Pensacola Morning News Update

Escambia County Adopts Formal Ban on Data Centers

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners has unanimously approved a resolution banning large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas of the county. This decision comes in response to increasing public pressure regarding the environmental impact and resource consumption associated with such facilities.

The resolution clearly states that data center facilities are “not permitted under the County’s Land Development Code” and are deemed “not an appropriate form of development” in these areas. A formal ordinance to codify this ban is expected to be considered at the board’s meeting on August 6.

• Small “server room” or accessory data centers linked to existing institutions, such as hospitals and universities, will still be permitted.
• The ordinance aims to strengthen and clarify the restrictions set forth in the resolution.

Escambia School Board Legal Dispute Over Depositions

In a related matter, the Escambia County School Board is embroiled in a legal dispute concerning depositions taken from students involved in a federal lawsuit over book removals. The board has deposed several student plaintiffs, including a minor, who are seeking access to specific educational materials.

However, the School Board is now asserting that its own members should not be subject to depositions, citing “legislative privilege” to protect policy decisions. Legal counsel for the board has requested that the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals intervene to shield board members from further depositions, though a district court has already denied part of this request.

Heat Advisory Issued

As the summer heat intensifies, a heat advisory is in effect for the Pensacola region, with afternoon heat indices potentially reaching up to 110°F. Public health officials advise residents to:

• Stay hydrated.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak daylight hours.
• Check on vulnerable neighbors, pets, and elderly individuals.

Former School Employee Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

In a serious criminal case, Christopher W. Glover, a 47-year-old former employee of the Baldwin County School District, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempted sex trafficking of a minor. Glover was found guilty of attempting to traffic a minor and traveling across state lines for illicit purposes.

In October 2025, he communicated with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl, offering money for sexual acts. He was arrested in Pensacola upon his arrival, carrying over $200 intended for the illicit transaction. Following his prison term, Glover will also face 10 years of supervised release.

Community Briefs & Local Events

• Tate High School “Aggie Day”: This event aims to help incoming freshmen and transfer students acclimate before the school year begins.
• Gulf Breeze Will Do Grant Season Opens: The philanthropic organization is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle, supporting local schools, non-profits, and community groups across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

Sources

• Escambia Commission Bans Data Centers; Barry Says No Projects Ever Under Consideration In District 5 : NorthEscambia.com
• Escambia Residents Reject Weak Language; Escambia Drafts Ban Ordinance | City of Pensacola | Open Governance
• The Escambia school board deposed students. Now it says its own members shouldn’t be deposed | WUSF
• ORDER denying 108 Motion for Restrictions of any Board Member Depositions. The Court anticipates and expects that counsel for Plaintiffs will conduct the depositions in good faith and in compliance with the applicable rules. If that turns out not to be the case, then the School Board may seek the Courts assistance at the appropriate time. Accordingly, the School Boards Motion for Restrictions of any Board Member Depositions (Doc. 108 ) is DENIED. (SEE FULL ORDER). Signed by MAGISTRATE JUDGE ZACHARY C BOLITHO on 8/5/2025. (cjk)
• Former School Employee Gets 10 Years On Federal Child Sex Crime Charges : NorthEscambia.com
• Right Now, Century Is The Only Place In Escambia County Where A Data Center Could Be Located : NorthEscambia.com
• How a man’s daily routine of ordering gumbo wound up saving his life – CBS News
• Alleged downtown Pensacola gunman denied bond in July 5 shooting – Pensacola News Journal
• Check out photo highlights from the news of the day in July – Pensacola News Journal
• Road reopens after woman killed walking on Rangeline before dawn: MPD – WKRG
• FHP: Father and son killed in crash on Barrancas Ave in Escambia County – WEAR-TV

This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.