News | Port St. Lucie

Buc-ee’s Progress in St. Lucie County: Timeline, Approvals, and What’s Next

November 9, 2025
8:36 pm

The Buc-ee’s project in St. Lucie County is advancing, with county officials confirming there are no delays and that key approvals have been secured. The main keyword, Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County, highlights a major development that is expected to reshape the region, with construction anticipated to begin soon and opening projected for 2026.

Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County Project Overview

Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County is set to become one of the largest travel centers in Florida. The planned facility will span 76,000 square feet and include 120 gas pumps, according to St. Lucie County officials. The project is located near the Interstate 95 interchange, making it a strategic stop for travelers and residents alike. As the project moves forward, final approvals, including the distinctive 100-foot sign, have become a focal point of recent discussions.

Commissioner James Clasby and Planning and Development Services Director Ben Balcer addressed the status of Buc-ee’s during a recent segment of Inside St. Lucie TV. They clarified that rumors about county delays are not accurate, and that the project is progressing through the required steps.

Key Approvals and Permits for Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County

Before construction could move forward, the project required clearance from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to address traffic impacts along I-95. According to FDOT, permits have now been approved, allowing the development to proceed to the next phase.

Planning Director Ben Balcer stated that the minor site plan was recently resubmitted, a significant milestone toward full approval. “We could potentially see them receiving site plan approval by the end of the year,” Balcer noted, according to official sources. Once the site plan is approved, building permits can be issued almost immediately.

Concurrent Review Process

According to St. Lucie County officials, the county is allowing Buc-ee’s to process its building permit and site plan concurrently. This approach is intended to streamline the timeline and expedite the start of construction. The St. Lucie County Commission‘s decision regarding the 100-foot Buc-ee’s sign played a crucial role in moving the project forward.

Construction Timeline and Opening Date

Once final approvals are granted, construction of Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County is expected to take between 18 and 20 months. Officials estimate that, if the site plan is approved by the end of 2025, the travel center could open its doors in 2026. This timeline is based on statements from county officials and the developer, with the caveat that details may be updated as the project progresses.

Infrastructure Improvements

The Buc-ee’s development includes significant off-site infrastructure enhancements. According to county planning documents, these improvements will:

Extend Coble Road south of the site
Add a new roundabout near the entrance
Expand Coble Road to four lanes near the I-95 interchange

These upgrades are intended to manage increased traffic and provide safer access to the facility, according to St. Lucie County Planning and Development Services.

Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County: Economic and Development Impact

The announcement of Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County has already influenced local real estate and commercial development. Land near the site is being marketed for its proximity to the future travel center, and the project is expected to attract additional investment from homebuilders, retailers, and service providers.

Buc-ee’s purchased the 35-acre site in July 2024 for nearly $10 million, anchoring a broader development plan in the area. According to St. Lucie County property records, this acquisition marks one of the largest recent commercial land deals in the region.

Community and Environmental Considerations

One notable feature of the project is the planned 100-foot-tall Buc-ee’s sign. The sign required special approval from the St. Lucie County Commission, as local ordinances typically limit sign height to 10 feet without a variance. The commission voted 4-1 to approve the sign, following debate about potential impacts on wildlife, including migratory birds and sea turtle hatchlings. For more on how the commission reached its decision, see the full details of the sign approval process.

According to county officials, environmental reviews were conducted as part of the approval process. The sign’s lighting and placement will be monitored to minimize light pollution and protect sensitive species, as outlined in county commission meeting records.

What’s Next for Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County?

With site plan approval expected by the end of 2025 and construction anticipated to take 18 to 20 months, Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County could open in 2026. County officials emphasize that they are working to fast-track the process while ensuring all regulatory requirements are met.

Commissioner James Clasby described the project as more than just a gas station, highlighting the scale and complexity of the development. Planning Director Ben Balcer called it “an experience,” reflecting the unique features Buc-ee’s is known for nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County

What is Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County?

Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County is a planned 76,000-square-foot travel center with 120 gas pumps, located near the I-95 interchange. It will offer fuel, food, and retail services for travelers and residents.

How long will it take to build Buc-ee’s in St. Lucie County?

According to St. Lucie County officials, construction is expected to take 18 to 20 months once site plan and building permits are approved.

Are there environmental concerns about the Buc-ee’s project?

Yes, the 100-foot-tall sign required special approval due to concerns about light pollution and wildlife impacts. County officials have stated that environmental reviews were part of the approval process.

When will Buc-ee’s St. Lucie County open?

If final approvals are granted by the end of 2025, Buc-ee’s could open in 2026, according to county projections. The timeline may change as the project progresses.