Desoto County divided over AI data center near Arcadia

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK)—One company wants to build an AI data center outside Arcadia, sparking debate among DeSoto County residents.

Developers want to build the data center on Roan Street, east of Arcadia. One county commissioner said it could generate more than $30 million in annual tax revenue for DeSoto County.

Not everyone is thrilled about the project. Step inside the Broken Spur Diner and you'll find strong coffee and mixed opinions about a project that could shape the future of DeSoto County.

Nathan Headrick, a local pastor, is concerned that DeSoto County is growing faster than its infrastructure can keep up.

"My main concern is the infrastructure," Headrick said. "We already have a lot of issues going right now."

That includes road construction, tearing up the town's roads. Jon Brown is the CEO of the company behind the project, and he hopes to change people's minds.

"It's going to be a very self-sufficient project," Brown said.

Brown said the 35,000-square-foot center is located at a former natural gas power plant, so it will generate its own electricity and use minimal water, drawing from reclaimed water and wells.

"It can't impact the rate payers, because it's not even drawing from the grid, so they don't need to worry about that," Brown said.

Brown said the company will invest billions into the project, which could fuel economic growth in DeSoto County. But first, he'll have to convince the people who call this place home.

"That is great because of the jobs, but that takes away from what makes Florida, Florida, you know, especially the interior Florida," Headrick said.

The DeSoto County Planning Commission recommended approval of the project. County commissioners will have the final say in late March.