OKEECHOBEE — Community opposition to the proposed Indian River State College Okee-One Data Center continues to accelerate, with a grassroots petition now approaching 3,000 signatures as residents prepare for two major public events this month:  a Board of County Commissioners hearing on county growth policy changes and a peaceful protest at Indian River State College.

What began as a local petition has become one of the most visible grassroots movements in recent Okeechobee County history. Organizers say support has surged as residents learn more about both the proposed Okee-One project and new county planning amendments that could pave the way for future data center development.

APRIL 23: COUNTY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
The Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the County Comprehensive Plan on Thursday, April 23, at 9 a.m. in the Historic Okeechobee County Courthouse  William L. Hendry Courtroom, 304 NW 2nd Street. According to the official agenda, the amendments include creation of “Special Technology Opportunity Centers,” a new policy pathway intended to allow and encourage technology-focused development, including data centers and related infrastructure.

Organizers note that while this hearing is not a final approval of the Okee-One project itself, it could establish future land use rules that make projects like Okee-One easier to pursue.

APRIL 27: PROTEST AT IRSC FOUNDATION MEETING
Community members are also organizing a peaceful public protest during the Indian River State College Foundation Board meeting on Monday, April 27, at 12:30 p.m., outside Indian River State College Dixon Hendry Campus
Okeechobee, Florida.

The demonstration is being organized to raise awareness and voice concern regarding the proposed Okee-One data center project and its potential impact on the local community.

“I think it’s important to protest the Foundation meeting because it’s on our home turf, and many involved have a direct line to the Board of Trustees and college leadership,” said organizer Wyatt Deihl. “If enough people internally become uncomfortable with this project, they may start pulling back. We’re hoping for a strong turnout.”

Organizers are encouraging participants to bring signs and engage in a peaceful, respectful demonstration focused on transparency, accountability, and community advocacy.
While the Foundation could change the meeting location because of the protest, organizers say they still plan to gather at the scheduled time and place so community members can make their voices heard.

GROWING COMMUNITY CONCERNS
Residents opposing the project continue to cite concerns about:
● Heavy water and power consumption
● Backup diesel generator emissions and air quality impacts
● Strain on roads and utilities
● Compatibility with Okeechobee’s rural character

● Lack of transparency and public engagement
● Potential impacts to environmentally sensitive lands connected to the Lake Okeechobee watershed

Earlier this month, organizers announced the petition was nearing 2,000 signatures, reflecting rapidly growing public resistance.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Sign the Petition:
https://www.change.org/STOPOKEEONE
Join the Protest Event:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18Jeh13CD8