A significant real estate shift could soon reshape the landscape of western St. Lucie County, impacting the broader Treasure Coast region’s economic footprint. A new rezoning application submitted to the city of Fort Pierce reveals plans to transform over two hundred acres of prime land near Interstate 95 into a massive commercial and industrial hub, anchored by a state-of-the-art data center.
The property in question is owned by Willow Lakes LLC and spans a total of 203 acres located off West Midway Road. Earlier this summer, the ownership group submitted an official application to rezone 174 acres of this parcel to light industrial use, specifically to accommodate the proposed data center facility.
The latest rezoning proposal marks a dramatic pivot from the site’s originally intended use as the Koa Bay Surf Park Community, an ambitious recreational project that ultimately collapsed after the previous developer could not raise sufficient capital.
According to Lee Dobbins, the attorney representing Willow Lakes LLC, the landowner explored alternative possibilities after the surf park plans fell through. Dobbins noted that the property is uniquely equipped for a tech-heavy facility. The site boasts existing Florida Power & Light transmission lines as well as a large man-made lake, which developers believe could be efficiently utilized for a closed-loop cooling system—a vital component for modern data centers to prevent servers from overheating.
Beyond the tech infrastructure, the remaining 26 acres of the property are requested to be zoned for general commercial use. If approved, this portion of the land is intended for retail development, which could introduce new amenities to this busy Fort Pierce corridor, including a potential hotel, a gas station, and various restaurant or fast-food establishments.
Unsurprisingly, the proposal is generating a spectrum of reactions among locals and city leaders along the Treasure Coast. Parker Whiteside, a resident living just a mile and a half from the site, expressed immediate opposition to the plan. She emphasized a desire to preserve the quiet, open character and beautiful views that currently define the immediate area.
Local officials are approaching the development with a blend of economic interest and strict caution. Fort Pierce City Commissioner Michael Broderick acknowledged that data centers are currently a booming industry, but firmly stated that his support hinges on stringent environmental and infrastructural protections. Broderick outlined specific conditions that developers must prove they can meet before moving forward:
- Protection of Groundwater: The project must demonstrate absolute zero negative impact on local water sources and the aquifer.
- Utility Cost Stability: The immense power consumption required by the facility must not trigger higher utility user fees for surrounding residents.
- Noise Control: Developers must guarantee the site will not create noise pollution that disrupts the peaceful community atmosphere.
If the rezoning request successfully passes, Willow Lakes LLC plans to enter a formalized agreement with a partner tech company. That partner would then be required to submit a comprehensive site plan to the City of Fort Pierce for final municipal approval. The initial rezoning application is scheduled to go before the Planning and Zoning Board on September 17, marking the first major hurdle for this potentially transformative Treasure Coast real estate development.
