LET US START WITH THE MAYOR, CARMINE DIPAOLO, ANGELINA PEREZ, AND PHYLLIS WATERS BROWN

(This information is for informational use only, we make no inference to any wrong doing. We want you to make up your own mind)

Yes — the topic of data centers has come up multiple times in Village of Indiantown Council-related meetings over the last 12 months (roughly March 2025–March 2026). It centers almost entirely on one major proposal: a ~2.2 million sq ft AI/data processing center by Silver Fox 606 LLC on undeveloped land in western Indiantown (pre-application started ~May 2025; still in early review/site-plan stage as of early 2026). No other data-center projects appear in the records.

Here are the specific instances where the subject was discussed in open meetings (regular Village Council or joint intergovernmental ones). Note that most direct statements came from staff or outside presenters (e.g., FPL), but Council members/commissioners actively participated, received updates, asked/answered questions, and made comments as a body. Verbatim quotes from individual Council members (Mayor Carmine Dipaolo, Vice Mayor Phyllis Waters Brown, Angelina Perez, etc.) are not detailed in news coverage, but the project is now heading toward public hearings before the Planning, Zoning & Appeals Board and full Council. This was in a joint Governmental Discussion.

1. March 27, 2025 – Regular Village Council Meeting

The March 27, 2025 Regular Village Council Meeting (video archived at https://indiantownfl.new.swagit.com/videos/338671) did include a discussion on data centers, specifically in the context of economic development incentives and property-tax exemptions for non-residential projects. The key quote you may recall—”IF IT’S A DATA CENTER, THEN IT’S 20 YEARS”—refers to the 20-year tax exemption available under Florida law for qualifying data centers (vs. shorter terms for other developments).

This was part of a staff presentation on incentives The discussion was informational/procedural—no formal vote on a specific data center project like Silver Fox occurred here, as that project was still in very early pre-application stages.

Who Was Present (Officially and Visually in the Video) from 2025

The meeting video starts with a standard call to order and includes visible/audible participation from the full Village Council and key staff. Based on the video transcript snippets, agenda context from NovusAgenda/Swagit, and typical roster for that period:

• Village Council Members (all five were present and participated, as this was a regular full Council meeting):
  • Mayor Carmine Dipaolo — Led the meeting (opened with welcome, handled call to order, proclamations, etc.).Vice Mayor Angelina Perez (or equivalent at the time; she was active in 2025 meetings).Council Member Karen Onsager — Listed in Council rosters and present for 2025 sessions; no specific quotes from her on data centers here, but as a sitting member, she was there.Council Member Vernestine Williams-Palmer (or Palmer; common participant).Council Member Phyllis Waters Brown (or similar; full Council typically attends regulars).
  The video shows the dais with Council members seated and engaging (e.g., during proclamations, consent agenda, and discussion items). No absences noted in summaries/transcript openings.
• Staff and Others Present:
  • Village Manager (likely Taryn Kryzda or predecessor in early 2025) — Handled transitions and presentations.
  • Economic Development/Planning Staff — Presented on incentives (the speaker who said the data center quote, then turned it over to “MR. VOSS” for memo details—likely an attorney or consultant like Wade Vose or similar from prior years, updated for 2025).
  • Village Attorney or Assistant — Referenced for legal/exemption details.
  • Public/audience: Some residents may have been present (visible in video background), but no major public comments on data centers noted (topic was staff-driven).

No specific roll call is quoted in snippets, but the meeting format shows the full Council on camera from the start, with active discussion. The data center reference was brief and tied to broader incentives (e.g., non-residential projects, tax exemptions), not a deep dive into Silver Fox (which surfaced more in later 2025–2026 meetings like July 31 joint or February 2026).

2. February 12, 2026 – Regular Village Council Meeting

• The data center was not on the official agenda, but residents showed up specifically to ask questions about the Silver Fox proposal after local news broke.
• FPL (Florida Power & Light) officials addressed the Council directly, assuring them the project would cover all of its own electricity costs and infrastructure.
• Council received the presentation and fielded resident concerns (limited answers were given because it wasn’t agendized). Residents described getting “few answers,” but the topic was openly discussed.
• Multiple local news/Facebook reports confirm the exchange happened in open session.
• Video: Available on the Village’s Swagit archive (search “February 2026” or “Feb 12 2026” at indiantownfl.new.swagit.com). Minutes/agenda packet are on NovusAgenda (indiantown.novusagenda.com).

