NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Environment)August 4, 2026Hillsborough
Manatee County Board of County Commissioners enacts moratorium on data center development
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on July 28 to pause all new data center projects. The board also instructed county staff to review and potentially update the local land development code regarding these facilities.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Environment)Why It Matters
This halts new data center construction in Manatee County while officials evaluate land use regulations, impacting property owners and developers interested in the sector.
Key Facts
- The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to implement a moratorium on data centers.
- The vote occurred during a meeting on July 28.
- The board directed county staff to review and potentially revise the county's land development code.
- Manatee County is joining Hernando and Pasco counties in restricting data center development.
Who's Mentioned
personByron Donalds“Republican gubernatorial candidate who opposes moratoriums.”locationManatee County“The local government enacting the moratorium.”organizationFort Meade LLC“Developer of a $2.6 billion data center campus in Polk County.”personAmanda Ballard“Manatee County Commissioner who proposed the moratorium.”personTal Siddique“Manatee County Commissioner who proposed a moratorium.”personBob McCann“Manatee County Commissioner who proposed a moratorium.”locationPasco“A neighboring county that has taken similar action.”locationHernando“A neighboring county that has taken similar action.”organizationManatee County Board of County Commissioners“The governing body that voted for the moratorium.”