Posted inLetters to the Editor

Residents weigh in on data centers in Marion County

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“When we build or add additions to our home, we pay for all the electric and water we use. We are not subsidized by our neighbors. Data centers, owned by the wealthiest people on the planet, that are going to make billions from these investments, do not need us to pay their utility bills. They have and will make enough money to pay their own bills, just as every business in the Great State of Florida does every month. Just as every resident in the Great State of Florida does every month. This summer, we are seeing Florida’s Natural Springs beginning to go dormant. The amount of the precious rainfall, so far this year, The amount of water required to operate Data Centers range between 1 and 5 million gallons per day. That is more than Class 3 (0.65-6.5 mgpd), 4, 5 6, 7 & 8 (0.65 mgpd) Springs discharge each day. The amount of water could feasible deplete 1 Class 3 Spring or all Class 4 thru 8 Springs PER DAY. Our Springs support a myriad of wildlife life and plant life. Not to mention the aquifers that create these Springs supply millions of Floridians with life essential water. No Water = Desert Conditions. No Water = No Tax Revenue as people migrate to areas of the country that refuse Data Centers. The Average State Wide Accumulated Rainfall, for all 4 Regions of Florida, from Aug. 2025 – July 2026 is only 65%. We are already at loss of available water without the introduction of a Data Center that requires 1-5 Million Gallons of water PER DAY. It is not the responsibility of Marion County citizens to provide any business in Marion County with their required utilities. Requiring us to pay the way (or even a portion thereof) for Billionaires to make Billions more, will not be popular with the citizens of this county.” – Several Marion County residents have shared opinions about data centers.

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