Kentucky
All of the 4th of July events, fireworks taking place in Louisville this year
Fourth of July festivities to celebrate in Louisville
See the Fourth of July festivities planned in Louisville for America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Nothing says summer like celebrating the Fourth of July with grilled food, parades, concerts, and, of course, fireworks.
And this year is extra special as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. July Fourth, also known as Independence Day, is the federal holiday set aside to commemorate the Continental Congress formally adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Here is a list of fireworks shows and other Independence Day events taking place in the Louisville area, and across Kentucky, between now and July 4.
Fourth of July events in Louisville, Kentucky
June 26-28
WHAT: Join the Louisville Chorus for its annual tribute to America and our troops. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a spirited afternoon of music, community, and patriotic pride.
WHERE:
- June 26: St. Mary of the Annunciation, 415 E. 8th St., New Albany, Ind.
- June 27: St. Matthews Baptist Church, 3515 Grandview Ave.
- June 28: Crestwood United Methodist, 7214 Kavanaugh Road
WHEN: June 26, 7 p.m.; June 27 and 28, 3 p.m.
COST: Free, donations accepted
MORE INFORMATION: louisvillechorus.org.
July 2
WHAT: Louisville Orchestra, under the direction of Teddy Abrams, will present “Play America,” a mix of classical and contemporary pieces. From “The Star-Spangled Banner” and Leonard Bernstein’s spirited “Candide Overture,” alongside playful surprises including a heavy metal inspired take on “Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King,” closes with iconic film music from John Williams’ “Star Wars.” The festivities kick off with a variety of food trucks and the Family Field with balloon creations, bounce houses, face painting and crafts. Sponsored by the Jasteka Cultural Center.
WHERE: America Place at River Ridge, 101 Logistics Ave, Jeffersonville, Indiana
WHEN: July 2, 6-10 p.m. Food trucks and activities, 6-8:30 p.m.; concert 8:30-10 p.m.
COST: Free, registration is requested
MORE INFORMATION: Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. louisvilleorchestra.org/events/free-community-events.
July 3
WHAT: Fun run for ages 9 and younger. Distance: 49-yards for ages 6 and younger; 84-yards for ages 7-9.
WHERE: Independence Bank, 3902 Shelbyville Road
WHEN: July 3, 4 p.m.
COST: $10
MORE INFORMATION: rivercityraces.com/upcoming-events-1/2026
WHAT: Concert featuring music by Sight Unseen. Fireworks after the show. Food truck and adult beverages.
WHERE: Springs Park Pavilion, 110 S. Second St., La Grange, Kentucky
WHEN: July 3, 6-10 p.m. Fireworks, 9:30 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Bring lawn chairs. lagrangemainstreet.org.
WHAT: Soar, splash, and kick off the Fourth of July weekend with a boom. Celebrate Independence Day as America turns 250 at Kentucky Kingdom with live bluegrass and patriotic music, rides, swimming and water rides at Hurricane Bay, specialty foods and fireworks. Music by Mountain Highway and Tooth & Nail String Band.
WHERE: 937 Phillips Lane
WHEN: July 3-4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hurricane Bay: July 3-4, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
COST: Admission starts at $42.99. Parking $15
MORE INFORMATION: kentuckykingdom.com.
July 4
WHAT: Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Locust Grove. Beginning at 5 a.m., gather in silence around a sacred fire in the meadow near the Pavilion. At sunrise (6:32 a.m.), begin a multicultural observance of Indigenous song and dance, blessings to the four winds, and other interfaith celebrations. A free, community breakfast catered by Caked up Ent. Catering will follow (8-10 a.m.). Presented by presented by the America250KY Committee and supported by Locust Grove’s Civics Pillar sponsor, Independence Bank.
WHERE: 561 Blankenbaker Lane
WHEN: July 4, 5-10 a.m.
COST: Admission is free
MORE INFORMATION: 502-897-9845; locustgrove.org.
WHAT: Part of the River City Races Run the 502 series. Awards, door prizes, race goodie bag with packet pickup, race photo and food. Awards and door prize drawings will take place in the parking lot following the race. Proceeds benefit St. Matthews Baptist Church’s annual “Love 40207” campaign. Presented by Independence Bank.
WHERE: Begins and ends at St. Matthews Baptist Church, 3515 Grandview Ave.
