Palmdale Oil is continuing its statewide expansion.
The Palm Beach Gardens, Florida-based company recently finalized the acquisition of Tri-County Oil Distributors, a Williston-based fuel provider operating in North Central Florida for nearly a century. The transaction fortifies Palmdale’s bulk distribution network and infrastructure, which now spans more than 50 counties.
Tri-County supplies fuel to retail and commercial fleets throughout the region and operates a facility in Williston offering cardlock fueling, packaged lubricants, and diesel exhaust fluid.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“Tri-County has been an important part of the Williston community for generations, and Mike and his team have built a business with a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in the region,” Palmdale CEO Lachlan Cheatham said in a news release. “We see tremendous opportunity to build on what they have established, introduce additional products and services, and grow our presence throughout North Central Florida.”
Expanding bulk distribution
Palmdale’s pickup of Tri-County represents the latest step in a multi-year strategy to consolidate independent fuel and lubricant distributors, thereby expanding its geographic reach and plant storage capacity.
Palmdale expanded its capabilities in the Tampa and Fort Myers regions in August 2024 by acquiring Arcadia-based Maassen Oil, a supplier of propane, diesel, gasoline, and lube oils. And in January 2025, the distributor bolstered its Southwest Florida operations by absorbing a Naples-based diesel, gasoline, and lubricants distributor with a nearly 60-year track record. Later that year, Palmdale’s propane subsidiary deepened its presence in the North Central Florida and Gulf Coast markets by acquiring Old Town-based Gatorgas.
Maintaining local operations
Current Tri-County customers will gain access to Palmdale’s broader portfolio of bulk fuels, propane, and chemicals.
To maintain operational continuity for commercial and retail clients, the existing local Tri-County team will remain in place to manage distribution and serve customers under the Palmdale umbrella, the company reported. “Tri-County has always taken pride in the relationships we’ve built with our customers and the communities we serve,” said Mike Doerr, Tri-County president.
“As we considered the future of the business, we wanted a partner that would respect that history while helping us take the next step. Palmdale gives our team the opportunity to serve customers in new ways while maintaining the personal attention they have come to expect from Tri-County.”
