. The decision was influenced by public opposition and concerns about the project's water, power, noise, and traffic impacts. County commissioners will make the final decision, with a request to table the case until November expected.
After over eight hours of public testimony and debate, the Citrus County Planning and Development Commission (PDC) unanimously voted to recommend denying a significant rezoning application. The application, tied to a proposed data center at Holder Industrial Park, aimed to convert nearly 800 acres of agricultural and low-density residential land into heavy industrial zoning in central Citrus County.
The PDC's decision, which drew cheers from a packed audience, cited a critical lack of detailed information regarding water consumption, power demand, noise, traffic, and the project's final design. While the applicant confirmed the site would host four data center buildings and use a closed-loop cooling system, the PDC felt unable to determine if the proposal met county standards due to the missing specifics.
This vote is a recommendation and not a final decision; the ultimate authority rests with the Citrus County Commissioners. The commissioners are expected to consider a request from the applicant to postpone, or "table," the case until November. A postponement would allow the applicant to provide more information, revise plans, and address concerns.
Further complicating the project is an existing county moratorium on new data center applications and the ongoing development of specific data center regulations by county staff. Opponents have consistently voiced concerns about the environmental impacts, high resource demands, and the project's fit with Citrus County's "Nature Coast" identity.