Fort Meade Greenlights State-of-the-Art AI Hyperscale Data...

A packed crowd filled the Fort Meade City Commission meeting on Tuesday evening in Polk County, Florida, as officials weighed in on a significant AI data center project that has sparked debate for years. The gathering left only standing room as city commissioners deliberated on a development agreement crucial to the project’s future.

The proposal involves a 20-year development plan for a “hyperscale” data center, which is set to be constructed on a site previously used as a phosphate mine and farmland, located outside city borders along US 98. This massive project is slated to cover around 1,300 acres, housing a facility measuring 4.4 million square feet.

Doug Firstenberg of Stonebridge, presenting the project, emphasized the facility’s importance as “mission critical infrastructure.” He addressed key concerns raised by the community, providing insights into the project’s potential impact.

Water usage: under the current agreement, Stonebridge would have access to 50,000 gallons of water a day, without having to drill new wells.
Power usage: the City of Fort Meade’s power comes from the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA), while the center would utilize Duke Energy.

Firstenberg highlighted the financial benefits for Fort Meade, describing it as a “cash-strapped city.” The data center is expected to generate approximately $100 million annually in ad valorem taxes for Polk County once operational, anticipated after 2035, alongside an upfront $10 million contribution. However, the allocation of these funds remains undetermined.

Dozens of residents of the small city with just over 5,000 in population spoke during public comment.

“I think I might have to leave. This is my home; it’s always been my home. We’ve done everything we can to say no, but they won’t listen,” said a public speaker.

“This is going to destroy us,” said Roxanne Reyes, from Winter Haven.

“This is something that will take our community in the wrong direction. Our water, our agriculture, our way of life,” said a speaker during public comment.

“I’m worried for the rest of Polk, the rest of Florida,” said another.

Speakers raised concerns including:

The 450+ jobs created would likely not go to local Fort Meade residents due to engineering specialization.
Potential strain on the city’s water supply and risks of pollution.
Possible decreases in nearby home values.
The importance of preserving agriculture in the area and the rural community.

The project was initially proposed as a $2.6 billion development by the Maryland-based company, referenced in some records as Stonehill/Stonebridge entities. It has already received zoning and land-use approvals, including a Polk County tax incentive. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the development agreement earlier this month.

Stonebridge has said that they will begin construction as soon as possible, which is contingent on a permit from South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). A phased opening is expected by 2028.

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Fort Meade Greenlights State-of-the-Art AI Hyperscale Data Center Along US 98 to Boost Local Tech Industry

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