(ESCAMBIA, COUNTY) - They asked for a ban. The county tried to give them a resolution. Four days later, the county changed the language.
On July 23, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners will consider an ordinance that bans large-scale data centers in the unincorporated area. It's a prohibition written directly into the County Code. It only got there because residents refused to accept anything less.
The fight started July 13. Sarah Blankenship emailed County Attorney Alison Rogers and all five commissioners ahead of the July 23 meeting.
Blankenship said, "We would like to have a copy of the legal language being brought to the agenda.” She added that they want the language ahead of the July 23rd meeting to be prepared.
On July 14, the County Attorney’s office sent back a draft resolution. It would have only "memorialized the Board's position" that data centers aren’t allowed. Residents said this wasn't acceptable.
Blankenship followed up hours later, holding the county to what was said publicly on June 17.
Blankenship wrote, “County Attorney Rogers stated in the BOCC meeting on June 17th, regarding AI data centers: 'How about at the July 23rd meeting, I bring an item to schedule a public hearing on an ordinance for the August 6th board meeting.'"
They added that when Commissioner May asked if it would be a moratorium or a ban, Rogers answered, "It would be a ban."
Then Blankenship called out the bait and switch.
"Not only is this resolution not what we asked for, it’s also not what we were told would be brought forward," Blankenship wrote.
Blankenship said the existing Land Development Code wasn’t protecting anyone.
"What we want is an ordinance that explicitly states that AI data centers of all sizes, including edge data centers, are prohibited in Escambia County," Blankenship said. "If the language in the Land Development Code was strong enough to keep AI data centers away, we wouldn’t be here.”
Blankenship closed the email. "The people deserve to be heard and protected. Please draft the ordinance that we have asked for."
Two days later, the County did listen.
On July 17, Beth Haley from the County Attorney’s Office emailed the group.
Haley wrote, "As an update, please see attached draft ordinance that will also be on the July 23, 2026, BCC agenda for the Board’s consideration."
The key lines from the ban ordinance state, "Large-scale data centers are banned within the unincorporated area of Escambia County."
The ordinance cites section 373.262, Florida Statutes, which gives counties authority to prohibit them. It also states the Board finds data centers require "extraordinary electrical capacity and significant water resources" while creating "comparatively few permanent employment opportunities."
A Business Impact Estimate filed with the draft says there are currently no large-scale data centers in unincorporated Escambia. The county projects "minimal" economic impact.
If passed, the ordinance becomes effective when filed with the Florida Department of State. The resolution is gone. The ban is on the agenda. That’s what happens when people show up and refuse to accept less.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at c.wimer@lead4earth.org
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