Florida County Recommends Data Center Moratorium, Lakeland Residents Also Seek Pause
Residents in Lakeland, Florida, are calling for a two-year moratorium on data center development amidst a proposal for a 600,000-square-foot hyperscale data center, raising environmental and utility concerns. Separately, the Pasco County Planning Commission unanimously recommended a 12-month moratorium on new data center construction after public outcry over energy costs and environmental impacts. The recommendation will now go to the Pasco County commissioners for a final decision.
The article details two distinct but related data center developments in Central Florida, both involving significant public opposition and calls for moratoriums.
In Lakeland, residents are expressing strong concerns over "Project Swan," a proposed 600,000-square-foot hyperscale data center. Magdalene Dupree, a local resident and member of the advocacy group Defund Oligarchy, raised questions about the project's potential environmental and utility impacts during a city commission meeting. City staff noted that Lakeland's Land Development Code does not explicitly permit data centers and requested more detailed information and studies on noise, transportation, drainage, and water impacts. Following these comments, developers canceled a key review meeting. Residents are now urging city officials to implement a two-year moratorium on future data center proposals, allowing time to establish appropriate regulations.
Concurrently, the Pasco County Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend a 12-month moratorium on new AI data center construction in Pasco County. This decision followed hours of public testimony, with residents overwhelmingly supporting the pause due to concerns about rising energy costs, energy availability, and potential environmental hazards. Marilyn Holleran of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida noted broad community agreement against hyperscale data centers. The recommendation, which was opposed by only one developer, will now proceed to the Pasco County commissioners for further consideration at their meetings on June 16 and July 14, where additional public comment is expected.