St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners data center plans have generated significant discussion, but as of January 2026, no data center project has been approved in St. Lucie County. According to county officials, including Commissioner Cathy Townsend, the proposal remains on hold while Florida Legislature consider broader legislation related to data centers.
St. Lucie County Data Center Proposal Status
According to St. Lucie County, the proposed Sentinel Grove Technology Park project near Fort Pierce has not received approval. The St. Lucie County Planning and Zoning Commission rejected a land use amendment in October by a 4-2 vote, pausing the project. No vote has taken place before the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and no final decision has been made, according to county leadership.
Developers Timberline Real Estate Partners seek to rezone approximately 1,200 acres of former citrus grove land from Agricultural-5 to Special District. Their proposal would allow up to 15 million square feet of buildings, each up to 60 feet tall, potentially creating a 1-gigawatt data center facility. No tenants have been confirmed for the site, and plans remain conceptual.
Statewide Legislation Delays Local Action
Commissioner Cathy Townsend stated that the issue is currently on hold at the state level. Florida lawmakers are reviewing legislation that could impact data center development statewide. Until the legislative process is resolved, no local action can proceed. Governor Ron DeSantis and state legislators are in session in Tallahassee, and the outcome may determine the next steps for St. Lucie County data center projects.
Commissioners Conduct Due Diligence
St. Lucie County commissioners, including Cathy Townsend and Jamie Fowler, are conducting due diligence by visiting communities in states such as Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. According to Townsend, these site visits are designed to gather firsthand input from residents, business owners, and elected officials living near existing data centers. The visits aim to assess impacts such as water use, noise, traffic, light pollution, and energy demands.
According to county officials, the proposed water use for the Sentinel Grove project would be capped at 2.2 million gallons per day. Commissioners are also evaluating modern water-efficient technologies and potential environmental impacts.
Community Concerns and Support
Local opposition to the data center project centers on preserving rural agricultural land and concerns over the unprecedented scale of the proposal. Residents have raised issues about stormwater runoff, urban sprawl, and resource strain. Rancher Peter Harrison described the project as “inappropriate” for the area, according to public comments at recent meetings.
Supporters of the project highlight potential benefits, including low traffic generation, inland hurricane resilience, and the use of modern water-saving technology. Economic Development Council President Wes McCurry has described the project as being in early stages, noting that additional public hearings and community outreach are expected before any decisions are made. The data center, if constructed, could become Florida’s largest facility of its kind and bring significant economic opportunities to the region. The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County continues to monitor and support economic growth initiatives related to technology and infrastructure.
Public Input and Next Steps
Commissioner Townsend emphasized that public input remains crucial. Residents are encouraged to contact county commissioners, attend public meetings, and engage directly with elected officials to express their views on the data center proposal. No meetings before the Board of County Commissioners have been scheduled as of January 2026, and the timeline for further review is uncertain while due diligence and legislative review continue.
According to official sources, details may be updated as the investigation and legislative process continue. Residents can monitor the St. Lucie County website and attend future meetings for updates. Additionally, the ongoing expansion of industrial development in Port St. Lucie reflects the area’s growing interest in technology and infrastructure projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie County Data Center
What is the status of the proposed data center in St. Lucie County?
As of January 2026, no data center project has been approved in St. Lucie County. The proposal is on hold while state lawmakers review related legislation, and no final decision has been made by local officials.
How large would the Sentinel Grove Technology Park be?
The proposed Sentinel Grove Technology Park would cover about 1,200 acres and could allow up to 15 million square feet of data center buildings, according to developers. No tenants have been confirmed, and the project is still under review.
Are there concerns about water use and environmental impact?
Yes, residents and officials are reviewing potential impacts. The project would cap water use at 2.2 million gallons per day and is being evaluated for effects on stormwater runoff, resource strain, and local agriculture.
Can residents provide input on the data center project?
Residents are encouraged to contact county commissioners, attend public meetings, and share their opinions. Public input is an important part of the decision-making process, according to St. Lucie County officials.
Where can I find updates about the St. Lucie County data center proposal?
Updates are available on the St. Lucie County government website and at public meetings. Details may change as the legislative and review process continues.
Port St Lucie Talks