3. Joint Intergovernmental Meetings (July 31, 2025 and February 17, 2026)

• July 31, 2025 joint meeting (Martin County BCC, Stuart, School Board + Indiantown Village Council): The Silver Fox data center was listed in the development-update packet as a “2 million Data processing center” (pre-application stage). Council representatives were present.
• February 17, 2026 joint meeting: Indiantown staff and commissioners (i.e., Council members) gave a development update stating the project is “still a go” and in active review. They emphasized: data centers “have to be self sufficient… Do not rely on the village” for utilities, especially water capacity (a major local concern). Village Manager Taryn Kryzda and Economic Development Director Deanna/Dina Freeman spoke on timelines and review process, with Council input.
• Key staff quote (Deanna Freeman): “We have made it very clear they have to be self sufficient… Do not rely on the village.”
• These joint sessions count as official meetings where Council members participate and speak.

Bottom Line

• Council members have been directly involved in hearing presentations, fielding resident questions, and discussing the project’s implications (water/power demands, tax incentives, review process) in open meetings — especially the Feb 12 and Feb 17, 2026 sessions. To include two meetings in 2025.
• No evidence of any Council member making a strong personal stance (“I support/oppose”) in the public record yet; the focus has been procedural (“it’s early-stage, must be self-sufficient, hearings coming”).
• The project is now moving toward formal site-plan review, PZAB hearing (possibly March/April 2026), and two Village Council hearings. You can watch those live or archived on Swagit.

WHAT ABOUT KAREN?

Karen has been a PZAB Member and A Council Woman during the period of time these discussion have taken place.

The PZAB has 7 members: 5 direct appointees (one nominated by each of the 5 Council members) + 2 at-large members (appointed by the full Council majority, often with more flexibility on residency/business ownership).

From meeting minutes and records:

• In one documented nomination round (e.g., around January 2025 agenda/minutes reference): Council Member Vernestine Palmer nominated Karen Onsager for her own PZAB seat/continuation. It was seconded by Council Member Brown and approved unanimously.
• Earlier appointments (2022–2023 era) show similar patterns: Council members nominate their own “rep” to the board (e.g., Mayor Susan Gibbs Thomas appointed Karen Onsager in one listing; other examples include Vice Mayor Guyton Stone appointing Milton Williams, Council Member Carmine Dipaolo appointing Scott Watson).

The reason we Bring this up is because of Karens Outburst at the recent February 26th meeting insisting she “knew nothing”. If so, then she is not paying attention or she is lying.

