Residents raise AI data center concerns in Alachua
Alachua, Florida residents are actively opposing a rumored AI data center planned for a 104-acre site, citing concerns about its high water and power consumption. Local government bodies are discussing the development, with the county reportedly working on language to restrict resource-intensive facilities. The city of Alachua is also part of a lawsuit challenging a state bill, SB 180, which impacts development restrictions.
Alachua, Florida residents are voicing significant opposition to a rumored large-scale AI data center proposed for a 104-acre site east of San Felasco Tech City. The property, initially listed as a "high megawatt data center development site" by Eric Ligman of My Gainesville Realty, sparked community concerns about potential negative impacts on the environment, particularly regarding industrial consumption of power and millions of gallons of water for cooling.
During a recent public comment session, over a dozen community members, including Turkey Creek Homeowners Association Vice President Dan Rittenhouse, spoke against the project, highlighting the strain on local infrastructure and water systems. Resident Tamara Robbins suggested implementing a moratorium on data centers, prompting discussion about state legislation SB 180, which limits a city's ability to impose development restrictions. Alachua City Attorney Scott Walker confirmed the city is preparing for changes from SB 180, and the city joined a statewide lawsuit in September 2025 challenging the bill.
While City Manager Rodolfo Valladares stated no formal applications have been filed for the site, which spans both city and unincorporated county land, Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Commissioner Anna Prizzia indicated the county is developing language to restrict and prohibit resource-intensive facilities. A joint meeting between the City Commission and BOCC to discuss the rumored center was postponed. Mayor Walter Welch attempted to limit public discussion, but Commissioner Jacob Fletcher encouraged engagement, acknowledging the city's challenges with regulating data centers due to state law.