A local watchdog group in Fort Meade, Florida, has launched a recall effort against Mayor Jaret Williams, Vice Mayor Petrina McCutchen, and Commissioner Matthew Taylor. The group, Watchdogs of Fort Meade, alleges mismanagement of funds, malfeasance, and conflicts of interest surrounding the approved Stonebridge hyperscale AI data center.

Background

The planned 4.4-million-square-foot facility has sparked widespread community concern regarding water usage, noise pollution, health impacts, and increased traffic after its approval in April. Group Vice Chair George McNerney stated, “We are 100% in support of positive growth and opportunities for the city, but we want to make sure we’re set up for success and not approved too early, to where we have false hope and no jobs for the citizens in the town.”

The recall effort follows a lawsuit the group filed against the city in May, challenging the project due to an alleged lack of transparency and lawful review. Additionally, the group requested an environmental review and compliance investigation from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Response from City Officials

Commissioner Matthew Taylor defended the project, calling the recall process an available public right but defending his actions as a patriotic duty to keep America and Florida ahead in the global AI battle. He claimed that Chinese interests are funding anti-data center sentiments coming from Washington and questioned the watchdog group’s financial backing.

Organizers are working to collect more than 300 valid signatures for the recall petition over the next 30 days. Once the petition is submitted, the Polk County Supervisor of Elections will have 30 days to verify the signatures.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.