Okeechobee residents push back on data center project

At the April 9 Okeechobee Board of County Commissioner meeting, public comments were overwhelmingly dominated by residents expressing strong concerns about the proposed Okee-One data center project. Resident Korinne Curren articulated widespread apprehension, stating that these "massive industrial facilities" consume "enormous amounts of electricity, water and resources," questioning the true beneficiaries of such "progress." Indian River State College (IRSC) Associate Vice President Andrew Treadwell had previously updated commissioners on the project, noting that demolition at the former Boys School property was slated for March. IRSC, with support from the Okeechobee County Economic Development Corporation, acquired the property in 2023, and Governor Ron DeSantis provided $1.5 million in Rural Infrastructure Funds in December 2024 for site preparation, with further funding potentially from the Florida Legislature or private investors. Residents like Elizabeth Canright also voiced concerns about the project's potential for unlimited expansion and its impact on the community. FPL estimates the site can currently support up to 9 megawatts, which IRSC plans for the initial data center, but more power will likely be needed over time. Public sentiment has increasingly turned against the project due to perceived low community benefit versus high resource drain, evidenced by a petition against Okee-One nearing 2,000 signatures. Commissioner David Hazellief acknowledged the feedback, assuring residents the Board would conduct due diligence on this and future projects. The article also notes similar pushback in other locations like Palm Beach, St. Lucie County, and Fort Meade, though the Fort Meade project was approved despite local opposition.