WHEN: July 4, 8 a.m.
COST: Registration is $45 through July 4 and includes a choice of unisex short-sleeved tech shirt or a women’s tech tank, free race photo, goodie bag, post-race food, awards and door prizes.; virtual 5k, $50 includes shipping of shirt, bib and finisher medal after July Fourth.
MORE INFORMATION: Pre-race packet pickup and late registration July 2, from noon to 6 p.m. at Independence Bank, 3901 Shelbyville Road. Day of race pickup at St. Matthews Baptist Church, from 7-7:45 a.m. rivercityraces.com/upcoming-events-1/2026
WHAT: The Louisville Potters are celebrating 50 years and the 4th of July with a summer market at the Masonic Homes of Kentucky. The market features ceramic artists designs in clay including bowls, platters, plates, vases and mugs, as well as one of a kind sculptural items and just cool pieces.
WHERE: Masonic Homes of Kentucky, 3701 Frankfort Ave.
WHEN: July 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: louisvillepotters.org.
WHAT: Celebrate July Fourth with a day of free family fun and entertainment including an art fair, food trucks, craft beer, live music, cake wheel, silent auction, magician, pet contest, cake baking contest, children’s field games and more. The day will end with the national anthem and fireworks (10 p.m.). Performers: Gary Falk & the Falklanders, Allen Lane Band, Stonewheel and magician Jack Rose.
WHERE: Peterson-Dumesnil House, 301 S. Peterson Ave.
WHEN: July 4, 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: For a complete schedule go to: crescenthill.us/4th-of-july-event
WHAT: Celebrate America turning 250 at Paristown. Features an outdoor artisan market with a curated collection of handmade goods, jewelry, candles, artwork, and decor on Brent Street; Jeff’s Donuts’ “Donut Hole Eating Contest,” with a $1,000 grand prize; music by Top Shelf and ends with Zambelli fireworks show (9:45 p.m.). Presented by Jack Daniels.
WHERE: Christy’s Garden, Paristown Arts & Entertainment District, 720 Brent St.
WHEN: July 4. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (on Brent Street). Concert and fireworks: gates open at 5:30p.m.; Top Shelf, 6:30-9:45 p.m.; Donut Hole Eating Contest, 8 p.m.; fireworks, 9:45 p.m.
COST: Admission is free for the outdoor market. Concert and fireworks tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the day of the show, and include access to Christy’s Gardens, Brent Street bars, Village Market Food eateries and vendor market. Children ages 10 and younger are free with a ticket-holding adult. Limit one child per adult ticket. Reserved picnic table start at $100.
MORE INFORMATION: One personal lawn or folding chair permitted per person for concert. paristown.com.
WHAT: Celebrate Independence Day with classic family fun at Bernheim. Gather with loved ones for a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of outdoor games, activities, and shared time in the beauty of the forest.
WHERE: 2075 Clermont Road, Clermont
WHEN: July 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COST: Free, a $15 donation is suggested
MORE INFORMATION: bernheim.org.
WHAT: This July Fourth, celebrate 250 years of American spirit through music, culture, and community. With family-friendly activities, food and beverages, and live performances curated by the Kentucky Performing Arts and produced by Jou Jou Presents. From gospel and Appalachian traditions to Latin fusion, Americana, and soul, the evening showcases the sounds that continue to shape American music. The night ends with Louisville’s A250 Fireworks Show, an expanded display over the Ohio River celebrating the spirit, creativity, and community that define our region. Part of the A250 commemoration. Presented by Louisville Metro Government, Mayor Craig Greenberg, and Ford.
- 5-9 p.m.: Family fun area with Kentucky Science Center, Jug Band Jubilee, appearance by Catfish Louie, displays from Louisville Metro Police and Louisville Fire Department, foam party experience, face painting, putt-putt golf and antique military equipment display by KILROY.
- 5:30 p.m.: River City Drum Corps (interactive roving performance)
- 5:45 p.m.: Britt Taylor (Country / Americana)
- 6:30 p.m.: River City Drum Corps (interactive roving performance)
- 6:45 p.m.: Appalatin (Latin–Appalachian Fusion)
- 7:45 p.m.: Fantastic Cat (Roots Rock / Americana)
- 9 p.m.: Southern Avenue (Soul / Blues)
- 10 p.m.: Louisville’s A250 Fireworks Show
WHERE: TurfMutt, Great Lawn, Waterfront Park, 231 E Witherspoon St.
