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When will Daytona, St. Augustine Buc-ee’s open?

Texas chain’s supersized gas stations to be largest in Florida

Two supersized Buc-ee’s gas station/convenience stores  are on track to open in St. Augustine and Daytona Beach some time in the first three months of the New Year, an official for the Texas-based chain confirmed.

“St. Johns (County) first then Daytona in Q1,” wrote Jeff Nadalo, chief general counsel for Buc-ee’s Ltd. in a brief text message. “We don’t have (exact opening) dates yet. Check back in a few weeks.”

The Buc-ee’s gas stations in St. Augustine and Daytona Beach will be the chain’s first in Florida. Each is expected to provide a welcome boost to the local economy by creating hundreds of jobs and serving as a destination stop for motorists along Interstate 95. But they are also raising concerns by area residents over the increased traffic congestion they will likely cause.

Gas stations to be biggest in Florida

The Buc-ee’s in St. Johns County is nearing completion at 200 World Commerce Parkway, next to World Golf Village on the southwest side of the Interstate 95/International Golf Parkway interchange (Exit 323). The gas station will have 104 fueling pumps, briefly making it the largest in Florida when it opens.

That’s because the Buc-ee’s under construction on the northeast side of the I-95/LPGA Boulevard interchange in Daytona Beach will be even larger: offering 120 fueling pumps.

Both Buc-ee’s will include a 53,000-square-foot convenience store larger than most grocery stores.

The largest gas station in Florida currently is the 38-pump Busy Bee truck stop in Live Oak which also has a 20,000-square-foot convenience store.

The St. Augustine and Daytona Beach Buc-ee’s stores will be the chain’s first in Florida. Unlike the Busy Bee, Buc-ee’s gas stations are not truck stops and do not allow 18-wheelers with the exception of those making deliveries to the store.

Both the St. Augustine and Daytona Beach Buc-ee’s will employ 200 workers each. Eighty percent will be full time and all will be eligible to receive benefits, said Nadalo.

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