Zoning Approval Paves the Way for Southwest Florida’s First Buc-ee’s
Southwest Florida residents and travelers are in for a treat. Charlotte County commissioners delivered some exciting news on May 27, 2025, when they voted almost unanimously to approve zoning amendments that could bring one of the world’s largest Buc-ee’s locations to the region.
The beloved Texas-based travel center chain has been making waves across the Southeast with its massive convenience stores, famously clean restrooms, and devoted customer base. For years, folks in Southwest Florida have watched other parts of the state welcome these iconic beaver-themed destinations while wondering when their turn would come.
Well, the wait might finally be over. Buc-ee’s is reportedly considering a new location in Southwest Florida, specifically in Port Charlotte, and this isn’t just any ordinary travel center we’re talking about. The proposed facility could dwarf existing Florida locations, potentially becoming one of the largest convenience stores on the planet.
The timing couldn’t be better for the region. Southwest Florida has seen tremendous growth in both tourism and permanent residents over the past decade. Having a major Buc-ee’s location along the I-75 corridor would give travelers another compelling reason to choose this route when heading to popular destinations like Naples, Sanibel, or Fort Myers Beach.
Strategic Location Along I-75 Corridor
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot for a travel center than where Buc-ee’s has chosen to plant their flag. The proposed location sits right at the Interstate 75 and Harborview Road interchange, perfectly positioned between Sarasota and Fort Myers – two of Southwest Florida’s biggest draws.
Anyone who’s driven I-75 through this area knows how busy it gets, especially during snowbird season. The highway carries a steady stream of tourists heading to beach destinations, theme parks, and everything in between. It’s exactly the kind of high-traffic location where Buc-ee’s tends to thrive.
The site itself is part of something much bigger – the Harborview development. This massive 653-acre project has been in the works since way back in 1992, though it really gained momentum when Benderson Development LLC took over in 2009. They’re planning a whole community here, complete with homes, hotels, shops, and now what could be the crown jewel: a supersized Buc-ee’s.
What’s smart about this location is how easy it’ll be to access. Buc-ee’s has always been about convenience – you can zip off the highway, take care of whatever you need, and get back on the road without losing much time. That’s music to the ears of anyone who’s ever been stuck in traffic trying to find a decent place to stop.
Massive Scale Sets New Standards for Buc-ee’s Locations
When Buc-ee’s decides to build something, they don’t mess around. The Port Charlotte location is shaping up to be a perfect example of their “go big or go home” philosophy. We’re talking about a 27-acre site that’ll make your typical gas station look like a corner store.
Here’s where things get really interesting: this place is planned to have somewhere between 80 and 120 fuel pumps. To put that in perspective, most gas stations have maybe a dozen pumps on a good day. This kind of capacity means you probably won’t be waiting in line, even during the busiest travel weekends.
But it’s not just about the pumps. The whole operation is designed to handle more than 850 vehicles at once, counting everything from the fueling areas to car washes to regular parking spots. They’re even planning spaces for RVs and electric vehicle charging stations, because they know their customers.
The building itself is where Buc-ee’s really shines. If the rumors are true, this location could be about 40% bigger than the current Florida stores in Clermont, Daytona Beach, and St. Augustine. That means more space for their famous barbecue counter, more room for Beaver Nuggets and other snacks, and definitely more of those pristine restrooms that have become legendary among road trip enthusiasts.
Development Timeline and Construction Process
Now that the zoning hurdle is cleared, things can start moving forward, though don’t expect to see bulldozers tomorrow. The May 27th vote was huge, but there’s still plenty of paperwork and planning ahead.
Scott Ray, who handles design and construction for Buc-ee’s, says their typical build takes about 15 to 18 months once they break ground. But this isn’t a typical project. The size and complexity of the Port Charlotte location might stretch that timeline a bit.
Commissioner Stephen Deutsch, who knows a thing or two about development after decades in real estate, thinks we’re looking at “two and a half, three years from now” for an opening. That puts us somewhere around 2028, which honestly isn’t too bad considering how long some projects take to get off the ground.
It’s pretty wild to think this whole thing started back in 1992. That’s more than 30 years of planning, redesigning, and waiting for the right moment. Benderson Development’s involvement since 2009 has been crucial – they’ve got the experience and resources to navigate all the regulatory hoops that come with a project this size.
The integration with the broader Harborview development adds another layer of complexity. This isn’t just a standalone Buc-ee’s; it’s part of a whole new community with thousands of homes, hotels, and other businesses. Everything has to work together, from traffic flow to utilities to emergency services.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
The economic ripple effects from this project could be substantial. Based on what we’ve seen at other Buc-ee’s locations, the Port Charlotte site has the potential to become a real economic engine for Charlotte County.
Jobs are the most obvious benefit. A facility this size typically employs 175 to 200 people, and these aren’t just minimum-wage positions. Buc-ee’s has built a reputation for paying competitive wages and offering good benefits, which is part of why their customer service is consistently excellent.
