As the state of Florida continues to open up its economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Ocala continues to grow.
Several national retail chains, including 7-Eleven, Circle K and Starbucks will soon be joining the scene in the largest city in Marion County.
In the case of 7-Eleven, the move serves as a welcome addition to the city as the convenience store sets up shop in Ocala for the first time. In fact, 7-Eleven has chosen to open two different stores in the Marion County seat. One will be placed at the intersection of North Pine Avenue and Bonnie Heath Boulevard, which is currently occupied by a Shell station. The permit applications requires the razing of the current station as well as a former bank branch location adjacent to it. The other location is planned for the intersection of Northwest 27th Avenue and Northwest Blitchton Road, right by the Rural King. Both stores will be between 4,600 and 4,800 square feet.
For Starbucks, a brand new store is currently under construction by the corner of Maricamp Road and Southeast 36th Avenue. The 2,500-square-foot store is set to join a Wells Fargo branch store in the Cedar Shore Shopping Plaza. Construction is expected to be completed by December.
Lastly, a 4,000 square foot Circle K store will be replacing Marathon at 1702 S. Pine Avenue. The new store is expected to be ready for customers by October.
