Okeechobee residents voice concern over proposed data center as opposition grows across South Florida

Indian River State College's proposed "Okee-One" data campus in Okeechobee County, Florida, is encountering significant community opposition. The project aims to transform a 205-acre site near the town of Okeechobee into a data center and technology campus. This proposal comes amidst growing resistance to data center developments across South Florida, with other projects like "Project Jarvis" in St. Lucie County potentially being abandoned due to new state regulations. Howard Matzner, a spokesperson for Indian River State College, stated that the college envisions the site as a source of regional pride and economic strength, promising career pathways and learning opportunities for Okeechobee residents. The project received $1.5 million from Governor Ron DeSantis' Rural Infrastructure Fund in March 2025. Despite this, residents expressed suspicion at an Okeechobee County Board of Commissioners meeting, questioning the benefits for their community. Multiple speakers at the meeting, including a resident named Lee, raised concerns about the project's expansion plans, potential electrical strain, and environmental impacts. Critics described the proposal as "fundamentally wrong," highlighting a collective worry about the effects on the environment and nearby human populations. The 9-10 megawatt facility is considerably smaller than other proposals, such as Loxahatchee's "Project Tango," but still faces similar community pushback.