Fruit Cove residents oppose proposed Daily's gas station

St. Johns County commissioners previously denied a similar plan in 2019 due to traffic concerns.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:09pm

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A close-up photograph of a shiny, metallic gas pump nozzle and fuel cap resting on a plain white background, conveying the abstract concept of community tensions over corporate development plans.A modern, minimalist still life captures the clash between corporate expansion and community values in the ongoing debate over a proposed gas station development.Today in Jacksonville

Residents of the Fruit Cove neighborhood in St. Johns County, Florida are voicing strong opposition to a proposed Daily's gas station, convenience store, and car wash at the intersection of State Road 13 and Otoes Place. The St. Johns County Commission unanimously denied a similar proposal from Daily's parent company First Coast Energy in 2019, citing incompatibility with the surrounding residential area and increased traffic. Despite some changes to the latest plan, including leaving part of the 7.7-acre parcel open for a retention pond and trees, local residents remain adamantly against the project.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between residential communities and commercial development, especially when it comes to the placement of gas stations, convenience stores, and other high-traffic businesses in close proximity to homes. The 2019 denial and continued community opposition suggest the county is wary of approving projects that could negatively impact the quality of life for nearby residents.

The details

Daily's parent company First Coast Energy is seeking approval for a new gas station, convenience store, and car wash at the entrance of the Fruit Cove neighborhood. At a recent community meeting, residents voiced concerns about increased traffic, potential groundwater contamination from the gas station and car wash, and the overall incompatibility of the commercial development with the surrounding residential area. Despite First Coast Energy's efforts to modify the plan, such as leaving part of the 7.7-acre parcel undeveloped, the local Fruit Cove Estates HOA president encouraged the company to instead donate the land to the county for use as a park.

  • The St. Johns County Commission unanimously denied a similar proposal from First Coast Energy in 2019.
  • First Coast Energy is currently in the early stages of developing new plans for the gas station and convenience store complex.

The players

Daily's

A gas station and convenience store chain owned by First Coast Energy.

First Coast Energy

The parent company of Daily's that is proposing the new gas station and convenience store development in Fruit Cove.

Fruit Cove Estates HOA

The homeowners association representing the Fruit Cove neighborhood where the proposed Daily's development would be located.

Mike Dunlop

The head of the Fruit Cove Estates HOA who encouraged First Coast Energy to donate the land to the county instead of developing it.

Max Glober

The Vice President of Marketing for Daily's who spoke in favor of the proposed development.

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What they’re saying

“'It's still a gas station, and we don't want a gas station.'”

— Mike Dunlop, Fruit Cove Estates HOA President

“'At the rate that this area is growing, we believe this is also going to be a really good site.'”

— Max Glober, Vice President of Marketing, Daily's

What’s next

The proposed Daily's development is still in the early stages, and a site plan would need to be approved by the St. Johns County Commission before the project could move forward. Given the previous denial and continued community opposition, it remains to be seen whether the latest proposal will gain approval.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face in balancing commercial development with preserving the character and quality of life in residential neighborhoods. The Fruit Cove residents' strong opposition to the Daily's proposal, even with some modifications, suggests the county may be hesitant to approve a project that could significantly impact the surrounding area.