Petition Seeking Delay of Marion County Data Center Workshop Surpasses 5,000 Signatures
A Change.org petition, launched by Marion County resident Joel Hickman, has garnered over 5,150 signatures calling for the postponement of a Board of County Commissioners workshop on data centers. Supporters argue that long-term decisions regarding data centers, affecting infrastructure, electricity, water use, and community character, should be made by newly elected commissioners after November 2026. The commission voted to hold the workshop on September 1, 2026, to proactively establish guidelines and a regulatory framework, despite public opposition expressed at a previous meeting.
A Change.org petition, initiated by Marion County resident Joel Hickman, has amassed over 5,150 signatures advocating for the delay of a planned Board of County Commissioners workshop on data centers. The petition urges the current five-member Marion County Commission, including Matt McClain, Carl Zalak, and Michelle Stone, to reschedule the September 1, 2026, workshop until after newly elected commissioners assume office in November 2026.
Hickman and his supporters contend that decisions with significant long-term impacts on infrastructure, electricity, water use, and community character should involve the officials who will be responsible for overseeing the outcomes. They emphasize the need for transparency and a democratic process, arguing against the outgoing board making pivotal decisions. The petition was launched after commissioners unanimously scheduled the workshop following public comments at a July 21, 2026, meeting which largely opposed data center development.
Residents at the earlier meeting voiced concerns about water consumption, power demand, noise, environmental impacts, and the preservation of Marion County's rural character. Despite the petition's growing support, with approximately 201 new signatures in a single recent day, the workshop remains on the calendar as of August 3, 2026. No formal 'victory' or official response has been issued by the commission.
Commission Chair Carl Zalak III and other county officials have characterized the workshop as a proactive, educational session intended to create a regulatory framework before any data center applications are submitted. This approach is partly in response to Florida Senate Bill 484, effective July 1, 2026, which preserves local zoning authority while setting statewide rules on utility cost allocation and reclaimed water use. Officials underscore that the workshop will not involve formal votes or binding decisions, with any future code changes requiring additional public hearings.