St. Johns Commissioners place moratorium on data centers

The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to enact a one-year moratorium on the development of medium- and large-scale data centers countywide.

The temporary pause comes amid growing public scrutiny over data centers - the potential air, noise and water pollution, as well as overall water and energy consumption. County officials confirmed there are currently no active applications for data center developments in St. Johns County.

The unanimous vote followed District 4 Commissioner Krista Joseph’s motion to enact the pause, effective Nov. 13, after community members called for a moratorium while local impacts are evaluated.

Beverly Yates, a Northeast Florida resident, said further review of the technology’s impact is needed. “There’s too much that’s going on right now with the AI. We need to investigate more about it,” Yates said.

District 1 Commissioner Christian Whitehurst voted in favor of the measure, though he raised concerns regarding public demand for data services and artificial intelligence.

“Whether or not data centers are even necessary - more data centers, bigger data centers - lies with we the people. To post-AI generated memes, opposing data centers is the height of hypocrisy. You are generating more need for data by doing that,” Whitehurst said. “So if people want less demand for data centers, I would simply suggest that you use less data.”

The local discussion reflects broader statewide conversations around technology infrastructure. Florida Governor-elect Byron Donalds has said the state should embrace emerging technology, support industry growth, and enact regulations to prevent spikes in consumer utility bills.

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