DeSoto County Data Center CEO Addresses Water and Power Concerns
Jon Brown, CEO of DeSoto County Industrial Park, addressed local concerns regarding water and power usage for a proposed data center in Arcadia, Florida. He stated the facility would use infrastructure from a former power plant to operate off-grid and prioritize reclaimed city water over groundwater. Community members have expressed opposition, prompting Brown to engage through listening sessions.
Jon Brown, CEO of DeSoto County Industrial Park, recently responded to community concerns about a proposed data center's impact on utilities and water resources in Arcadia, Florida. Addressing a WINK Listens event, Brown explained that the facility plans to operate independently of the local power grid by utilizing existing infrastructure from a former 340-megawatt power plant on site, a strategy in place before new state regulations signed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis required AI data centers to cover their own utility costs. This approach, according to Brown, will prevent strain on the grid and avoid impacting local ratepayers.
Regarding water usage, a significant concern among residents, Brown clarified that groundwater would be the "last priority." The data center intends to use reclaimed water from the City of Arcadia's sewage treatment plant, with discussions for this agreement still ongoing. Additionally, Brown highlighted the use of modern closed-loop recirculating cooling systems, which significantly reduce water demands compared to older evaporative methods.
Despite ongoing community opposition and "tough questions" from skeptics, Brown emphasized his commitment to engaging with the public through listening sessions and town halls. The project, if granted final approval, is projected to take 14 to 18 months for its first phase, creating 25 jobs with plans for up to six phases.