WHEN: July 4, 5-10 p.m. Talent showcase, 7 p.m. Fireworks, 10 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Bring lawn chairs, blankets and refillable water bottles. Coolers, glass, fireworks, pets, outside food, and alcohol are not permitted. There will be bicycle racks to lock up bicycles on site. ourwaterfront.org.
WHAT: Celebrate July Fourth during America’s 250 onboard the historic Belle of Louisville. Enjoy tunes from DJ Jaybird, a full bar and concessions.
WHERE: Fourth and River Road
WHEN: July 4. Board at 7:15 p.m.; cruise 8-10 p.m.
COST: Tickets are $39.99 for adults (13-64), $37.99 for seniors (65 and older), $25.99 for children (3-12) and free for children 2 and younger.
MORE INFORMATION: belleoflouisville.org.
WHAT: Celebrate July Fourth with the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, food trucks (Ramiro’s Cantina and Kinnard Brothers BBQ), Kona Ice Frozen Treats, DJ spinning tunes, train rides, bounce house, children’s games and fireworks at dusk.
WHERE: Cowley Park, 8028 Westover Drive, Prospect
WHEN: July 4, 6-10 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: 502-228-1121; touroldham.com/fireworks-and-fenders-july-oldham-county.
WHAT: Spend July Fourth at Wendell Moore Park with pool games at the aquatic center and top off your celebration with a fireworks display set to music played through the Crossroads LaGrange App over the lake. Presented by Oldham County Fiscal Court and Oldham County Parks.
WHERE: Wendell Moore Park, 1551 N. Highway 393, La Grange
WHEN: July 4. Fireworks at 10 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Bring your chairs and blankets. touroldham.com/fireworks-and-fenders-july-oldham-county
WHAT: Celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary at Lynn Family Stadium. LouCity FC vs Hartford Athletic followed by Independence Day fireworks in concert with Waterfront Park. The first 3,000 fans get a Stars & Stripes straw hat courtesy of Ford.
WHERE: Lynn Family Stadium, 350 Adams St.
WHEN: July 4, 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for happy hour on beer, Pepsi products and Fireball at bars throughout the concourse.
COST: Tickets start at $19
MORE INFORMATION: loucity.com/july4
July Fourth celebrations across Kentucky
Bowling Green, Ky.
WHAT: Numerous events are taking place in Bowling Green the weekend of July Fourth:
- July 2, 7:30 p.m.: “A Star-Spangled Spectacular: Celebrating 250 Years of America.” Concert by Orchestra Kentucky and the Orchestra Kentucky Chorale with Steve Amerson, guest vocalist. Free. The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, 601 College St. Free, reservations are required. theskypac.com/event/a-star-spangled-spectacular-celebrating-250-years-of-america-free-concert.
- July 3, 4 p.m.: Hayward Minton Thunderfest Fireworks Show and Music Festival. Enjoy family friendly activities, food trucks, vendors, kids zone, local and regional musicians throughout the day, and concert by Gracee Shriver, ending with fireworks. Ephram White Park, 885 Mt. Olivet Road. $25 per car load.
- July 4: Celebrate the 4th of July at Beach Bend Park. Experience Beech Bend Park after dark. Rides come alive with dazzling LED lights, transforming the park into a glowing wonderland. Admission includes unlimited access to all rides from 4:30-9 p.m. and entry to Splash Lagoon Water Park from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $36.99. Beach Bend Park, 798 Beech Bend Road. beechbend.com/amusement-park.
- July 4, 6 p.m.: Bowling Green Hot Rods 4th of July Spectacular. The Hot Rods are the city’s Minor League Baseball team. They are not playing but enjoy live music from The Spazmatics and a DJ, hot dog eating contest, carnival games, a large fireworks show and more. Admission starts at $16.50.
- July 4, 9 p.m.: Friends of Barren River Lake 4th of July Fireworks Show. Barren River Lake State Resort Park will have fireworks. Watch from hillside, tennis courts or from the water. 1149 State Park Road, Lucas, Kentucky.
WHERE: Various locations
WHEN: July 2-4
MORE INFORMATION: visitbgky.com/blog/post/where-to-celebrate-americas-250-in-bowling-green-kentucky
Fort Knox, Ky.
