Escambia Commissioners Stand Firm On Existing Data Center Ban, Take No Action On Moratorium
The Escambia County Commission declined to take action on establishing a new data center moratorium, affirming that data centers are already banned in the county. County officials stated that the existing Land Development Code and an ordinance approved in August already prohibit large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas. Commissioners expressed frustration over repeatedly discussing the topic, reiterating their clear stance against data center development.
The Escambia County Commission met on Thursday night and opted not to advance public hearings for a new data center moratorium. County Attorney Alison Rogers advised the commissioners that such action was unnecessary, as data centers are already prohibited in Escambia County's Land Development Code and an existing ordinance. Commissioners Steve Stroberger and Lumon May expressed their exasperation with the recurring discussion.
Commissioner May emphatically stated that data centers are "dead" and "banned" in Escambia County, a position he affirmed as consistent. Commissioner Stroberger echoed this sentiment, confirming that none of the commissioners desire data centers. The commission had previously approved an ordinance in August, banning large-scale data centers in the unincorporated areas of the county, excluding the cities of Pensacola and Century. This followed a resolution in late July that officially solidified the county's stance that data center facilities are not permitted under the Land Development Code and are inappropriate for development in the unincorporated areas.