Buc-ee's pays $8.62 million for Ocala land off I-75
Buc-ee's has paid $8.62 million for the land on which it will build its Ocala store. Here is what we know:
Who sold and bought the land?
Ocala-based Baldwin Angus Ranch Inc. is the seller, according to the deed on file with the court clerk. Joy Baldwin-Papy, president, signed the document.
Buc-ees Ocala, based in Lake Jackson, Texas, is the buyer. Lake Jackson is where the entire Buc-ee's operation is based.
The deed was signed April 24 and was recorded with the court clerk two days later.
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Where is the land located?
On the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and Northwest 49th Street, right where a new I-75 interchange will be built.
Wasn't this deal recently in the news?
Yes, in a related matter. The County Commission in February unanimously approved a rezoning of 32.83 acres of the land in question from General Agriculture to Planned Unit Development. That change was needed to clear the way for the Buc-ee's.
On that application, Buc-ee's was listed as the applicant and Baldwin Angus Ranch as the owner.
When will Buc-ee's construction begin?
No date has been set. During a recent Ocala appearance, Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed hope that the interchange construction could be expedited. He was in town to present a $4 million grant from the state's Job Growth Grant Fund. The money will be used to purchase right-of-way needed for the interchange.
The site is landlocked. How will Buc-ee's handle construction?
Buc-ee's and Baldwin Angus Ranch have struck an easement agreement. As needed, Buc-ee's can traverse Baldwin land that is adjacent and to the north of its newly purchased property.
The land in question is currently used for cattle ranching. As part of this deal — a copy of which is recorded with the court clerk — Buc-ee's must arrange for a cattle guard and automatic entry gate.
What is the big deal about Buc-ee's?
This will be the company's third Florida store. The others are in Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. The Ocala store will have 120 gas pumps, an 80,000-square-foot travel center/building that includes retail sales (indoor and outdoor) with food and beverage services and 750 regular parking spaces (including 28 for electric vehicles.)
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Buc-ee's is known for its convenience food, especially its signature Beaver Nuggets, described at texassnax.com as "a delectable puffy yet crunchy corn nugget with a brown sugar caramel coating."
The chain (there are more than 40 stores currently in operation) also boasts of its very clean restrooms.
jross@gannett.com