FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Okeechobee Residents Rally Against Proposed Indian River State College Okee-One Data Center, Petition Surpasses 964 Signatures and Counting
Okeechobee, FL, April 2, 2026 – A growing coalition of Okeechobee County residents is intensifying opposition to the proposed Okee-One Data Center, citing serious concerns about environmental impacts, public health risks, and long-term strain on local infrastructure. In just a few days, the grassroots petition opposing the project has surged past 978 signatures and continues to grow, signaling widespread and urgent community concern.
Organizers say the effort has now reached a state-level issue, urging residents to contact their state legislators, Indian River State College officials, and the Governor’s office to demand an immediate moratorium on the project.
“The response from our community has been extraordinary,” said Wyatt Deihl, a local organizer leading the campaign. “This is about protecting our water, our health, and the future of our community. Now, it’s about making sure our state leaders hear us loud and clear.”
The proposed data center would be located in a hydrologically sensitive area connected to the Lake Okeechobee watershed, a critical part of Florida’s broader Everglades ecosystem. Residents and environmental advocates warn that industrial-scale development in this region could worsen existing environmental challenges, including increasing the risk of contamination and long-term ecological damage.
Beyond environmental concerns, opponents point to the substantial resource demands of data centers. Facilities like this operate continuously and require millions of gallons of water daily for cooling. 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 heavily load local power grids, which can increase electricity rates for residents and small businesses as infrastructure costs are passed along.
Public health risks are 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 exposure to airborne contaminants and soil disruption.
Organizers argue that the economic benefits 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, while residents bear lasting impacts such as 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: benefits go outward, while the costs stay local.”
The coalition is calling on Okeechobee County leaders, state officials, 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 organizing to attend the next Board of County Commissioners meeting on April 9, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Okeechobee County Historic Courthouse to provide public comment and share personal testimony. The group also encourages residents to contact their state legislators, the Governor’s office, and IRSC directly to demand action.
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. 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 community voices are heard at every level.
Media Contact:
Wyatt Deihl, MPH
deihlwyatt97@gmail.com
863.447.7276