Fort Meade data center fight reaches state leaders in Polk County

By AI, Created 9:59 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Watchdogs of Fort Meade are pressing residents to turn out for May 7 events in Lakeland as Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins are set to discuss data center policy. The group is also pursuing an environmental review of the proposed Stonebridge hyperscale project, framing the issue as a test of statewide AI infrastructure policy and local community impact.

Why it matters: - The Fort Meade data center fight has moved from a local land-use dispute to a statewide political issue. - The proposed hyperscale project could shape how Florida handles AI infrastructure, environmental review and community opposition. - Residents opposing the project are trying to build pressure before development decisions become harder to reverse.

What happened: - The Watchdogs of Fort Meade urged the public to attend two May 7 press conferences in Polk County tied to state data center policy. - Gov. Ron DeSantis was scheduled to appear at a data centers bill signing for SB 484 at Florida Polytechnic University’s Barnett Applied Research Center in Lakeland. - Lt. Gov. Jay Collins was scheduled to hold an AI and data centers press conference the same day in Lakeland. - The Watchdogs said they are pursuing an environmental review and compliance investigation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection over the proposed Stonebridge development in Fort Meade. - The group said hundreds of residents have already signed letters requesting further review.

The details: - The Lt. Gov. Jay Collins event was originally planned for the Fort Meade Community Center. - The Fort Meade City Commission told Collins on May 6 that he could no longer use that location. - The Collins event was moved to Cleveland Heights Golf Course’s Sawgrass Room at 2900 Buckingham Ave. in Lakeland. - The governor’s event was set for 4 p.m. at BARC, 4400 Polytechnic Circle, Lakeland. - The Collins event was set to start at 1 p.m. after a 12:30 p.m. arrival time. - The Collins RSVP link was the event RSVP. - The Watchdogs encouraged residents to sign and submit a request for an environmental review and compliance investigation. - Copies of the letter can be emailed to Public.Services@FloridaDEP.gov. - Physical letters can be mailed to Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Public Services, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399. - The group also pointed people to a statewide AI data center map showing operational and under-construction facilities. - The Watchdogs said community members can report concerns about AI data centers in their area through that site. - Additional information was available through the group’s petition, its website and its Facebook page.

Between the lines: - The dispute is no longer just about one project in Fort Meade; it is now part of Florida’s broader debate over how fast AI infrastructure should expand. - The venue change for Collins’ event adds a speech-and-access dimension to the conflict, not just a zoning or environmental one. - The Watchdogs are using public turnout, letter-writing and environmental review requests to slow or scrutinize the project before final approvals advance. - The release also points to shifting political stakes around AI data centers, including support from 2026 gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, though that claim was presented as part of the group’s broader warning about future policy direction.

What’s next: - Residents can attend the two May 7 events in Lakeland to hear state leaders discuss data center policy. - The Watchdogs are asking supporters to keep signing and sending review requests to the Florida DEP. - Organizers say continued public participation is needed to maintain momentum against the Stonebridge development. - Media inquiries were directed to Raul Alfonso, chair of Watchdogs of Fort Meade, at watchdogsoffortmeade@gmail.com.