Drivers on Interstate 95 near World Golf Village looking for a Mercedes-Benz service center could soon be guided by a sign that is 47% larger than what is allowed by code.
The sign is planned just south of exit 323, International Golf Parkway, on Interstate 95.
The St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency voted 5-0 on May 1 to recommend approval of a non-zoning variance allowing a 368-square-foot sign — more than 100 square feet larger than the 250-square-foot maximum allowed under the county’s land development code.
The variance advances to a public hearing before the St. Johns Board of County Commissioners at an upcoming meeting. It is not scheduled.
According to it application, “the request for additional (advertising display area) is necessary to help guide motorists who are unfamiliar with the area to the location of the automotive dealership so that they can exit safely from the interstate.”
The county issued the site permit Jan. 29 at a cost of $10,150. Daytona Beach-based Webb Signs is the installer.
The 27,858-square-foot service center is planned at 405 World Commerce Parkway in World Commerce Center, near Buc-ee’s, Costco Wholesale and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. The county approved the estimated $7.2 million project Dec. 2.
International Contractors of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois — where Fields Auto Group is headquartered — is the contractor.
A Fields Auto Group Porsche service center, car wash and detailing facility also are planned in World Commerce Center. The Porsche service center will be at 445 World Commerce Parkway, also with a project cost of about $7.2 million.
The car wash is planned east of the service center at 449 World Commerce Parkway and will include a battery and tire disposal enclosure. The detached car wash and detail center will be 4,500 square feet. International Contractors is also the contractor for that project.
Porsche is the second of three planned phases for Fields. The third phase has not announced which luxury brand it will serve.
In a May 2024 email, Fields Auto Group Vice President Garry Redig said the company is expanding in St. Johns County “to better assist our customers in an expanding area.”
There are no plans to add dealerships to the World Commerce Center property.
In Northeast Florida, Fields Auto Group owns Fields Cadillac Jacksonville; Fields Cadillac St. Augustine; Jaguar Jacksonville; Land Rover Jacksonville; Lexus of Jacksonville; Lexus of Orange Park; Mercedes-Benz of Jacksonville; Mercedes-Benz of Orange Park; Porsche Jacksonville; and Fields Collision Jacksonville.