Comments on: Escambia Commission Bans Data Centers; Barry Says No Projects Ever Under Consideration In District 5

By: Mike Spinks

Mike Spinks — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 00:34:07 +0000

I see the county commissioner have voted against a data center that could provide jobs int the county. Wouldn’t these jobs help provide tax revenue for the county?
I heard this on the evening news Saturday night. After this story, it reported a story about the county could be losing about $19 million in tax revenue. Where is the logic against bringing businesses in? The commissioners want businesses and people to come but yet they hinder businesses from starting in the county. Take it to the people of Escambia County and let them vote on it. Next they will be raising property taxes to pay for their bad decisions.

By: Jlb

Jlb — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 19:52:31 +0000

Susie..Barry only does what he thinks benefits him. Certainly doesn’t listen when we complain about the to fast growth in certain areas..data centers are coming stop listening to the media an do your own research…they can be a good thing. Lots of wrong information being spewed.

By: Mary Allison Huskey

Mary Allison Huskey — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:15:11 +0000

Al Data Centers are wrecking communities all across our nation right now. Wells are running dry or spitting out sludge, people’s land is being taken in Georgia as imminent domain. The anti-corrosive chemicals being added to the millions of gallons of aquifer water being used to run these AI data centers is becoming polluted water unable to ever be the same again. Cows are only giving birth the stillborn calves in properties neighboring these data centers. AI data centers are an environmental disaster and between the chemicals and noise pollution they would make our land and our communities less safe. They would take away our rights – two of which being our right to clean water, and the pursuit of happiness (no one can be happy in the proximity to the sound these AI Data Centers make).

By: Redfish

Redfish — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 11:59:48 +0000

Barry and any other commish that votes to ban them should turn in their cell phones and save the county that money, because they can rely on data centers!

By: Native

Native — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 11:53:11 +0000

This is another example of local government allowing fear and speculation to drive public policy. Blanket bans on entire industries risk sending a message that Escambia County is closed to innovation and new investment, ultimately hurting our long-term economic competitiveness. Escambia County has a track record of backward conspiracy driven decisions that have caused our area to stagnate.

By: Cb

Cb — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 22:39:29 +0000

I agree with Fred due to the fact ive built numerous data centers across the country. I build/install piping systems in all sorts of industrial plants including data centers and Fred is correct

By: Curious

Curious — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 22:09:21 +0000

Carson O’Gen: you mean everything South of McDavid right? Molino has had a 24/7 career crew for months now. McDavid and Walnut hill are the only two stations left without career guys I believe.

By: Glen

Glen — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:12:20 +0000

Mr. May couldn’t be more wrong. Data Centers not only create the dedicated jobs for those working at the center, but they attract businesses that need low latency data access, such as HealthCare, manufacturing and high tech businesses. They also serve as an attractive beacon for businesses seeking to locate in a business friendly environment. The economic impact is obvious and undeniable. The obvious location is the OLF 8 site on Nine Mile Road.

By: Carson O'Gen

Carson O'Gen — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:32:13 +0000

Glad they are finally talking about the north end.. while we are at it every person plays the same for fire protection in Escambia, but Century is the only place that gets day time career firefighters while everything south of Molino has 24hr protection.

By: mnon

mnon — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:17:07 +0000

retiredITGuy: then go live by one and get out of NW Florida. Enjoy your retirement.