A Wawa gas station and convenience store planned for State Route 44 and Route 301 in Wildwood could help revitalize an ailing shopping center across the street.
Special Magistrate Judge Lindsey C.T. Holt recommended the planned development status of the project at Tuesday’s meeting of the Wildwood Planning and Zoning Commission. The City Commission will likely consider the recommendation later this month.
Wildwood attorney Richard Withers, who represents Rotki LLC, the owner of the shopping center on the west side of U.S. 301, submitted a letter to Holt from the owners supporting the project. Wizards has offices downtown.
The shopping center at State Route 44 and Route 301 has been struggling since Winn-Dixie closed.
The shopping center has been struggling with no store replacement since the Winn-Dixie store closed 10 years ago.
The Winn-Dixie shopping center closed in 2014.
The 5,015-square-foot Wawa is located approximately 350 feet southeast of SR 44 and US 301. It will have eight petrol pumps and 54 parking spaces, including three spaces for the disabled.
Wawa plans to employ about 40 to 50 full-time and part-time employees at the store.
The store will be one of three Wawa stores in Wildwood. The site at County Road 466A and Powell Road was cleared for store use. Another Wawa is located at County Road 466 and US 301.
Privately held, Wawa operates more than 1,000 stores in six states and Washington, DC. The company opened its first store in Florida in 2012.
