EATONVILLE, Fla. — A discussion between the CEO of HostDime and an Eatonville councilman over when a data center will be fully operational quickly morphed into a fiery exchange during the town council meeting Tuesday night.
Manny Vivar addressed the town council with an update on the 120,000-square-foot data center. When asked by Seat 4 Councilman Tarus Mack when it will be completed, Vivar said, “I will say it’ll be done when it’s done, but it’s a priority.” He declined to give another deadline.
That response did not go well with Mack. “I can’t sit here and allow you to continue telling me and my citizens that it’ll be done when we get done,” he said. “That’s almost like an insult. That’s insult to injury.”
Vivar pointed out that the data center will be a “Tier 4,” one of a handful in the country which he claims is more environmentally friendly. Developers broke ground back in 2021 for the center which is now five years behind schedule.
The delays were caused by the pandemic and the demolition of the nearby Hungerford School Site, Vivar said. The council fined Vivar $250.00 a day after it missed its July 2025 deadline. The fine has now topped $100,000 and continues to accrue.
Vivar addressed the fine before the council. “When you mentioned these fees and stipulations, that’s not motivating me. I’m losing $70,000 a month right now if I don’t get these construction contractors out of the project,” he said.
In response to that statement, Mack said fees or fines for missed deadlines are standard in the construction business if a deadline is missed. “If you’re not done in a timely manner, they’ll add fees to you,” Mack said. “I got empathy, you know what I’m saying? But if you’re going to sit here and constantly tell us ‘it’s going to be done when it’s getting done,’ that doesn’t sit well with me, man.
The council previously opted not to increase the fine to $500.00 a day. The current $250.00 fine will continue until Vivar provides the council with a certificate of occupancy.
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