NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)August 4, 2026Hillsborough
Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approves data center moratorium
The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners voted to pause all new data center development in the county. The board also directed staff to review and potentially update the county's land development code regarding these facilities.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
This prevents new data center projects from being approved in Manatee County while officials evaluate and potentially change the rules governing where and how these facilities can be built.
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 evaluate potential revisions to the land development code.
- Manatee County is joining Hernando and Pasco counties in restricting data center development.
Who's Mentioned
organizationMicrosoft“Company that utilizes hyperscale data centers.”personByron Donalds“Republican gubernatorial candidate who opposes moratoriums.”locationManatee County“The local government enacting the moratorium.”personAmanda Ballard“Manatee County Commissioner who proposed the moratorium.”organizationMeta“Company that utilizes hyperscale data centers.”personTal Siddique“Manatee County Commissioner who proposed a moratorium.”personBob McCann“Manatee County Commissioner who proposed a moratorium.”locationPasco“A neighboring county that has also taken action on data centers.”locationHernando“A neighboring county that has also taken action on data centers.”organizationGoogle“Company that utilizes hyperscale data centers.”organizationManatee County Board of County Commissioners“The governing body that voted for the moratorium.”