News Summary
Tallahassee is set to welcome a new Buc-ee’s travel center, featuring a 75,000-square-foot facility on Capital Circle Northwest. The center will create around 200 full-time jobs with competitive wages. The project has garnered local support amidst discussions about a moratorium on gas station expansions. Anticipated to include 120 fuel pumps and numerous parking options, the development’s construction is slated to begin by 2025 with an expected opening in late 2026 or early 2027.
Tallahassee is set to welcome a new Buc-ee’s travel center, with plans for a massive 75,000-square-foot facility located on a 73-acre site on the west side of Capital Circle Northwest, just north of Interstate 10. The new development aims to create approximately 200 full-time jobs, with hourly wages ranging from $16 to $32, and managerial roles commanding salaries exceeding $100,000 annually.
The approval process for the Buc-ee’s project began with the submission of a Permitted Use Verification (PUV) request to Leon County on February 7. The proposed travel center will feature an impressive 120 fuel pumps, along with 795 standard parking spaces, 24 electric vehicle charging stations, and 11 designated RV and bus spaces. County Administrator Vince Long noted that the project is moving forward in alignment with the typical timeline expected for developments of this scale.
Discussions among local officials indicate that there is substantial support for Buc-ee’s establishment in Tallahassee, facilitated by Leon County Commissioner Christian Caban. This support comes amidst ongoing conversations regarding a potential six-month moratorium on new and expanding gas stations in response to community concerns about gas station development in northeast neighborhoods; however, this moratorium will not affect the Buc-ee’s project.
The Buc-ee’s site will be governed by the Leon County Land Development Code (LDC) and the Park Place Planned Unit Development (PUD), which was originally approved in 2012 and amended in 2022. A degree of flexibility regarding signage requirements is anticipated, as Buc-ee’s traditionally requires signage exemptions due to its brand identity. Initial concerns regarding traffic congestion and environmental impact have emerged among local business owners and residents, leading to mixed reactions regarding the new development. However, many community members are optimistic about the associated economic benefits and the influx of job opportunities the travel center will bring.
To move forward, Buc-ee’s plans to submit a formal site plan application and an Environmental Management Permit (EMP), which are critical for initiating the detailed review process necessary for development. The construction timeline is projected to commence by the end of 2025, with an anticipated grand opening around late 2026 or early 2027.
Buc-ee’s has already established a significant presence within Florida, with existing locations in St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, and continues to expand in the state, drawing attention for its large-scale travel centers which combine convenience, amenities, and distinctive branding.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Job Opportunities for Graduating Seniors at Worlds of Work 2.0
Buc-ee’s to Open a Massive Travel Center in Tallahassee
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com
- Wikipedia: Buc-ee’s
- The Famuan
- Google Search: Buc-ee’s Tallahassee
- Click Orlando
- Google Scholar: Buc-ee’s Florida
- Southern Living
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Buc-ee’s
- Local 10 News
- Google News: Buc-ee’s expansion
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
