Gov. Ron DeSantis in Ocala: Buc-ee's goodies and a $4 million check

Gov. Ron DeSantis made a stop in Marion County on Friday to present a check to aid a highway project that will benefit the area.

Flanked by local politicians, state officials and other dignitaries, DeSantis held an oversized check for $4 million, which came from the state's Job Growth Grant Fund.

County officials attending the press conference told the Star-Banner the grant money will help accelerate right-of-way purchases needed for the long-planned Interstate 75 interchange at Northwest 49th Street.

A previous Ocala stop: Gov. Ron DeSantis touts $2 billion in proposed tax relief

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Grant funding

The Northwest 49th Street interchange is expected to help truck traffic from the nearby logistics facilities (including FedEx, Chewy, AutoZone) and ease congestion on I-75 itself. It also will help people access the World Equestrian Center, which is west of the interstate.

Interchange construction is expected to be completed sometime in 2025.

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue, who was among those who joined the governor in Ocala, said the interchange will provide traffic relief and economic growth for the area.

Here comes Buc-ee's

Coming to the southeast corner of the new interchange will be a Buc-ee's, which is a gas station/travel center/retail site/food operation. This will be Florida's third Buc-ee's.

CEO and founder of Buc-ee's, Arch "Beaver" Aplin, told an audience of more than 200 people at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion that he's "ready to get started."

DeSantis said the Buc-ee's in Marion County will feature an 80,000-square-foot building with 120 gas pumps and more than 700 parking spots.

"I'm excited to see it there," the governor said, calling the store and the new interchange "a great project."

The governor said county officials applied for and were given the grant for the highway project.

"The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state," DeSantis' office said in a news release. "Proposals are reviewed by DEO and Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI), and are chosen by Governor DeSantis to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state."

DeSantis tossed out some Buc-ee's treats during the event and was even joined onstage by the Texas-based chain's mascot.

Governor touts tax relief

DeSantis received a standing ovation and cheers from the audience when he entered the room on Friday. In his opening remarks he noted that Florida is the nation's fastest growing state and is No. 1 for net migration as people relocate from other parts of the country.

"We've got a lot going for us," DeSantis said.

The governor said unemployment is low and the labor force is growing. He touched on inflation, the financial crisis hitting banks, bank bailouts and OPEC talking about cutting production. He said the country should be energy independent.

DeSantis said the last time he was in Ocala, it was to talk about a tax relief package for items such as diapers, strollers and wipes.

Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn said Ocala is the fourth safest city in the country, adding the area is business friendly with low taxes.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: State grant will help with I-75 interchange at NW 49th St. in Ocala