Buc-ee’s billboards near Fort Pierce have sparked attention along Interstate 95, as the company prepares for a major travel center in St. Lucie County. The main billboard, located just before the Indrio Road exit, marks the future site of Buc-ee’s southernmost Florida location.
Buc-ee’s Billboards Near Fort Pierce Draw Driver Attention
Drivers traveling southbound on Interstate 95 near Indrio Road now see a prominent Buc-ee’s billboard featuring the company’s iconic cartoon beaver. This billboard, positioned ahead of the planned Buc-ee’s site, has fueled speculation about the travel center’s progress in St. Lucie County, especially as final approval and a 100-foot sign move closer to reality.
Unlike typical Buc-ee’s advertisements, which often display the distance to the nearest location, the southbound sign simply reads, “I LOVE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT ME.” In contrast, the northbound sign before Indrio Road states, “GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT” and notes “131 MILES,” referencing the distance to the Daytona Beach Buc-ee’s on I-95.
Planned Buc-ee’s Location at Indrio Road in St. Lucie County
The proposed Buc-ee’s travel center would be built at the southeast corner of the Indrio Road interchange, north of Fort Pierce. According to St. Lucie County officials, the site remains undeveloped, with palm trees and grazing cattle still present as of early 2025.
St. Lucie County spokesperson Erick Gill stated that the project is still moving through the necessary approval and permitting processes. The county expects Buc-ee’s to submit a new site plan by the end of the week. Gill said the anticipated changes from the previous version are not significant enough to require new St. Lucie County Commission approvals.
Permitting and Approval Timeline
According to Gill, Buc-ee’s most recent permit application was submitted on September 22, 2024. The company has not started construction, and the presence of the billboard does not indicate that building is underway. Buc-ee’s officials have previously said that, once all approvals are secured, construction of a typical Buc-ee’s takes 12 to 15 months from groundbreaking to opening day.
When asked why the company installed a billboard before construction began, Buc-ee’s spokesperson Crissy Gonzales declined to comment.
Signage and Site Plan Details for Buc-ee’s Fort Pierce
Buc-ee’s is well known for its playful and creative billboards along highways throughout the South, often advertising locations that are more than 100 miles away. At its travel centers, Buc-ee’s typically installs tall signs visible from a distance. In 2024, the St. Lucie County Commission amended local sign regulations to allow Buc-ee’s to build a 100-foot-tall sign at the Indrio Road site.
Key Features of the Planned Buc-ee’s Travel Center
- Retail store size: 76,245 square feet
- Parking spaces: 778 total
- Standard parking: 611 spaces
- Disabled-accessible parking: 19 spaces
- Bus parking: 10 spaces
- Gas pumps: 120
- Electric vehicle charging spaces: 18
These details are based on the most recent site plans submitted to St. Lucie County, according to county officials. The area around Indrio Road is also seeing other large-scale developments, such as the upcoming Wavegarden KOA Bay Surf Park in Fort Pierce, which is expected to attract both locals and tourists.
Environmental and Community Considerations
The planned Buc-ee’s location has raised questions about potential impacts on local wildlife and the environment. Previous reports have noted concerns about light pollution from the travel center and its signage, which could affect sea turtle nesting on nearby Fort Pierce beaches. County officials continue to monitor these issues as part of the permitting process, especially as changes such as the end of free beach parking in Fort Pierce by 2025 may influence visitor patterns and local traffic.
Status of Buc-ee’s Fort Pierce Project
As of early 2025, the Buc-ee’s project at Indrio Road remains in the approval phase. The site is undeveloped, and no construction has begun, according to St. Lucie County officials. The county expects further updates once the company submits its revised site plan. Details may be updated as the investigation and permitting process continues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buc-ee’s Billboards Near Fort Pierce
What is the status of the Buc-ee’s travel center near Fort Pierce?
The Buc-ee’s project near Fort Pierce is still in the approval and permitting phase. According to St. Lucie County, construction has not started as of early 2025.
How many gas pumps and parking spaces will the planned Buc-ee’s have?
The latest site plans show 120 gas pumps, 18 electric vehicle charging spaces, and 778 parking spaces, including standard, disabled-accessible, and bus parking.
Are the Buc-ee’s billboards a sign that construction has started?
No, the billboards near Indrio Road do not mean construction has begun. County officials confirmed the site is still a field and work has not started.
Can you visit the Buc-ee’s Fort Pierce location yet?
No, the Buc-ee’s at Indrio Road is not open. The site is awaiting final approvals and construction has not commenced.
Where are other Buc-ee’s locations in Florida?
The closest Buc-ee’s to Fort Pierce is in Daytona Beach, about 131 miles north on I-95. The Indrio Road site will be the company’s southernmost Florida location once completed.
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