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St. Lucie and Ocala are set to welcome the iconic Buc-ee’s convenience store, but fans will have to wait a bit longer than anticipated.
TAMPA, Fla. — Buc-ee’s, the much-loved Texas-based gas station and convenience store chain, is expanding its footprint in Florida with plans to open two new locations in the state.
Whether you’re stopping in for a fuel fill-up, savoring their famous brisket sandwiches, or snagging apparel adorned with their signature beaver mascot, Buc-ee’s is preparing to bring its unique experience to St. Lucie County and Ocala. However, these openings are a few years away.
The St. Lucie County outlet is set to break ground near Indrio Road and I-95, with an expected opening date in 2027. Meanwhile, the Ocala store will be situated between I-75 and U.S. Highway 301, slated to open in 2028, according to the company’s website.
Currently, Florida is home to Buc-ee’s locations in St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, both of which began serving the public in 2021.
At the time, the governor said Buc-ee’s is “like the Shangri-La of service stations” with its friendly staff, pristine bathrooms and various accommodations.
The convenience store offers thousands of snack, drink and meal options for on-the-go travelers and Floridians alike. Some fan favorites are homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver nuggets and fresh pastries.
If they haven’t already, Floridians will come to love the friendly sight of that smiling beaver, as Buc-ee’s has redefined traveling for customers across the South. Since it was founded in 1982, Buc-ee’s has made its mark across Texas. In recent years, the gas station has opened locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The store in Ocala was supposed to be the largest location to exist, but a new store that opened in Texas now holds the title of the largest Buc-ee’s, according to the Ocala Gazette. The Florida spot was going to be 80,000 square feet originally, but will now be 74,000 square feet, just under the size of the Texas store.
Developers also submitted proposed plans in February for a Buc-ee’s in Tallahassee, north of I-10.
10 Tampa Bay News’ Andrea Chu contributed to this report.
