1 data center project in Fort Meade City
Who decides here: the City Council of Fort Meade City votes on zoning. The Polk County may review big projects too.
In Fort Meade City
Local votes and rules
🗳️ Election
A residents' group turned in petitions to recall the mayor, vice mayor and one commissioner, mainly over the data center vote. Signatures must be checked, and more signatures are needed before a recall election can be set.
⚖️ Court case
Nearby residents sued the city over its approval of the data center. They say owners did not get proper notice of hearings and that the project breaks the city's comprehensive plan. They want a court review of the decision.
✅ Approved
City commissioners voted unanimously to approve a 20-year development agreement for the Stonebridge hyperscale data center campus. Residents had asked for a pause instead.
What you can do
- Get told first.
We'll email you if anything changes in Fort Meade City. - Go to council meetings.
Anyone can speak. Big projects usually need a public hearing. - Ask questions in writing.
Use our checklist.
🔔 Get told first
⚡ Your electric company
Depending on where you live in Fort Meade City: Duke Energy Florida, LLC (company) or City of Fort Meade (not available).
Big data centers need a lot of power. Who pays for new power lines depends on state rules. See the rules in Florida.
🙋 Open tasks here
- Who will use or buy the data center?
- Which utility will supply 1.2 gigawatts, and who pays for new power lines and plants?
- Will the Southwest Florida Water Management District approve a water permit for the project?
- How has the court ruled on the residents' lawsuit?
- How large is the city tax break in dollars?
- Which state and federal permits (water district, wildlife agency, county) has the project received?