Could the GOP Lose Florida Over Data Centers?
A few years after her husband died, Sandie Slowey moved from Pennsylvania to a mobile home in Hernando, a small town in rural Citrus County, Florida, known for its open green spaces and pristine spring waters. Down the road from her home was a horse ranch, and Slowey enjoyed the serenity of her quiet retirement […]
In the rural town of Hernando, Citrus County, Florida, the retirement of Sandie Slowey and her decision to move to a mobile home brought her into contact with a potential threat to her peaceful life. Deltona Corporation, a real estate developer, planned to build an 800-acre data center next to Slowey's neighborhood. The sudden change in landscape led to her outrage, as she feared the constant noise from the data center would disrupt her serenity.
Slowey, along with other affected residents, formed No Data Center Citrus, a community group that organized meetings and gathered support to reject Deltona's proposal. The county ultimately blocked Deltona's plan and imposed a one-year moratorium on data center projects. This fight against data centers has spread across Florida, with at least 268 opposition groups in 37 states, as reported by Sophie Hurwitz.
The resistance against data centers has transcended party lines and has impacted Florida's politics, causing a rift within the Republican base. Many lifelong Republicans, including Slowey, are not supporting US Representative Byron Donalds, the leading GOP contender for governor, due to his support for data centers and his acceptance of campaign contributions from developers.
Slowey plans to vote for Jay Collins, the current lieutenant governor, who advocates for strict regulations on data centers. Though unlikely to win, the grassroots conservative candidate Bobby Williams has garnered support in rural areas, illustrating how once-loyal voters are disillusioned with the current GOP establishment, which prioritizes corporate interests over local concerns.
If Donalds wins the primary, Slowey vows to back David Jolly, a Democratic candidate who has pledged a statewide moratorium on data center construction, citing environmental and economic concerns. The data center issue has become a critical factor in Florida's political landscape, creating a divide between those who support the infrastructure and those who prioritize the well-being of their communities.
Written by urgent.news from Mother Jones's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