WHAT: Celebrate America 250th Birthday at Freedom Fest with live music, K-9 demonstration by Fort Knox’s 905th Military Working Dog Detachment, parade of state and territorial flags with the firing of 51 artillery cannon rounds, kids zone and fireworks (10 p.m.).
Schedule:
- 6-8 p.m.: Inflatables
- 6-9 p.m.: Kids activities and tattoos
- 7-10 p.m.: Live Music
- 7:30-8 p.m.: Military Working Dog Demonstration
- 9-9:30 p.m.: Salute to the Nation Ceremony
- 10 p.m.: Fireworks
WHERE: Brooks Field, Old Ironside Ave., Fort Knox
WHEN: July 4, 6-11 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: militaryspot.com/news/celebrate-america-250-with-july-4-freedom-fest.
Frankfort, Ky.
WHAT: Celebrate America’s 250 birthday in Frankfort with an American 250 Music Festival (July 3) and Kentucky Celebrates America250 (July 4).
- July 3, 2-10 p.m.: Liberty Hall-er America 250 Music Festival. Liberty Hall Historic Site, Ward Oates Amphitheater, Riverview Park, 404 Wilkinson Blvd. Performers include Cole Chaney, The Local Honeys, Hancock and Shouse, Mash Grass, Violet & the Newsroom, Jeri & Nat. Also activities, food trucks and vendors. Free.
- July 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Kentucky Celebrates America250. Kentucky Historical Society Campus, 100 W. Broadway St. A day of free family fun in historic downtown Frankfort, explore Kentucky’s past with genealogy workshops; stop by the Keeneland galleries for a talk on Daniel Boone; children’s activities (games, giant checkers, Jenga, and cornhole) and free hot dogs while supplies last at the the Cralle Day Garden; sign a replica of the Declaration of Independence with quill and ink and end the day at the Old State Capitol grounds with music from Kentucky Blue, Walker Montgomery, The Louisville Orchestra, Dr. Everett McCorvey will sing the National Anthem and “America the Beautiful,” and Ben Sollee will perform “My Old Kentucky Home.” Gov. Andy Beshear will give welcoming remarks, followed by orchestral selections and a grand fireworks finale set to music.
WHERE: Kentucky Historical Society Campus, 100 W Broadway St., Frankfort
WHEN: July 3, 2-10 p.m.; July, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
MORE INFORMATION: history.ky.gov/events/kentucky-celebrates-america250.
Hodgenville, Ky.
WHAT: Hodgenville’s tribute to America250 will be held in Creekfront Park. This family-friendly event features numerous free activities including bounce houses, playgrounds and games for the young and young at heart along with lively musical performances from the bandstand. Food vendors, face painting and fireworks (9:30 p.m.).
WHERE: Hodgenville Creekfront Park, 250 Tonieville Road, Hodgenville
WHEN: July 4, 4-10 p.m.
CST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: america250.org/event/4th-of-july-celebrate-freedom/
Lexington, Ky.
WHAT: Lexington will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with events from June 26 through July 5
- June 26, 7 p.m.: Friday Flicks: “Hamilton” Broadway movie. Jacobson Park, 4001 Athens-Boonesboro Road. Activities, 7 p.m.; movie, dark.
- June 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Bluegrass 10,000 Wellness Expo, Phoenix Park, 100 E. Main St. and Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St.
- June 30, 7-8:30 p.m.: Big Band and Jazz: Patriotic Night. Featuring the Lexington Summer Concert Band. Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St.
- July 1, 5:30-8 p.m.: America 250 Birthday Party & Ice Cream Social. Fifth Third Bank Pavilion, Tandy Park, 251 W. Main St.
- July 2, 7 p.m.: Southland Jamboree: Patriotic Edition. Featuring Six String Soldiers U.S. Army Band. Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St.
- July 3, 5-9 p.m.: Patriotic Concert. Transylvania University and Gratz Park, 250 W. Third St. Pre-show, 5 p.m. with Young at Heart; main show, 7:30 p.m. with Lexington Philharmonic.
