Panama City Beach City Council working to ban data centers
Panama City Beach City Council is moving to ban data centers from the city due to concerns over high power and water consumption and potential negative impacts on natural resources and ecotourism. The Council unanimously directed staff to draft an update to the land development code to enact this permanent ban. This measure aims to proactively prevent future data center applications in the area.
Panama City Beach City Council members are taking steps to prohibit data centers within the city limits. During a June 25 meeting, Councilman Ethan Register initiated a discussion, expressing his belief that data centers are not suitable for Panama City Beach due to potential risks to the city's natural resources and its ecotourism industry. He advocated for proactive measures to prevent any future data center applications.
Mayor Stuart Tettemer echoed these concerns, specifically highlighting the substantial power and water usage associated with current data center models. He warned that excessive use of the local aquifer could lead to saltwater intrusion, posing a significant environmental threat. Tettemer indicated a preference for a permanent ban over a temporary moratorium.
Following the discussion, the Council unanimously approved a motion directing city staff to prepare an update to the city's land development code that would effectively ban data centers in Panama City Beach. This proposed update will be reviewed and finalized by the City Council at a subsequent meeting.