FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Okeechobee Residents Rally Against Proposed Indian River State College Okee-One Data
Center, Surpass 500 Signatures in 24 Hours

Okeechobee, FL, March 30, 2026, A growing coalition of Okeechobee County residents is mobilizing in opposition to the proposed Okee-One Data Center, citing serious concerns about environmental impacts, public health risks, and long-term strain on local infrastructure. Within just 24 hours of launching a public petition, the grassroots effort has already garnered more than 500 signatures, signaling strong and immediate community concern.

Organizers say the petition is only the beginning. Based on estimates of Okeechobee County’s registered voting population, approximately 1,100 signatures, roughly 5 percent, are needed to demonstrate the level of public opposition required to prompt meaningful action from the Board of County Commissioners.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Wyatt Deihl, a local organizer leading the effort. “This is not just about one project, it is about protecting our water, our health, and the future of our community. It is about protecting our Florida.”

The proposed data center would be located in a hydrologically sensitive area connected to the Lake Okeechobee watershed, a critical component of Florida’s broader Everglades ecosystem. Residents and environmental advocates warn that industrial-scale development in this region could exacerbate existing challenges, including increasing the risk of contamination and long-term ecological damage.

Beyond environmental concerns, opponents highlight the significant resource demands associated with data centers. These facilities often operate continuously and require substantial amounts of water for cooling, sometimes consuming millions of gallons daily. In a region that relies heavily on groundwater for drinking and agriculture, residents fear increased pressure on the aquifer, rising utility costs, and potential long-term shortages. Energy demand is another major concern. Data centers place heavy loads on local power grids, which can result in increased electricity rates for residents and small businesses as infrastructure costs are passed on to consumers.

Public health risks are also central to the opposition. Backup diesel generators commonly used by data centers emit fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, pollutants linked to asthma, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Additionally, redevelopment of the proposed site, the former Boys School property, would involve demolition, asbestos abatement, and environmental remediation, raising concerns about potential exposure to airborne contaminants and soil disruption.

Organizers argue that the economic benefits of the project do not outweigh these risks. While construction and technical training may create temporary jobs, long-term employment opportunities are expected to be limited and highly specialized. Meanwhile, residents would bear the lasting impacts, including increased traffic, industrial noise, and the erosion of Okeechobee’s rural character.

“Communities across the country are already pushing back against similar projects after experiencing these outcomes firsthand,” Wyatt added. “The pattern is clear, the benefits go outward while the costs stay local.”

The coalition is calling on the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners, state leaders, and Indian River State College to reject or relocate the project and to require a comprehensive, independent environmental and public health impact assessment before any further action is taken.

Residents are also organizing to attend the next Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Okeechobee County Historic Courthouse. Organizers are encouraging community members to provide public comment and share personal testimony. In addition to the petition, the group is urging residents to contact county commissioners directly to express their concerns and to increase public awareness by sharing information and engaging with local media.

Wyatt, who studied advocacy and environmental organizing at Yale and co-taught courses on activism and campaign strategy, emphasized the importance of sustained community engagement. “We are not against progress,” Wyatt said. “We are for responsible, evidence-based growth that protects our resources and truly benefits the people who live here.” As momentum continues to build, organizers remain focused on expanding outreach, educating the public, and ensuring that community voices are heard in the decision-making process.

Media Contact:

Wyatt Deihl, MPH
deihlwyatt97@gmail.com
863.447.7276