Fort Meade Launches Plan for Massive 4.4 Million Sq. Ft. Data Center!

Fort Meade, Florida, USA - In a landmark decision, the Fort Meade City Commission has paved the way for a potential boom in local job creation and infrastructure development by approving land-use and zoning changes for a proposed 4.4 million-square-foot data center. This unanimous 5-0 vote, which took place on June 10, marks a significant step for the region as it eyes the burgeoning data center industry, spurred by the rising demand from technological advances such as artificial intelligence and cryptomining.

Located approximately 50 miles east of Tampa, the sprawling site comprises 1,164 acres in northwest Fort Meade, bordering Bartow to the north and west of U.S. 17/98. The property, which was once the domain of phosphate mining, is currently being used for cattle grazing. It’s under the ownership of Florida Eco Park, LLC, which bought it in 2018, and the engineering firm Bohler Places, LLC, has taken the reins on the project’s development plans The Ledger reports.

Economic Impact and Job Opportunities

The approval of the data center not only raises questions about technological advancements but also about its economic implications for Fort Meade. This project is projected to generate around 1,600 permanent jobs once fully operational, bringing much-needed employment opportunities to the area. However, details about the specific operations to be housed within the data center remain undisclosed, leaving residents and local officials curious about the identity of the end users.

With the increasing need for massive computing power, data centers have surged in popularity across the U.S. As of 2025, there are approximately 3,600 data centers nationwide, with roughly 600 categorized as hyperscale, primarily serving the needs of AI according to the National League of Cities. Local leaders are now faced with deliberating the economic advantages against potential environmental concerns, such as high levels of energy consumption and impacts on local water resources.

Environmental Considerations

The establishment of a data center is no easy feat regarding the environment. The project is estimated to require a staggering 40,600 gallons of water per day, to be supplied by Fort Meade’s utilities department, which also purchases electricity from the Florida Municipal Power Agency. Furthermore, Duke Energy may also play a role in providing the substantial electrical power that such a facility demands. The ecological impact is on the minds of city leaders, especially since a study identified possible habitats for threatened species at the site, but found no endangered species DatacenterDynamics adds.

Moreover, access to the site complicates matters further, as it intends to cross private property owned by CSX Railroad Corp., requiring their approval. If CSX were to deny access, a revised traffic impact statement and updated site access plan would have to be submitted to ensure compliance. With projected traffic generating 4,356 trips daily, the implications for local infrastructure are sure to be felt.

As Fort Meade embarks on this venture, the dual-edged sword of economic promise and environmental responsibility looms large. Ongoing discussions among local leaders are essential as they seek to balance these needs, ensuring that the growth of data technology does not come at the cost of local resources and habitats.

In conclusion, the approval of the data center in Fort Meade signals both a bright future for local employment and a complex conundrum regarding ecological impact. As this project unfolds, residents, city officials, and stakeholders will undoubtedly keep a close eye on its development.