ST. LUCIE COUNTY — As plans to build a Buc-ee’s in Fort Pierce work their way through the approval process, there is a lot to consider — from zoning rules and construction costs to the potential impact on the environment.
The most recent plans for the mega-gas station include a 76,245-square-foot retail store, 778 parking spaces and a 100-foot-tall sign.
All that construction adds light pollution to a rural region off Indrio Road and Interstate 95. That light pollution might impact sea turtle nesting on Fort Pierce beaches, said Liberty L. Boyd, a sea turtle research specialist with Florida Atlantic University, based in Fort Pierce.
“I would see the sign, and the entire Buc-ee’s with its other building and exterior lights, as adding to the long-term increases in light pollution, which will impact sea turtle nesting in the area,” Boyd said.
A graphic shows the dimensions, design for the planned 100-foot-tall sign for the proposed Buc-ee’s location in St. Lucie County.
Sea turtle hatchlings are born with the instinct to move toward the brightest horizon. On a naturally dark beach, that’s the direction of the ocean. Light from human development can confuse baby turtles, causing them to become stranded while increasing the likelihood of a predator nabbing them up.
Because the Buc-ee’s sign is about 9 miles from the shore, its light alone wouldn’t be enough to confuse sea turtle hatchlings, Boyd said. But the overall light pollution from the project could deter mother turtles from laying their eggs in the area in the first place.
“Over time, as more lights are added, the increased light pollution could deter nesting females from nesting on beaches in this area and could lead to more disoriented hatchlings,” Boyd said.
St. Lucie County votes for Buc-ee’s sign
The final site plan application submitted by Buc-ee’s to St. Lucie County on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 for its proposed location at Interstate 95 and Indrio Road.
The St. Lucie County Commission voted 4-1 in September 2024 to change its zoning laws so Buc-ee’s could build its 100-foot-tall sign.
“We are thankful to the St. Lucie (County Commission), Planning and Zoning Commission and Planning staff for working through the tough issues with us,” said Buc-ee’s Director of Real Estate and Development Stan Beard in a statement.
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Previous zoning laws in that area allowed signs no taller than 10 feet high.
The commission’s one “no” vote was former Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky, who argued the zoning change could usher in more signs of comparable size in the area.
“My concern is not with this particular scenario as much as how many more were going to come after that,” Dzadovsky said at the time.
As of late August, according to property owner and developer Gustavo Lumer, the Buc-ee’s plans still are working through the approval process with the county.
Jack Lemnus is a TCPalm enterprise reporter. Contact him at jack.lemnus@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1345, or follow him on X @JackLemnus.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Fort Pierce Buc-ee’s: How its 100-foot sign impacts sea turtle nesting