County Council - Monday August 17, 2026

The County Council meeting of Volusia County on August 17, 2026, focused heavily on the issue of large-scale data centers and their potential impacts on the community. After extensive public commentary expressing concerns about water usage, noise pollution, environmental degradation, and lack of local benefits, the council discussed Senate Bill 484 and its implications for regulating data centers. The council voted to impose a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers (those using 50 megawatts or more) in unincorporated areas of the county, effectively halting new applications while staff researches and develops stronger regulations. There was also significant discussion about pursuing a permanent ban on such data centers, citing unique local vulnerabilities such as sinkhole susceptibility and water resource concerns. Additionally, the council approved a contract with AM Wigle Construction for construction management services for a CDBG-DR funded emergency medical services headquarters. Other agenda items included clarifications on fee administration and infrastructure maintenance updates. The meeting reflected strong community engagement and a cautious, research-driven approach to future procurement and regulatory decisions regarding data centers.