FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A proposed Buc-ee’s travel center in northern St. Lucie County is moving closer to site plan approval, but questions remain about whether the highly anticipated project will open in 2027, as construction has yet to begin.
The St. Lucie County Communications Director, Erick Gill, told CBS12 News on Thursday that the project’s site plan was resubmitted to county planning staff on June 16 and is currently under review. County officials believe the latest submission may have resolved the remaining comments that have delayed approval.
“The site plan for Buc-ee’s was resubmitted to St. Lucie County’s Planning staff on June 16th. It is under review by staff,” Gill said. “We anticipate the resubmittal cleaned up the remaining comments and hope to be able to sign off on the site plan in the very near future.”
The proposed Buc-ee’s would be located on approximately 36 acres at the southeast corner of Indrio Road and I-95. Plans call for a travel center of more than 73,000 square feet, fuel pumps, electric vehicle charging stations and several outparcels. The development received preliminary approval from the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners in September 2024.
While site plan approval may be approaching, the project still faces additional reviews before construction can start. Gill said the applicant continues to work through comments associated with the Site Development Permit and building permit process, which require revised plans.
“Once the Minor Site Plan is approved, the Site Development Permit and Building Permits still need to be secured, but are under application and review — largely pending the Site Plan approval,” Gill said.
The latest Development Review Committee report shows numerous earlier concerns have been addressed, including fire review requirements, traffic study issues and property acquisition matters. However, several planning and environmental comments remained open when the report was issued, including landscaping requirements, pedestrian improvements and details related to the project’s proposed 100-foot pylon sign.
Plans for a 100-foot-tall Buc-ee’s sign in St. Lucie County are raising concerns among wildlife experts who fear the light pollution could disrupt local animals, particularly migratory birds and sea turtle hatchlings. The massive sign is part of a larger development that will include a 76,000-square-foot travel center, 120 fuel pumps, and over 720 parking spots. (AP Photo)
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County records indicate that even after site plan approval, additional permits will be required for site features including the fuel canopy, fuel pumps, underground fuel tanks, lighting, fencing, bike parking, a lift station and other infrastructure components.
Gill said county staff continues to prioritize the review process.
Staff is committed expedite this project.”
No construction start date has been announced, and county officials said any timeline for groundbreaking or opening would need to come from Buc-ee’s. With final site plan approval still pending and major permits yet to be issued, it remains unclear whether the project can meet a potential 2027 opening target.
If approved, the Buc-ee’s would become one of the largest travel centers in the region and join the Texas-based chain’s growing presence across Florida.