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Planning board grants special exception for gas station and wine sales at former flea‑market site
Summary
The Planning Board approved a special exception to allow a gas station and wine sales at the former flea‑market corner of U.S. 441 and Harvey Highway after staff found the use consistent with the county’s land‑use rules and recommended conditions including a 36‑month commencement requirement.
The Okeechobee County Planning Board voted to grant a special exception allowing an automotive service station with retail gasoline sales and wine sales at the redeveloped flea‑market property at the corner of U.S. 441 and Harvey Highway.
Staff described the proposal (petition S20250835) as a conversion of the former flea‑market site into multiple lots with a convenience/gas station along the highway. The staff report said the use is consistent with the county comprehensive plan and land‑development regulations and recommended approval subject to standard conditions: construction to commence within 36 months or the exception becomes null and void; the use must not cease for specified timeframes or the exception may be voided; and the project must proceed through site‑plan review.
A consultant for the applicant, Jennifer of Group 41 Consulting, told the board the proposed gas station site meets the 500‑foot separation requirement from a planned church on an adjacent lot and that construction plans are being prepared. Staff noted other standard conditions tied to site‑plan and use verification.
After questions about truck access and timing, a board member moved to grant the special exception as recommended; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The approval allows the applicant to advance to detailed site‑plan review and permitting, subject to the conditions in the final administrative order.
