Wawa, the Pennsylvania-based convenience store, is proceeding with plans to build a market and gas station on the southeast corner of U.S. 301 and Bloomingdale Avenue.

Wawa representatives appeared before Hillsborough County Zoning Hearing Master James Scarola on June 11 to request an alcoholic beverage permit for the proposed facility to enable it to sell beer and wine.

Because the building is within 500 feet of the Mt. Zion AME Church on north side of Bloomingdale Avenue, Wawa will need waiver.

Founded in 1803, Wawa now offers fresh, built-to-order sandwiches and salads, soups, hot breakfast sandwiches, freshly brewed coffee along with gas services and ATM machines.

According to its website, the chain has more than 595 convenience stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

The chain is now eyeing the Florida market. It broke ground on a Pinellas Park store May 16.

It plans to build 100 stores between Orlando and Tampa in the next five years.

"Wawa" is a Native American word for the Canada Goose that was found in the Delaware Valley.

The new Wawa on U.S. 301 will employ 35 associates.

Scarola will make a recommendation on Wawa’s request within 10 days. The request then goes before the Hillsborough County Commission for a final vote. County staff has recommended in favor of Wawa’s request.