A Deep Dive into the Progress of the Port Charlotte Bucees 

The long-anticipated Buc-ee’s at 25999 Harborview Road, just off Interstate 75, is moving through Charlotte County’s review pipeline. Detailed site plans were submitted Sept. 11 by Kimley-Horn for a 74,000-sq-ft store with 740 parking spaces and 120 fuel pumps.

 

Here are details of what WAS included in the plans submitted....

 

• Traffic/Access: Plans include a new roundabout intended to manage heavy movements at Harborview Road, the site driveway, and I-75 ramps. The concept drew discussion at the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in August, where commissioners weighed how the design will handle surge traffic typical of Buc-ee’s interchanges.

 

• Environmental Study (Wildlife/Vegetation): The applicant’s environmental report surveyed plants and animals on-site. It did not find Florida scrub-jays or other listed species such as wood storks or Florida burrowing owls, but it did identify potentially occupied gopher tortoise burrows. The documents indicate a gopher tortoise survey will occur within 90 days of land clearing, with FWC relocation permits required if burrows fall within 25 feet of clearing limits.

 

• Landscaping & Trees: The project must comply with county landscaping, buffering, and tree regulations, including standards for planting, preservation, and removal.

 

• Operations & Scale: Beyond fueling, Buc-ee’s plans its hallmark large-format retail with grab-and-go foods (barbecue, jerky, bakery items), branded merchandise, and an outdoor retail area.

 

However, a very significant percentage of our readers expressed concern with water runoff, mammoth gasoline tanks being so close to the river, and waste water considerations, so we'll be looking for more regarding that issue.

 

Stay tuned!