Plans for Wawa at Ulmerton Crossing Move Forward

Plans for the proposed Wawa at the corner of Ulmerton and Starkey roads continue to move forward.

The popular convenience store from the Northeast is known for its built-to-order hoagies, fresh-brewed coffee, breakfast sandwiches and fresh produce.

Largo approved the development order for the proposed 5,537-square-foot gas and convenience store Nov. 9. The pre-construction meeting for the Wawa at Ulmerton Crossing is planned for this week.

The 2.46-acre site is located at 8910 Ulmerton Rd. The city is currently reviewing building plans for the project, Planner Thomas Wojtkiw said.

The Wawa is part of a larger 11-acre retail project. Plans for the shopping center include a proposed Walmart Neighborhood Market and possibly two more retail buildings.

The proposed Ulmerton Road Wawa is one of three planned for the Largo area. The chain began opening Central Florida stores this summer. The retailer plans to open its first Tampa Bay area stores in the first part of 2013. Wawa plans to have up to 100 stores in Florida within five years, according to the Wawa website.

Wawa created a special store design and architecture for its Florida stores. The store's kitchen area will be the focal point with food service, fresh beverages and a fresh express cafe. There will be abundant natural light and "warm Florida materials and colors," according to the Wawa website.

Wawa, Inc. started in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. In the late 1800s, the company owner at that time, George Wood, began dairy farming with a dairy processing plant in Wawa, PA, by 1902. As home milk delivery sales decreased, Wawa opened its first food market in 1964. Wawa sold dairy products at that market.

Wawa now has more than 570 locations, according to its website.

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