A Buc-ees is being proposed right off Interstate 75 in Charlotte County, but not everyone is happy about it.
“I have nothing against Buc-ees, but I just, it does not belong there,” said neighbor Rebecca Scholl.
“This is just not the place for it. It's not the land for it. I'm sure Southwest Florida would welcome a Buc-ees, it's just not here,” said neighbor Drema Doolittle.
Neighbors of the Harbour Heights community said the newly proposed Buc-ees is not the right fit for their neighborhood.
“We love Buc-ees, but we really don't want it in our backyard for multiple reasons,” said neighbor Jon Winje.
Their concerns include traffic, flooding and wildlife.
“Where the Buc-ees is planned, is almost entirely within the coastal high hazard area and the flood plain,” Scholl said.
After hurricanes Helene and Milton flooded a lot of their homes, they are worried a Buc-ees could make it worse.
As for the wildlife that call this land home, one endangered species stands out as a concern.
“This Buc-ees that's being proposed would be abutting or being right next to an area that the locals call the bayou. It’s a nursery for the smalltooth sawfish and other fish,” said neighbor Edie Driest.
Neighbors said they wouldn’t mind a Buc-ees in Charlotte County, just not where it’s being proposed.
Other neighbors said they are excited about how a Buc-ees here would bring convenience to the area.
“Really excited. Buc-ees would be great. Anything closer to here that we can get cold drinks from is going to be awesome. We're out here in Harbor Hyde Park. It's going to be really hot today, and the closest place is, like, a mile,” said Chris Shepard.
The county’s board of commissioners is meeting on May 27 to discuss the proposal. We will be sure to keep you updated on what happens.
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