It’s Unanimous: Leon County Bans New Data Centers for 18 Months | Tallahassee Democrat 💲
The Leon County Commission voted unanimously at its July 14 meeting to approve an 18-month moratorium on new data centers. One commissioner reportedly pushed back on the move, calling data centers “the new boogeyman of political rhetoric.”
Palm Beach County Commissioners Vote Against Controversial Project Tango Data Center Proposal | WPBF
The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners voted 5 to 1 on Wednesday to deny the Project Tango artificial intelligence data center proposal following a 12-hour meeting. Hundreds of Arden community residents opposed the project over its proximity to Saddle View Elementary School and concerns about groundwater, noise and energy use.
The Center for Biological Diversity withdrew its Clean Air Act lawsuit against Florida after satellite and aerial imagery confirmed that diesel generators powering the Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention center had been removed. The group said it will continue separate litigation over the facility’s environmental review and site remediation.
Hillsborough Approves $650 Million for Water and Sewer Projects | NewsRadio WFLA
Hillsborough County commissioners approved more than $650 million in financing for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to treatment plants, transmission pipelines and pump stations. The funding will be provided through utility revenue bonds repaid by system revenue rather than property taxes.
The Ultimate Guide to Florida’s Natural Springs and Their Impact | Florida Today
Florida has more than 1,000 natural freshwater springs, which supply the majority of the state’s drinking water and provide critical winter habitat for manatees. Wakulla Springs, located south of Tallahassee, holds the title of the state’s largest and deepest freshwater spring.
Altamonte Springs Turns Sewage Sludge Into Energy, Usable Water | Central Florida Public Media
A hydrothermal liquefaction demonstration project in Altamonte Springs is converting sewage biosolids into oil, gas and usable water while destroying about 96% of the PFAS present in the waste. The $750,000 pilot, funded through a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant, produces water clean enough for industrial use and could eventually be treated to drinking water standards.
Sedron Breaks Ground on Its Florida Upcycling Facility | Waste Today
Construction is underway on Sedron’s biosolids upcycling facility in Indiantown, expected to create up to 30 jobs with operations ramping up in 2028. The facility will use Sedron’s Varcor technology, in partnership with Synagro Technologies, to convert biosolids from Southeast Florida wastewater plants into recovered water, cement-industry ash and carbon-negative electricity.
Environmental Groups Sue Government to Stop a Big Change to the Endangered Species Act | NPR
The Trump administration has rescinded the longstanding federal definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, removing habitat modification from the list of prohibited actions, effective September 14. Earthjustice and several environmental groups, along with two tribal nations, have filed lawsuits arguing the rule reversal is arbitrary and threatens habitat-dependent species such as salmon.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced no changes to current operational guidance for Lake Okeechobee, with target releases remaining unchanged as drought conditions persist despite the start of the 2026 wet season. USACE said its objective is to retain water in the system and recover the lake to between 14.5 and 15.5 feet by the end of the wet season.
EPA Issues Draft Guidance on PFOA and PFOS Use in Biosolids | Adams and Reese
The EPA issued draft guidance on June 29 offering non-binding recommendations for reducing PFOA and PFOS risk in biosolids applied to land, including avoiding application near drinking water sources and areas accessible to young children. Public comments on the guidance are due September 4, 2026.
