Bass Pro bumps up Fla. development plans

Bass Pro Shops announced yesterday its intentions to build a 112,000-square-foot store in Palm Bay, Fla.

Bass Pro has bumped up its Florida presence in recent months, announcing plans to open stores in the St. Johns County and Tampa areas. The company also has a Tallahassee store under construction scheduled to open this year. Bass Pro currently operates six stores in the Sunshine State.

The fourth planned Florida location in Palm Bay would be a Sportsman's Center store located along Interstate 95, according to a news release.

Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris said the store was selected based on its proximity to several waterways.

“Palm Bay represents a prime location to serve saltwater coastal fishermen and the vibrant and expanding freshwater fishing and hunting markets in this region," Morris said in the release. "The upper St. John’s River offers some of the best bass fishing in the world. The nearby Stick Marsh Reservoir is also world famous for its great fishing. Fellsmere, Three Forks, and C-10 reservoirs will open within the next five years, offering another 25,000 acres to freshwater anglers and other recreational users."

Morris said Bass Pro would quickly redevelop 112,000 square feet of existing retail space to make way for the store, which is planned to open by this summer.

Bass Pro competitor Cabela's Inc. has no Florida stores or plans to open one in the state, according to its website.[[In-content Ad]]