Last Update: 06/03/2026 at 4:01 AM EST
Lakeland Hyperscale Data Center Proposal
Coverage from LkldNow, The Ledger, and others
Articles
3
Latest Article
05/31
Active Days
4
Executive Summary
A Tampa-area developer has proposed Project Swan, a large data center complex near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road in Lakeland. The project is still in concept review, and city staff say it may not be allowed under current code, with annexation, zoning, and utility impacts still unresolved. Public concern has risen quickly as officials and residents seek basic details on water use, power demand, traffic, and operational purpose.
Key Points
- Project Swan proposes up to 600,000 square feet of hyperscale-style data center space on roughly 60.5 acres in southwest Lakeland.
- City staff say data centers are not clearly listed as an allowed use in Lakeland’s current code, making land-use compatibility a central issue.
- The site spans Lakeland and unincorporated Polk County, so part of the property would need annexation before the full project could advance.
- The concept plan includes three buildings, large mechanical yards, stormwater ponds, and a substantial electrical substation area.
- Key operational details remain unknown, including water demand, electrical load, wastewater needs, traffic impacts, and noise mitigation.
- Public concern emerged quickly, with residents and officials reacting before the project had reached a public hearing stage.
- The proposal sits near existing industrial and utility uses as well as nearby homes, making siting and compatibility especially sensitive.
Featured Article
Kimley-Horn filed for Lakeland, Florida concept plan review on Project Swan, a proposed 600,000-square-foot data center project near Old Tampa Highway and Wilkinson Road.
Coverage Timeline: 4 Days
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Additional Articles
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Kimley-Horn filed a May 5 concept plan for Lakeland’s Project Swan hyperscale data center, with city officials focused on whether code allows data centers.
Lakeland city commissioners scheduled a Developer Review Committee meeting after residents opposed Project Swan, a proposed data center off Old Tampa Highway and Wilkerson Road.