• 2017–2018: Indiantown Incorporation & Early Growth Focus Village incorporates (2017). Emphasis on water/roads/stormwater and economic base. FPL as major revenue source. Carmine Dipaolo: Not yet on Council. Kevin Powers & David Powers: Active in real estate (Indiantown Realty). Josh Kellam: Early involvement with The Garcia Companies in regional development (not yet Indiantown-specific). Taryn Kryzda: Not yet Village Manager (prior Martin County administrator). FPL: Long-standing utility presence. Distinctions: Private real estate (Powers brothers) and emerging developers (Kellam/Garcia) vs. future governmental roles (Dipaolo, Kryzda).
• 2019–2021: Pre-Election Growth Advocacy Kevin Powers recommends industrial sites; David in BDBMC leadership. Josh Kellam: Garcia Companies advances attainable housing concepts regionally. Taryn Kryzda: Former Martin County administrator (pre-Village role). Carmine Dipaolo: Not elected. FPL: Utility support. Distinctions: Business advocacy (Powers/Kellam) sets stage for Indiantown boom.
• ~2020s: Taryn Kryzda Appointed Village Manager Council selects Kryzda as interim (later full) Village Manager—oversees operations, staff, development permitting. Distinctions: Kryzda becomes key governmental administrator (policy execution, project reviews).
• August 2022: Village Council Election Carmine Dipaolo elected (Seat 3); Angelina Perez wins. Kevin Powers: Comments at meetings. Josh Kellam: Garcia Companies begins Terra Lago planning (affordable homes). Taryn Kryzda: Manages staff/operations. Distinctions: Dipaolo enters governance; Kellam focuses on housing development.
• 2022–2023: Early Council & Infrastructure Council (Dipaolo) addresses water plant funding. Terra Lago groundbreaking prep. Josh Kellam: Garcia pushes Terra Lago (2,500+ homes, $200k–$300k range) as workforce housing solution. Taryn Kryzda: Oversees reviews/permitting. FPL: Revenue/infrastructure partner. Distinctions: Kellam as private developer delivering housing; Kryzda/Dipaolo enable via approvals.
• 2023–2024: Solar, Funding, & Terra Lago Milestones Monarch Solar ribbon-cutting (April 2024)—Powers brothers, Kryzda attend. State funding ($22.5M reverse osmosis facility) credited to Dipaolo, Council, Powers, Kellam. Terra Lago construction starts (March 2024 groundbreaking). Josh Kellam: Quoted on “foundation” of community; Garcia legacy of sustainable housing. Taryn Kryzda: Manages growth impacts (e.g., dust concerns from Terra Lago). Carmine Dipaolo: Thanks stakeholders (including Kellam/Powers). Distinctions: Kellam drives private housing boom; Kryzda handles operational fallout; Dipaolo/FPL enable funding/infrastructure.
• December 2024: ECI LLC Formation ECI filed—Kevin Powers manager, Josh Kellam authorized member. Distinctions: Kellam joins Kevin in private advocacy group for Indiantown growth.
• 2025: ECI Launch, Terra Lago Opening, Silver Fox Pre-App ECI launch (Sep 2025)—Kevin Powers & Danielle Williamson lead; Kellam as LLC member. Terra Lago model homes grand opening (July 2025)—Gov. DeSantis attends with Kellam, Dipaolo, Kryzda. Silver Fox pre-app (May 2025); FPL promotes site. Josh Kellam: Quoted on Terra Lago as “Florida dream” foundation. Taryn Kryzda: Oversees permitting; later comments on studying data center examples (concern mitigation). Carmine Dipaolo: Attends events; supports exemptions/annexations. FPL: Site marketing. Distinctions: Kellam visible in housing milestones; Kryzda operational voice on projects.
• July 31, 2025: Joint Meeting Silver Fox listed (pre-app). Dipaolo participates; thanks to Powers/Kellam for funding. Taryn Kryzda: Presents Village updates. Distinctions: Kryzda as staff presenter; Dipaolo as leader.
• January–February 2026: Silver Fox & Annexation Focus Silver Fox news breaks. Kellam quoted on historic preservation (Seminole Inn purchase, Oct 2025–Feb 2026). FPL annexation approved (Feb 2026, 5,722 acres)—Kevin Powers speaks pro-jobs. Josh Kellam: Emphasizes history protection via Garcia projects. Taryn Kryzda: Quoted on studying data center sites nationally (address concerns); expedited reviews. Carmine Dipaolo: Chairs annexation vote. FPL: Requests annexation; power assurances. Distinctions: Kellam on residential/historic side; Kryzda on practical review/concerns; Kevin vocal on economic benefits.
• Ongoing (March 2026): Silver Fox site-plan review; potential hearings. Terra Lago ongoing; ECI advocates measured growth. Josh Kellam: Garcia expands Indiantown footprint (housing, inn). Taryn Kryzda: Manages development pace, staff (e.g., salary schedules, deputy manager proposal). Carmine Dipaolo: Leads Council proclamations/votes. David Powers: BDBMC active. FPL: Infrastructure enabler. Distinctions: Governmental execution (Dipaolo/Kryzda) vs. private development/advocacy (Kellam/Kevin) vs. county business (David).

