Some people are die-hard fans of Buc-ee’s, while others do not understand the hype. Either way, everyone in Southwest Florida is about to get their chance to form an opinion, because Buc-ee’s is officially coming to Port Charlotte.
This will be the region’s first location, set just off I-75 by Harborview Road. They’re planning a sprawling 74,000-square-foot travel center with 120 gas pumps and parking for 740 vehicles. Don’t grab your keys just yet, though, as the projected opening isn’t until sometime between 2026 and 2028. Construction is already winding its way through county approvals.
Florida’s relationship with Buc-ee’s is still a long-distance one for many. Right now, you’ll only find these stores up near St. Augustine and Daytona Beach. But that’s about to change, with four more centers on the way. The wait isn’t short. According to Buc-ee’s, the earliest anybody’s firing up the grill at the new Fort Pierce spot is 2027.
Buc-ee’s is a bit of a legend, mostly for its massive size and the sheer range of things you can get, with over a hundred gas pumps, hot food, a wall of jerky, fresh-baked snacks, home decor, and an almost comical array of souvenirs. The list could go on for pages, but you get the idea.
Buc-ee’s is plotting four more massive centers across Florida:
Fort Pierce, Ocala, Tallahassee, and Port Charlotte.
These are just a handful of the 16 new Buc-ee’s locations on the books nationwide, some scheduled as far out as 2031.
In Florida, there are only two Buc-ee’s open right now:
St. Augustine: 200 World Commerce Parkway. Opened February 2021, 52,600 square feet and 104 fuel pumps.
Daytona Beach: 2330 Gateway North Drive. Opened in March 2021, 53,000 square feet and 104 fuel pumps. They even added a giant 235-foot-long car wash in 2023.
So, why do people make such a fuss over Buc-ee’s? Maybe it’s the all-hours energy, open 24/7, 365 days a year. Or the Texas-sized ambition that’s led to expansion in 12 states since 1982.
But the real magic seems to be the over-the-top selection: hundreds of pumps, piping hot brisket, fudge made right in front of you, bags upon bags of their own snacks, and rows of southern home goods and souvenirs. Even their bathrooms get near-legend status. GasBuddy.com ranks them as the cleanest in the country. In May 2024, USA TODAY’s 10Best put Buc-ee’s in the top ten for both Best Gas Station Brand and Best Gas Station for Food.
For fans and skeptics alike, Florida’s about to get a bigger taste of this quirky Texan powerhouse. Ready or not, here comes Buc-ee’s.
Click here to check out the Buc-ee’s website along with their latest news updates and information about their new locations.
