On the agenda: Taylor County Agenda — DATA CENTER (Aug 25)

SUGGESTED AGENDA
TAYLOR COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PERRY, FLORIDA
AUGUST 25, 2026
6:00 P.M.
108 N. JEFFERSON STREET
TAYLOR COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 3RD FLOOR COURTROOM
CONFERENCE LINE: 1-917-900-1022
ACCESS CODE: 32347#

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If you wish to speak, please dial *5. The moderator will unmute your line when it is your turn to speak
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and address. You will be allowed to speak for 3 minutes.

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THAT ANY PERSONS DECIDING TO APPEAL ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT
THIS MEETING WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE MEETING AND MAY NEED TO
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ANY PERSON WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD REGARDING AN AGENDAED
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1. PRAYER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. DATA CENTER DISCUSSION AND AGENDA
A. Welcome, purpose, and meeting participation ground rules.
1. Purpose: to share information about data centers (what they
are, benefits, impacts, challenges to be aware of, and
approaches to address them) presented in a format that allows
diverse perspectives to be shared and we are not told “what to
think,” but “what to think about,” so that Taylor County
citizens and elected leaders are better informed and can use
that information to make better decisions with the best
interests of the county in mind.
2. This meeting is informational. No official action will be
taken.
3. Due to the potential audience size, we are following the
guidelines laid out in the BOCC's 2026 Rules of Procedure for
workshop sessions to ensure everyone is given the opportunity
to participate. If you have come with a comment, please ensure
you have completed a “request to speak” form.
4. Participation ground rules:
a. We treat each other with dignity and respect; we are all
here to learn.
b. Presenters have up to 15 minutes each.
c. Questions and comments will follow speaker presentations.
d. Questions from county commissioners will immediately
follow.
e. Audience comments utilizing “request to speak” forms are
next.
f. Come to the microphone to speak; share your name and home
address; 3-minute time limit; please cite source(s) of
information. Only speak once on each topic.
g. No interruptions of speakers.
B. Educational presentations on modern data centers, known
concerns, potential benefits and protections communities should
consider.

Introduction of speakers:
1. Bob Cate, retired Executive Director, TCDA
2. James Taylor, CEO, Florida Technology Council
3. Dr. Mark McNees, Sustainability Entrepreneur in Residence,
Florida State University
4. Dr. Ted Kury, Director of Energy Studies for the Public
Utilities Research Center, University of Florida
5. Dr. Nathan Palardy, Department of Food and Resource
Economics, University of Florida
C. Ray Curtis – An online tool to assess data center impacts.
D. Board of County Commissioners’ questions.
E. Public Comments.
F. Closing Comments by Board of County Commissioners.
G. Next Steps Forward.
4. ADJOURN
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
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THE AGENDA AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION, IF APPLICABLE, IS AVAILABLE TO
THE PUBLIC ON THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE:
www.taylorcountygov.com

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IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMODATION IN
ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST
TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT MARSHA
DURDEN, ASSISTANT COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR, 201 E. GREEN STREET, PERRY,
FLORIDA, 850-838-3500, EXT.7, WITHIN TWO (2) WORKING DAYS OF THIS
PROCEEDING.

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