By AMBER PATINO
The development of the long‑anticipated Busy Bee travel center in Bonifay has been pushed back again, with representatives confirming a new 14 –16‑month delay before construction begins. According to the Holmes County Development Commission, the slowdown stems from roadblocks affecting the company’s planned Ellisville, Florida location, which is now expected to open in late 2027. Busy Bee intends to complete the Ellisville project before breaking ground in Bonifay, shifting the local timeline significantly.
The Bonifay site, an 86‑acre property purchased by Busy Bee in December 2024, is slated for a 55,000‑square‑foot travel center and additional commercial development. Early projections estimated more than 100 jobs and millions in annual economic impact for Holmes County. While construction is now postponed, buyers are being sought for the surrounding commercial lots, aiming to attract hotels, restaurants, and other businesses that typically follow large travel‑center developments.
While the project remains a major economic opportunity for the county, the revised timeline means visible progress is unlikely until after the Ellisville location is completed.
Staff Report 