Charlotte County Clears Path for Southwest Florida’s First Buc-ee’s
Port Charlotte, FL (May 28, 2025) – In a nearly unanimous vote on May 27, 2025, the Charlotte County Commission greenlit three critical zoning amendments spanning 653 acres of prime land owned by Benderson Development LLC, setting the stage for Southwest Florida’s first-ever Buc-ee’s travel center.
A Bold Mixed-Use Vision Anchored by Buc-ee’s
Benderson’s ambitious project—formerly dubbed the Harborview Project—intends to deliver:
- 245 single-family units and 3,614 multifamily residences
- 50,000 sq ft of office space and 655,000 sq ft of commercial development
- A future-ready West Village, with Buc-ee’s serving as the project’s commercial anchor.
Previously, the plan included a public marina with 260 wet slips, 192 dry slips, and slips for single-family residences—but that portion has been removed. Importantly, the revised design now provides a 226.55-acre open-space buffer, including 61.21 acres dedicated to preserving scrub jay and gopher tortoise habitats in perpetuity.
Traffic & Zoning: A Unique Equivalency Strategy
To manage traffic impact, the developer utilized an equivalency matrix: each fueling pump offsets 20 multifamily units, striking a balance between the attraction of Buc-ee’s and preserving county infrastructure standards.
Concerns from Locals
Despite the project’s scope and benefits, community members raised persistent concerns:
- Evacuation Risks: With I-75 a critical evacuation route, residents worry added development will exacerbate congestion during emergencies.
- Environmental Threats: Fears include polluted runoff affecting the Peace River, a habitat for endangered species like small-tooth sawfish and juvenile tarpon.
- Wildlife Habitat Loss: Though Benderson offered $3 million for scrub jay mitigation, residents remain wary.
- Public Safety Delays: Neighbors highlight concerns about longer response times for emergency services due to increased traffic.
In response, Benderson pledged to support infrastructure upgrades, including constructing a roundabout and collaborating with public schools to build a dedicated loop road to Deep Creek Elementary—reducing reliance on Harborview Road for drop-offs.
Looking Ahead
While this zoning win is a significant milestone, questions remain:
- Exact Size & Features: Buc-ee’s is known for its massive footprint—typically 80 to 120 fueling positions and a sprawling convenience store. Final plans for this location are not yet detailed.
- Sustainability & Traffic Flow: Further clarity on stormwater management, traffic modeling, and public safety protocols will be crucial in upcoming planning stages.
Why This Matters
This development signals a major expansion for Buc-ee’s into Southwest Florida, a region that, until now, has hosted none of the chain’s famed travel centers. For the Port Charlotte area, it brings in additional awareness to the area, travelers, residents, and tax dollars.