Gulf Coast Against Data Centers and environmental advocates have invited the public to gather at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, outside the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building. 221 S. Palafox Street, to call for a countywide ban on AI data centers before proposals are brought forward.
- The rally will take place ahead of the regularly scheduled Board of County Commissioners meeting. The meeting agenda has not been published online yet. Public forum begins at 4:30 p.m. in commission chambers. The regular meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.
Organized by Gulf Coast Against Data Centers, the rally is intended to encourage county leaders to take proactive action to protect Escambia County’s water resources, electrical infrastructure, environment, neighborhoods, and quality of life by adopting policies that prohibit industrial-scale data center development, according to the press release.
- “Communities across the country are struggling with the enormous demands data centers place on water, electricity, and local infrastructure,” said organizer Kristy Renee. “We have an opportunity to act before Escambia County faces those same challenges. We’re calling on our commissioners to protect our community by adopting a ban before these projects become a reality.”
Organizers say the rally is about planning ahead rather than reacting after development proposals are submitted. Participants will urge commissioners to prioritize sustainable growth and preserve the county’s natural resources for future generations.
Residents are encouraged to bring signs, wear weather-appropriate clothing, and attend the Board of County Commissioners meeting following the rally to make their voices heard.
Rally for a Ban on Data Centers in Escambia County
When: Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building, 221 South Palafox St.
Who: Gulf Coast Against Data Centers, concerned residents, environmental advocates, and community supporters
Draft Resolution
This draft has been circulated behind the scenes at the Ernie Lee Magaha Government Building. We don’t know if it or another draft will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners on July 23:
Whereas, recent data center proposals throughout Florida and the United States have generated significant public concern regarding their potential impacts on public infrastructure, natural resources, and surrounding communities. And similar concerns have been expressed by residents of Escambia County.
Whereas, during the 2026 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature enacted Chapter 2026-65, Laws of Florida, concerning data center development, which prompted the board to review the county’s existing land development regulations to determine whether amendments were necessary.
Whereas, the Board finds that data center facilities may require extraordinary electrical capacity, significant water resources, expanded wastewater capacity, substantial utility infrastructure, and transmission improvements, placing substantial demands on public infrastructure and resources while generally creating comparatively few permanent employment opportunities relative to their infrastructure demands and long-term consumption of public resources; and
Whereas, the Board finds that preserving finite public infrastructure capacity, protecting natural resources, and encouraging development that provides broader long-term economic and employment benefits are important governmental objectives that promote the public health, safety, and welfare of citizens of Escambia County.
Now, therefore, it be resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Escambia County, Florida:
Section 1. Findings.
The foregoing recitals are adopted and incorporated as the findings of the board.
Section 2. Existing Regulatory Framework and Board Position.
The board recognizes that the Escambia County Land Development Code authorizes only those principal uses identified as permitted or conditional within each zoning district, and that data center facilities are not identified as a permitted or conditional principal use in any zoning district. Accordingly, the Board finds that no amendment to the Land Development Code is presently necessary. The Board further memorializes its position that data center facilities are not an appropriate form of development within the unincorporated area of Escambia County.
The resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