- July 4, 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.: 50th Annual Bluegrass 10,000, 5K and Fun Run. Corner of Main St. and N. Limestone St. (7:25 a.m.); Fourth of July Festival & Market. Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, 120 N. Limestone St. and Fifth Third Bank Pavilion, Tandy Park, 251 W. Main St. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.); Public Reading of the United States Declaration of Independence, Lexington Courthouse, 215 W. Main St. (10 a.m.); Fourth of July Parade. Main St. (downtown from Midland Ave. to N. Mill St.) noon; Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. Launched from the R. J. Corman rail yard, near intersection of Main St. and Oliver Lewis Way (10 p.m.).
- July 5, 7-9 p.m.: Summer Nights: Red, White & Blues with Tee Dee Young. Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St.
MORE INFORMATION: lexingtonky.gov/news/red-white-blue-250-years-america-lexington-plans-star-spangled-fourth-july-celebration
Shelbyville, Ky.
WHAT: The July Fourth celebration starts with the Shelbyville Independence Day Parade on Main Street (leaving from the Shelby County Fairgrounds at 10 a.m.) and proceeding down Main Street; following the parade head to the Shelby County Historical Society Museum for a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence, and the Daughters of the American Revolution will lead the ringing bells for a nationwide movement known as Freedom Bells at noon.
WHERE: 627 Main St., Shelbyville
WHEN: July 4, 10 a.m.
MORE INFORMATION: kentuckyliving.com/event/july-4th-parade-historical-celebration.
Simpsonville, Ky.
WHAT: Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass will host the Fourth of July weekend celebration in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Featuring living history experiences, Independence Market, live patriotic presentations, interactive entertainment, character appearances and ending with Simpsonville’s The Boom (fireworks, July 4, 10 p.m.) at Corner of Buck Creek Road and US 60.
WHERE: The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, I-64, exit 28, Simpsonville, Ky.
WHEN: July 3-6
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Parking is located along US 60, Simpsonville Park and Wiche Park. For a complete schedule of events go to, theoutletshoppesofthebluegrass.com.
July 4 events happening in southern Indiana
Jeffersonville, Ind.
WHAT: Jeffersonville celebrates freedom with the Jeffersonville Celebrates Freedom Parade. Following the parade is a celebration in Warder Park (109 E. Court Ave., Jeffersonville) with face painting, balloon-making, hot dogs, and more.
WHERE: Along Spring Street from 200 to 500 blocks of Spring St. Jeffersonville, Indiana.
WHEN: July 4, 10 a.m. to noon
MORE INFORMATION: Food and drinks will be available for purchase. jeffmainstreet.org.
WHAT: Celebrate Independence Day with a journey through 250 years of American history, culture, and music. The celebration features the 4th of July Night Market, pie walk, games, face painting, travel back in time with interactive tents from different eras of American History, food trucks, kids’ zone, beer garden and cocktails. The concert features Detroyia and The Ultimate Show Band, Back to Mac and Lefty & the Lunatics. Sponsored by First Savings Bank.
WHERE: Jeffersonville RiverStage, 100 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana
WHEN: July 4, 3-11 p.m.
COST: Free
MORE INFORMATION: Chairs, blankets and small coolers are allowed. Pets, smoking and alcohol are not permitted. jeffparks.org/jeffriverstage
Reach Features Clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com
The Kentucky Wildcats are getting ready to start a new era of their football program. In his 13 seasons as head coach, we have all become accustomed to seeing Mark Stoops teams at Kentucky play a certain way. This has been both on defense and on offense, the Wildcats have had a similar blueprint of winning games and finding success. Now, both sides of the ball will look a lot different in terms of scheme, so we will start on the defensive side and what differences you will see in 2026 under new coach Will Stein.
Old: Conservative 3-4
Mark Stoops and defensive coordinator Brad White had a lot of success in their 3-4 defense with a conservative play style, but it had plenty of weaknesses as well. With a nose tackle head up on the center and two defensive lineman playing on the inside shoulder of each offensive tackle, the defense would create pressure but couldn’t consistently finish to make them sacks. This defense required a guy like Joshua Hines-Allen to win one-on-one blocks on the edge in a dominant fashion to thrive as a defense. Since 2020, Kentucky finished top five in total sacks in the SEC just once, in 2023; every other team finished ninth or less in the conference in team sacks.
