Notice Meeting on Data Centers – Jacksonville City Council – October 7, 2026

This 90-minute noticed meeting, chaired by Councilwoman Monet Holder (At-Large Group 1), was called to address community questions and concerns about data centers, particularly hyperscale or mega data centers, and to gather information from JEA, the Planning Department, and the public. The meeting included presentations, council discussion, and public testimony.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rachel Zavala (representing DSA) urged a moratorium on data centers, stating that not enough is known yet.
• James Shoop (5112 Camille Avenue) supported a moratorium and suggested that large-scale data centers should be brought to a public vote. He also expressed concern about overinflated demand for AI and data centers.
• Carnell Oliver opposed a moratorium, advocating instead for a strategic approach ("playing chess") that includes carving out locations like Cecil Field, securing community benefits under the 1866 Civil Rights Act, and linking data center development to infrastructure upgrades that lower JEA rates.
• Melanie Carr raised concerns about pollution from energy generation if data centers use diesel or natural gas generators, and questioned whether decommissioned power plants would continue obsolete generation.
• Bonnie Barnard (1276 Nantucket Avenue) warned that data centers and AI are part of a dystopian digital control system, citing economist Richard Werner and former HUD official Catherine Fitz.
• Dr. Linda Woodard (14098 Summer Breeze Drive) noted the rapid pace of AI change and questioned how local policy will integrate federal/industry self-regulation. She asked JEA about impacts on customer bills and the environmental range of data centers, and requested citizen representation on any subcommittees.
• Hillary Leverone (6231 Barthoff Avenue) urged an immediate moratorium, stating the conversation revealed a "pants down" lack of preparedness. She questioned the current uses of AI (surveillance, price gouging) and worried that JEA ratepayers would subsidize data center infrastructure.
• John J. Nooney (8356 Baskum Road) asked for the size of the smallest operating data center in the country and requested that the Northeast Florida Regional Council have a seat at the table in future discussions.

Discussion Items

• JEA Overview (Jordan Pope): JEA currently serves six small data centers (≤4 MW each) but has received ~50 requests for hyperscale (≥50 MW) facilities. JEA cannot currently serve a hyperscale data center without significant system upgrades (e.g., new substations) and long lead times for equipment. A large-load tariff is being developed to ensure that hyperscale customers pay their own infrastructure costs without burdening other ratepayers. Water usage is addressed via closed-loop systems and reclaimed water; new state legislation requires a consumptive use permit for ≥50 MW loads. JEA intends to comply with state law (SB 484) even though it does not apply to public utilities like JEA.
• Planning Department Overview (Helena Perola): The zoning code does not specifically define data centers. An interpretation requires that large-scale (≥50 MW) data centers go through the Planned Unit Development (PUD) process, requiring city council approval and public hearing. Small-scale data centers (under 50 MW) can locate in commercial or industrial districts without special review. State law (SB 180) preempts local regulation of data centers until it expires October 1, 2027, though extensions are possible after hurricanes.
• Council Discussion:
  • Councilwoman Holder emphasized the need for fact-finding and a dedicated committee or working group on data centers.
  • Councilman Peluso expressed interest in a moratorium (6–18 months) to allow policy development and to wait for possible changes in state law. He noted that a moratorium would need to avoid violating SB 180.
  • Councilman Salem suggested that a committee could begin work without a moratorium and proposed a broader focus on new technology (e.g., flock cameras, AI) rather than only data centers.
  • Councilman Johnson opposed a moratorium at this stage, citing existing controls (PUD process) and the need for more research, including partnerships with educational institutions. He raised the possibility of extraterrestrial data centers at Cecil Spaceport.
  • Councilman Carlucci supported a moratorium with a sunset provision, noting environmental and water concerns, but cautioned against banning technology outright.
  • Terrence Harvey (Office of General Counsel) explained that a moratorium is a legal pause, not a ban, and must be time-limited. He noted that state law (SB 180) restricts local regulation of data centers and that any moratorium would need to be carefully crafted to avoid preemption challenges. He also mentioned that the state’s OPPAGA is conducting a study on data center impacts.
  • Pretty Norris (Administration) advocated for a collaborative process between the administration, council, and JEA, and suggested that any moratorium should give staff time for a working group to make recommendations.

Key Outcomes

• No formal vote was taken. The meeting served as an information-gathering session.
• Councilman Peluso announced his intention to introduce legislation for a moratorium on large-scale data centers (likely 6–18 months) and to partner with Councilwoman Holder. A draft has not yet been presented.
• Councilwoman Holder committed to following up with council leadership to establish a dedicated committee or working group on data centers, possibly with a subcommittee under the Transportation, Energy, and Utilities (TEU) committee for emerging technology.
• JEA will continue developing its large-load tariff and intake process to ensure data centers pay their fair share.
• Next steps: Further meetings will be scheduled to continue the discussion and to involve stakeholders, including the public, JEA, planning staff, and possibly the Northeast Florida Regional Council.