Help stop Florida's Hyperscale Data Center! The city commissioners of Fort Meade, Florida, have recently continued to advance a massive $2.6 billion data center project, disregarding the voice and concerns of the local community. This development raises significant environmental, economic, and social concerns in our community.

Studies and statistics from across the nation demonstrate that data centers can consume as much electricity as mid-sized towns, pressuring existing infrastructure and driving up prices for local residents significantly. The same goes for water consumption and subsequent scarcity. The owner of the data center doesn't foot that bill on increased utilities; we do. Instead, not only do we subsidize them, but they actually currently have a $140 million tax break for 10 years in Polk County. They boast of a possible 500 jobs by 2031 without telling us about the detrimental side effects on our wallets, health, utilities, agriculture, environmental security, and water supply. Study after study is showing detrimental health effects on communities after a data center installation. Water is still getting polluted even with their 'closed loop systems,' toxic air pollution from methane gas turbines is causing respiratory health issues, and even infrasound noise pollution is harming people. 

Despite these concerns, the developer is currently seeking permits from vital local and state agencies, including the city of Fort Meade, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and Polk County. This petition is a plea to these entities to halt the progression of this project until a more thorough, transparent review can be completed. 

Moreover, we are advocating for a county-wide moratorium on the establishment of new data centers in Polk County. Various towns and states across the country have successfully imposed moratoriums to ensure that the development aligns with environmental sustainability and community health. It's time for Polk County to follow suit and protect its residents from unchecked industrial growth.

Data centers are routinely targeting locations in the rural south - our communities and our land are not expendable. We need answers, we need oversight, and we need community input taken seriously. 

By signing this petition, you are voicing your objection to the unchecked growth of data centers in our community and standing up for responsible, sustainable development practices. Your signature will be a powerful statement demanding accountability, transparency, and prioritization of community input in local government decisions. We urge you to sign and make your voice heard in shaping the future of Polk County. Sign now to demand a moratorium on data centers!