Data centers

A retired teacher warned the board that data centers could cause grid blackouts and a maintenance crisis, citing Department of Energy findings, and urged caution before partnering with data center developers.

Warned that large data centers could nearly double county power use, strain the aquifer, and add diesel generator pollution, and asked for a mile of sidewalk on NE 7th Street east of Baseline.

Pushed back on fears about data centers, saying they're needed, can be done right with their own power and water recycling, and criticized the recent moratorium vote.

Raised concerns that the county's Tallahassee lobbying firm Ballard Partners also represents data center clients like Oracle and Palantir, and warned about surveillance uses of data centers.

Opposed data centers, citing low water tables and wells on her century-old Silver Springs property.

Went on record against any data centers in Marion County, praising the proactive workshop approach.

Urged consideration of noise, vibration, and harm to wildlife, livestock, and the horse industry.

Asked the board to vote no on even holding the workshop, saying staff time should go to prohibiting data centers.

Asked for environmental scientists at the workshop and scrutiny of water use, reclaimed water, and discharge.

A ten-year resident listed concerns from 5G towers to housing costs, tree loss, and data center water use.

Asked for prayer and civility as the county and community work toward solutions.