New Wawa Store Hopes to Fly High at Orlando Airport

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Gas stations around Orlando International Airport are known for their high gas prices -- often topping $5 per gallon. Pennsylvania-based Wawa Inc. hopes to change all that as its latest Orlando-area store opens today.

The new convenience store and gas station is located at 6500 South Semoran Blvd., just outside the airport. It is the 25th Wawa to open in Florida since the retailer entered the market in July 2012.

According to Wawa, as the company has become a part of the Orlando community, it has become "keenly aware that Orlando residents have limited options, specifically around the Orlando airport, to find quality food and fuel at competitive prices. In fact, local fueling stations have been spotlighted several times for their price gouging and astronomical costs."

To highlight the lower prices at the pump, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will unveil a new fuel price sign during today's grand-opening event and speak about how Wawa's new convenience store will give customers much needed price relief.

"Wawa continues to invest in our region, create new jobs and give back through charity work, grants and service projects," Dyer said. "And it doesn't stop there. Wawa has committed to ensure this station features a highly visible price sign and offers value pricing with no hidden fees for our residents and visitors traveling near the airport -- an area that has been know for unfair business practices that take advantage of our consumers. I am grateful to have a partner like Wawa who truly values its partnership with Orlando."

Joining Dyer at today’s event will be Wawa President and CEO Chris Gheysens, members of the Second Harvest Food Bank, and Orlando police and firefighters. Wawa store associates will highlight the retailer's commitment to lower gas prices by fueling Second Harvest Food Bank vans.

"We're thrilled to be able to help relieve this burden and help all Orlando community members fuel up fairly every time they are at the pump," Gheysens said. "It's hard to believe that it's been over a year since we opened our first store in the state of Florida and since then, our Florida friends and neighbors have come to rely on us to add convenience to their lives. Everyone who knows us understands that our low prices are a big part of our convenience offer, and that we will always do our best to have the most competitive pricing around."

Wawa owns and operates more than 600 convenience stores, including 300 gas stations, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.