BUSY BEE
The Buzz on Busy Bee
By Hayli Zuccola
Community Involvement , Expansion and More
August 16 , 2022 marks the eight-year anniversary of the Busy Bee Travel Center ’ s grand opening in Live Oak off Exit 283 and ever since , the Busy Bee operation has continued to grow in both community involvement and overall number of locations .
In 1935 , J . P . Johnson entered the petroleum industry and founded Johnson & Johnson , Inc . – the name behind the Busy Bee legacy that today is overseen by third generation family member and Johnson & Johnson , Inc . President , Elizabeth Waring . So , what exactly makes Busy Bee unique ? Well , it all boils down to the sweetness .
Giving back to the community is at the heart of the Busy Bee mission and is accomplished through the participation and support for multiple events throughout the year . These local contributions include sponsoring the firework displays for the 4th of July celebration and Christmas on the Square in Live Oak as well as for Labor Day and New Year ’ s Eve at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park ; organizing the winter-favorite snow nights at Live Oak ’ s Christmas on the Square or providing mountains of snow for the New Year ’ s Eve festivities at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park ; sponsoring Suwannee Lights or through their latest addition : sponsoring the Suwannee River Jam .
“ From the beginning with October festivals on our property to Snow on the Square and everything in between , this community has celebrated and stepped up and out enjoying the many festivities we have had the pleasure to ‘ bee ’ a part of ! That ’ s one of the best things about our small towns – we celebrate life ’ s many joys together ,” Elizabeth Waring said .
These regular contributions are made possible by the hive ’ s overall growth and expansion with current and upcoming projects including a new site in Panama
City Beach , which is set to open this fall and include a Starbucks ; the exterior remodeling and addition of a gas and diesel canopy at the Lake City Busy Bee off I-10 at Exit 301 ; the remodeling and addition of another diesel canopy at the Busy Bee in Perry ; and most recently , the finalization of the parcels of land surrounding the existing Busy Bee in Ellisville to begin construction within the year on their next super site , which will comprise of 80 gas pumps , three gas canopies , 200 parking spots for cars , 80 spots for semi-trailer trucks and more .
From sweet sponsorships to continuously growing their hive , there ’ s always something abuzz at Busy Bee . “ We are thankful for the tremendous support and incredible team that we have in our hives ! We are happy to have the opportunity to grow and would love for you to buzz on in ,” Waring said .
2022-2023 | SUWANNEE CHAMBER IMPACT 127