OCALA, Fla. — In just a few days, the "world's largest" Buc-ee's gas station and convenience store is set to open in Texas, beating out the previous record-holding store in Tennessee.
However, that Texas location won't be able to hold that title for too long. The next "world's largest" Buc-ee's is set to open next year in central Florida.
Sitting between Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 301 in Ocala, the next "world's largest" Buc-ee's will sprawl across 80,000 square feet and house about 120 gas pumps. The proposal would also include 750 parking spots, with 28 spots for electric vehicles (EV). Marion County leaders approved the company's permit in February 2023. An exact opening date has not been set, but it's slated for sometime in 2025.
Once open, the Ocala-based Buc-ee's will be the Sunshine State's third location built in the last four years. Plans for a fourth location have been rumored in Fort Pierce.
The first one opened in February 2021 in St. Augustine. The second Buc-ee's location opened just a month later in Daytona Beach with the help of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
At the time, the governor said Buc-ee's is "like the Shangri-La of service stations" with its friendly staff, pristine bathrooms and various accommodations.
The convenience store offers thousands of snack, drink and meal options for on-the-go travelers and Floridians alike. Some fan favorites are homemade fudge, kolaches, Beaver nuggets and fresh pastries.
Since it was founded in 1982, Buc-ee's has made its mark across Texas. In recent years, the gas station has opened locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri and Colorado.
10 Tampa Bay's Andrea Chu contributed to this report.