Neighbors concerned that data center could erase Arcadia's small-town charm

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK) — The data center debate has arrived in Southwest Florida. Nestled in cattle country, Arcadia is a small town known for its colorful antique stores, churches, and agriculture. 

People who live there said it represents an ‘old Florida’ they feel is quickly slipping away to development. 

"As soon as you come in, you feel the difference,” said Juan Ledesma, who runs a downtown print shop with his brother. “You feel that peacefulness.”

That small-town feel also comes with small-town problems. 21.8% of the county’s population lives under the poverty line, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, making it one of the poorest counties in the state.

Some county leaders are hopeful the data center - which could grow up to 862 acres - provides an economic boost. But some people are raising concerns that the project could ultimately cost Arcadia its small-town charm.

Public opposition erupted earlier this month, as people lined up to oppose the data center during a county commission meeting - even though it wasn’t on the agenda. Speakers raised concerns about pollution, water usage, and a lack of information about the project. 

“It’s quiet here now. You know, you can sit on your porch and hear the birds,” said Connie Reckart, who works at Laura’s Good Vibe Tribe thrift store in Arcadia. “With something that large, it’s going to change all that.”

Reckart said she strongly opposed the project. Others are more open-minded, but want to know more.

DeSoto County Industrial Park, LLC (DCIP) is the company behind the project. DCIP has said the facility will use a closed-loop cooling system that decreases water consumption by more than 90% compared to the other cooling systems. Erica Robinson spoke on behalf of the company during the county commission meeting. 

DCIP said residents won’t see power bills increase. That’s because the data center is centered around a decommissioned power plant, which the company plans to bring back online. However, when asked about environmental research, Robinson said the project is still in early stages. She said there is no information to share at this point.

That leaves some Arcadia residents with questions. Robert Vaughn, a deacon at St. Edmund Episcopal Church, pondered the project’s long-term impact.

"It has to be researched well and understood. What does it really mean?" Vaughn said.