Buc-ee's plans to start construction on St. Johns County location this year

St. Johns County leaders appear ready to move forward with a massive travel center near World Golf Village, despite strong objections from neighbors.

The massive Buc-ee's gas station would be built at Interstate 95 and International Golf Parkway.

Buc-ee's general counsel said they are still working to complete the store's final design, but the company plans on beginning construction this year.

In September, the Texas-based chain filed a pre-application, proposing their project near World Golf Village.

It consists of 120 gas pumps and a convenience store that's about the size of a football field.

“It’s a big juxtaposition when you have a really nice world class golf course to a low establishment like that,” homeowner Aaron Enos said.

When Enos found out about Buc-ee’s in October, he created a petition against it.

Despite the hundreds of signatures, the county approved the master plan.

“It’s disgruntling to be a resident and a voter in here and not have any say in reality,” Enos said.

The county said the project follows the land use and zoning regulations. But Enos said he thinks those guidelines should have been modified to fit what’s best for the community.

“I think the commissioners should take a look at development plans in place and change them if necessary,” Enos said.

However, some people think Buc-ee's is what the area needs.

“It’s probably good, it will probably bring jobs, brings money to (the) economy,” homeowner Danny Sonic said.

The county said commercial construction plans must be submitted before the company can apply for a building permit for Buc-ee’s.

Thrillist named the chain America's best pit stop in April 2017.

The article says the chain features gourmet sweets, fresh-to-order sandwiches, Texas kolaches and some of the cleanest restrooms in America.

Notable items sold at the gas station include Beaver Nuggets, fresh beef jerky, Pecan Logs and a large assortment of drinks and barbecue, the article said.

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