But the real economic magic happens with tourism. Buc-ee’s locations have this unique ability to become destinations themselves. People actually plan trips around visiting these stores, which sounds crazy until you experience one yourself. That means tourists who might have just driven through the area could end up staying longer, eating at local restaurants, maybe even booking a hotel room.
The Harborview development amplifies all of this. With nearly 4,000 residential units, 350 hotel rooms, and over 700,000 square feet of commercial space planned, we’re talking about a whole new economic ecosystem. Each piece supports the others – residents shop at the commercial areas, hotel guests visit local attractions, and everyone benefits from the increased activity.
For Southwest Florida’s tourism industry, having a major Buc-ee’s on I-75 creates a new anchor point. Travel planners know that convenient, high-quality stops can influence where people choose to go and how long they stay. This could help position the region as an even more attractive destination for road-trippers and vacationers.
Addressing Environmental and Community Concerns
Not everyone’s thrilled about the development, and that’s understandable. Anytime you’re talking about a project this size, there are bound to be concerns about traffic, environmental impact, and changes to the community character.
Traffic is probably the biggest worry for most residents. The area already gets congested during peak season, and adding a major tourist attraction won’t help. Pauline Klein, a local resident, raised a particularly important point about hurricane evacuations – if thousands more people are living and visiting the area, getting out during an emergency could become even more challenging.
Environmental concerns are equally valid. The Peace River runs nearby, and it’s home to some pretty special wildlife, including endangered small tooth sawfish and juvenile tarpon. Residents like Tim Ritchie worry about runoff from all the development potentially harming this delicate ecosystem.
Benderson Development seems to be taking these concerns seriously. They’ve committed to preserving over 61 acres specifically for scrub jay and gopher tortoise habitat, and they’re putting $3 million toward additional environmental mitigation. That’s above and beyond what’s required by law.
The overall development plan sets aside more than 226 acres for preservation and recreation. These green spaces should help maintain some of the area’s natural character while providing wildlife corridors and recreational opportunities for residents.
On the traffic front, the developer is funding several infrastructure improvements, including road upgrades, a new roundabout, and a loop road that’ll help reduce congestion around the elementary school. These improvements should help, though only time will tell if they’re enough to handle the increased traffic.
What This Means for Buc-ee’s Florida Expansion
This Port Charlotte location fills a pretty significant gap in Buc-ee’s Florida strategy. Right now, they’ve got stores in Clermont, Daytona Beach, and St. Augustine, with more planned for Ocala, Fort Pierce, and Tallahassee. But Southwest Florida has been notably absent from that list – until now.
The I-75 corridor through this area is crucial for connecting Central Florida to the Southwest coast. Millions of tourists travel this route every year, heading to beaches, golf courses, and other attractions. Having a Buc-ee’s here gives the company coverage of one of Florida’s most important travel arteries.
Florida’s tourism patterns are pretty unique compared to other states. Instead of just driving through to get somewhere else, people often have multiple destinations, extended stays, and complex itineraries. Buc-ee’s seems to understand this, which is why they’re investing in larger, more comprehensive locations that can serve as both quick stops and destinations.
The decision to potentially make this their largest Florida location shows real confidence in the Southwest Florida market. This region has been booming for years, with places like Naples and Fort Myers attracting millions of visitors annually. The seasonal resident population adds another layer of potential customers who might become regular visitors.
If this location performs as well as expected, it could influence how Buc-ee’s approaches future expansion throughout the Southeast. The large-format model could become the template for other high-traffic tourist corridors where they want to make a big splash.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Southwest Florida Travel
The anticipation for Southwest Florida’s first Buc-ee’s goes way beyond just getting another place to buy gas and snacks. This represents a shift in how people might experience traveling through this part of Florida.
Having three years until the projected 2028 opening gives everyone time to prepare. Local businesses can think about how to capitalize on increased traffic, tourism organizations can start incorporating this new attraction into their marketing, and infrastructure planners can make sure everything’s ready for the crowds.
For travelers, this Buc-ee’s will likely become a landmark – one of those places you tell people to look for when giving directions. The combination of its massive size, prime location, and Buc-ee’s reputation for quality suggests it’ll quickly become a must-stop destination for anyone traveling I-75 through Southwest Florida.
The project also shows how major retail development can work alongside environmental protection and community planning. While there are still challenges to work through, the collaborative approach between developers, county officials, and residents provides a good model for future projects.
As construction gets underway over the next few years, this Buc-ee’s will symbolize Southwest Florida’s continued growth as both a tourism destination and a place people want to call home. The region has already established itself as a premier vacation spot, and adding this iconic travel center just reinforces that reputation.
Whether you’re already a Buc-ee’s convert or you’re wondering what all the excitement is about, the Southwest Florida location promises to deliver the full experience that’s made this Texas brand such a phenomenon. The countdown to 2028 starts now, and it’s going to be worth the wait.
