Citrus County data center proposal withdrawn after resident backlash, hearings canceled
A proposal to bring a data center to Citrus County, Florida, was withdrawn by the Deltona Corporation following significant resident opposition. The withdrawal led to the cancellation of scheduled public hearings related to the project. Citrus County previously enacted a one-year moratorium on data centers to allow time to develop new regulations.
The Deltona Corporation has withdrawn its comprehensive plan amendment and zoning change applications for the Holder Industrial Park project in Citrus County, Florida, which included the potential for a future data center. This decision, announced by Citrus County officials on Tuesday, follows significant resident backlash and public concern regarding the proposal's potential impact on local homes, businesses, water resources, electrical grid, and infrastructure. Consequently, public hearings slated for the July 14 Board of County Commissioners meeting have been canceled.
In May, Citrus County commissioners had already voted to enact a one-year moratorium on new data centers and associated zoning changes. This pause was intended to provide county staff with time to study the issue, develop specific regulations for large data centers, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws. The county government continues to work on an ordinance to regulate future data center proposals.
While the Holder Industrial Park applications have been withdrawn, the one-year moratorium remains in effect. The local debate in Citrus County mirrors a broader statewide discussion in Florida about balancing the economic benefits of technology investments with environmental and infrastructure concerns. Governor Ron DeSantis has also voiced concerns about the demands of large data centers.