Lakeland pauses hyperscale data-center development as regional projects advance

The City Commission voted 4-3 on September 3 for a 12-month pause after Project Swan withdrew. The city is expected to develop rules addressing grid and water capacity, infrastructure costs, ratepayer protection, emergency planning, and public input. The proposed Stonebridge project near Fort Meade continues to raise power, aquifer, tax-abatement, and wastewater concerns amid statewide political pressure.