Iconic Beaver May Build in Peace River Community, Locals Sound Off
By Richard Luthmann
BUC-EE’S—the Texas-size gas station, snack palace, and road trip cult—is gunning for a prime slice of Southwest Florida.
According to reports, Buc-ee’s is eyeing land near Port Charlotte along I-75, just north of the Peace River, for what could be its first Southwest Florida outpost.
The potential site falls within a 653-acre zoning approval granted by Charlotte County’s Planning and Zoning Board in April 2025.
That approval, though not exclusive to Buc-ee’s, opened the door for a massive commercial development on the east side of I-75 near Tuckers Grade.
Buc-ee’s SWFL Bombshell: Beaver Fever Hits Charlotte County
Florida already hosts Buc-ee’s in Daytona Beach and Saint Augustine. A third location in Ocala is expected to open later this year.
But this new spot—between Fort Myers and Sarasota—would be a Gulf Coast first. For Southwest Florida fans, it’s a dream come true.
“Best news I’ve heard all year,” said Punta Gorda resident Dana Wallace. “I’ll drive 30 minutes just for Beaver Nuggets and brisket.”
Others are less thrilled.
“Please don’t do this to our community,” one resident told Fort Myers station WINK-TV. “It will be a disaster.”
The Beaver Empire Expands
Buc-ee’s isn’t your typical gas station. Founded in Texas in 1982, it’s grown into a roadside empire with over 50 locations across the South.
The secret? Scale.
Stores span more than 50,000 square feet. Some offer 100+ gas pumps. Buc-ee’s locations boast sparkling restrooms, Texas barbecue, aisles of jerky, and walls of snacks.
The vibe is Texas-meets-Walmart-meets-Chick-fil-A.
The chain holds the Guinness World Record for the longest car wash, located at its Katy, Texas, site: 255 feet.
Now the company is bringing that ambition to Charlotte County. The land targeted by developers is situated near I-75 and strategically located between key growth zones in Punta Gorda and North Port.
The Charlotte County plan calls for highway commercial zoning—ideal for gas stations, restaurants, and big-box retail. Buc-ee’s has not yet publicly committed.
However, insiders claim that the zoning change was designed with their specifications in mind.
“This is a destination location,” said one planner familiar with the project. “It’s designed for high-volume traffic and highway access. That’s Buc-ee’s in a nutshell.”
Buc-ee’s SWFL Bombshell: Welcome Sign or Warning Sign?
Local reaction is split and loud.
Fans praise the potential economic boost.
“It’ll bring jobs, tax revenue, and travelers who might actually stay a while,” said realtor Karen Swanson.
Others worry about traffic, pollution, and sprawl.
“This is Peace River, not Houston,” said Cathy Delaney, a community activist. “We want mangroves, not mega-pumps.”
Online forums erupted in fierce debate. Posts on Nextdoor and Facebook range from all-caps “YESSSS!!!” to accusations of environmental ruin.
According to Gulfshore Business, the development site has already passed environmental review and received state-level clearance for traffic impact. That hasn’t calmed fears.
“They paved paradise and put up a beaver lot,” wrote one critic.
The Texas-based company has stirred similar controversies in other states. In Florence, South Carolina, residents fought a Buc-ee’s over concerns it would overwhelm local infrastructure. That store opened anyway—in 2022—with a 120-pump spread.
Still, many in Port Charlotte are already scouting where to buy branded Buc-ee’s shirts, foam beaver hats, and that beloved barbecue sandwich.
Buc-ee’s: The Cult of Convenience
It’s not just a gas stop—it’s a lifestyle.
Buc-ee’s sells branded gear by the pallet. It markets its mascot—Buc-ee the beaver—like Disney markets Mickey. Customers take selfies in the bathrooms.
Yes, the bathrooms. Buc-ee’s has won national awards for spotless restrooms, often listed among the cleanest in America.
Food also fuels the obsession. Popular items include:
-
Fresh-made brisket sandwiches
-
Beaver Nuggets (sweet corn puff snack)
-
Fudge and cinnamon-glazed nuts
-
Jerky bars offering 20+ flavors
The company prohibits 18-wheelers to maintain its car-friendly vibe. It’s also non-union, Texas-rooted, and staunchly private.
Buc-ee’s has never closed a location and rarely changes course once land is secured.
“This company doesn’t just dabble,” said industry analyst Frank Coates. “If they build here, they’re here for good.”
Charlotte County planners expect to make final announcements before summer. Construction could begin by fall.
Meanwhile, the region watches, waits—and maybe dreams of Dr Pepper Icees and brisket on the go.
Leave a Reply