This conservative 3-4 defense allowed Kentucky to stay in similar personnel throughout the game. The conservative nature had a bend-don’t-break philosophy of keeping everything in front and making tackles. Kentucky rarely switched things up and rolled the dice with blitzes or had pre and post snap coverage rotations on the back end. It was cover 3 and cover 4 heavy, while not disguising coverages and typically sending four pass rushers at the quarterback.
New: Aggressive 4-2-5
The new scheme under defensive coordinator Jay Bateman will be the entire opposite of the old regime. This scheme will be primarily out of an even front, and we have highlighted current players on the team that will benefit from a change in technique. Mi’Quise Humphrey-Grace will switch to a traditional edge rusher lining up outside of the offensive tackle, whereas Tavion Gadson will move to a true three technique on the outside shoulder of the offensive guard and both of these players played in the same technique in the previous scheme. Both Humphrey-Grace and Gadson should have more production moving to techniques they more accurately fit.
Kentucky’s defense will utilize five defensive backs for a majority of snaps, which is beneficial with most offenses living in 11 personnel with three wide receivers on the field. This scheme’s success in year one will heavily rely upon the experienced safety duo of Ty Bryant and Jordan Castell. Coach Bateman will have a lot more safety rotations in this scheme and switch up coverages a lot, disguising a particular coverage pre-snap before switching it post-snap. This defense will have a ton of eye candy to try and keep offenses off balance.
This aggressive scheme will not only roll the dice more on passing downs, playing more man coverage. However, it will also be more aggressive in terms of blitzing the quarterback or sending simulated pressures. Simulated pressures are shown as four defensive lineman rushing, but one will drop into coverage with a back seven player blitzing, still sending four at the quarterback while finding creative ways to do so. This amount of disguise and blitzing can create more havoc in the passing game, but it can also allow players to get out of position in the run game.
This schematic change will greatly benefit Kentucky against pass heavy teams, but it remains to be seen how that will be a benefit or a detriment to the run defense. In theory, this scheme should be able to create more havoc plays like sacks and tackles for loss, which can also provide more turnovers. Will Stein mentioned in a press conference, as an offensive minded coach, he wants to steal possessions on defense to get the ball back for his offense. This aggressive style is built towards a common theme of the new regime, which is they will try to win football games on offense rather than on defense.
WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Wilson County leaders are looking to introduce guardrails on data centers during a meeting Monday night.
The commissioner that introduced the idea said they are looking to mirror an ordinance that passed about an hour north in Warren County, Kentucky.
“We have thought about it significantly, and that’s why today is about protection,” said Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman during a Warren Fiscal Court meeting on June 11.
Where to put data centers has become a global conservation, including here in Middle Tennessee.
“Over the past several weeks, I’ve watched Metro Council deal with the potential of a large data center next to the Nashville Zoo. I want to avoid being in that situation in Wilson County,” District 18 Commissioner Lauren Breeze said during a commissioner meeting last week.
Breeze said there are currently no requirements when and if a data center wants to move to town. So, she is working on a zoning amendment for data centers that mirror regulations that were crafted just an hour north.
“Bowling Green and Warren County, Kentucky, will have the gold standard of ordinances for data centers in America,” Gorman said.
Planning leaders in Warren County and Bowling Green spent eight months drafting an ordinance that they hope will protect their community from potential data center developments.
“Everyone and their brother are calling and asking what this ordinance says,” Gorman added.
The ordinance has strict standards on location, design, utility protections and even decommissioning.
For example, the data centers would need to be set back 1,500 feet from homes, schools, and hospitals, as well as look discrete—like an office building. It’s language Wilson County is looking to mirror.
“In my neck of the woods, we have a lot of warehouse and really big warehouses that honestly could be turned into one,” District 11 Commissioner John Gentry said.
⏩ Read today’s top stories on wkrn.com
While some communities, like Cedar Hill, passed moratoriums, which put a pause on data centers, the Wilson County attorney said a moratorium might not hold up in court. However, in Warren County, Kentucky, leaders said their regulations will legally protect them.
“What we are doing is making sure to tighten the rules up enough so when they want to look at us and have to jump through seventeen thousand hoops to get done what they want done, chances are they will move on to somebody else,” another leaders expressed during the Warren County meeting.
The Warren County zoning ordinance will go through a second reading.
Meanwhile, the Wilson County Planning and Zoning Committee will meet at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 22. Data center regulations, as well as a moratorium, will be discussed during the meeting.
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