Distinctions in Relationships

• Carmine Dipaolo: Governmental leader (Mayor/Council)—policy, votes, proclamations, thanks stakeholders. No private ECI role.
• Kevin Powers: Private advocate — ECI manager, real estate/industrial focus, vocal on projects like Silver Fox/annexations.
• David Powers: County business networker — BDBMC board, residential real estate.
• Josh Kellam: Major private developer — Garcia Companies President, ECI member, drives attainable housing (Terra Lago), historic preservation (Seminole Inn); quoted on community legacy/foundation.
• Taryn Kryzda: Administrative executive (Village Manager)—day-to-day operations, permitting, staff, public comms on concerns (e.g., data center studies, dust from Terra Lago).
• FPL: Utility/infrastructure stakeholder — power provider, site promoter, annexation requester; interacts with all for growth support.

This keeps the ecosystem clear: public officials (Dipaolo/Kryzda) enable/execute; private leaders (Powers brothers/Kellam) drive/advocate; FPL powers it.

FPL Annexation in Indiantown (January–February 2026) was a voluntary request by Florida Power & Light to bring 5,722.30 acres of its own land into the Village boundaries. The move was unanimously approved and significantly expanded Indiantown’s footprint while enabling FPL infrastructure projects.

Exact Timeline & Process

• January 22, 2026: Voluntary annexation request approved by the Village Council (initial step incorporating the land).
• February 26, 2026 (reported February 27): Village Council unanimously approved the comprehensive plan amendment and related rezoning/future land use changes. This cleared the path for FPL to obtain permits for development (primarily a new substation on light-industrial zoned portions).

The land lies north and south of SW Canada Highway and west of SW Warfield Boulevard, immediately south of the pre-existing Village boundaries.

Purpose & What FPL Gets

FPL requested the annexation specifically to build and operate a new substation and supporting infrastructure on the property. The comprehensive plan amendment rezoned portions to light-industrial use, allowing construction and future expansion without county-level hurdles.

They also have distinct pre-approval language that allows for another hyperscale data center to be placed the annexed property at a future time. While final approval will have to be made by Council, the approval to do so has already been given and is near impossible to retract.

Officially, this is framed as infrastructure to support regional growth (power reliability for existing and new customers). It is not officially tied to any single project like Silver Fox in public records, though some residents and opposition groups have speculated it could indirectly support high-power users (data centers need massive substations).

Economic & Tax Impact

• Expands Village land area by ~62% (pre-annexation Indiantown was roughly 9,212 acres).
• Expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional annual tax revenue for the Village (FPL properties are high-value taxpayers).
• Supports FPL’s broader Treasure Coast presence (adjacent to existing FPL facilities and the Monarch Solar Energy Center).

Key Players & Statements

• Carmine Dipaolo (Mayor): Chaired the meetings and presided over the unanimous votes. Consistent with his pro-infrastructure, measured-growth stance seen throughout the timeline.
• Kevin Powers: Spoke during public comment at the February meeting. He framed the annexation as “jobs and opportunity” and called FPL Indiantown’s “largest economic partner,” urging support for working families. (This aligns with his ECI role and earlier comments on growth.)
• Deanna Freeman (Community & Economic Development Director): Provided the detailed staff explanation of the acreage, location, and process.
• Taryn Kryzda (Village Manager): Oversaw the administrative review and implementation (consistent with her role in expediting development projects).
• FPL: Initiated the voluntary request and will fund all infrastructure (no cost to the Village).

The vote was 5-0 with no noted opposition from Council members.

Relation to Broader Ecosystem (Distinctions from Timeline)

This annexation fits perfectly into the pro-growth alignment we’ve tracked:

• Governmental side (Dipaolo as Mayor + Kryzda/Freeman staff) handled the approvals and policy changes.
• Private advocacy (Kevin Powers via ECI and real estate voice) provided public support and framing as economic benefit.
• FPL acts as the infrastructure driver and direct beneficiary (no deeper “bonds” beyond standard utility-municipality partnership).
• No direct involvement noted from David Powers or Josh Kellam on this specific item (though both have overlapping pro-growth records elsewhere).

No evidence in records or news links the annexed land directly to Silver Fox 606 LLC (the data center site is on separate privately owned land). However, the new substation capacity could theoretically serve future high-load projects in the expanded area.