News Service of Florida
Gasoline prices have dropped as Florida motorists hit the highway for one in every of the busiest journey intervals of the yr.
More than 2.9 million Floridians are forecast to drive or fly greater than 50 miles for the Thanksgiving holiday, in response to the AAA auto membership. AAA mentioned the common value of a gallon of standard unleaded gasoline Monday was $3.46. That value was even with the all-time Florida Thanksgiving excessive in 2013 and 10 cents a gallon increased than final yr.
But, AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins mentioned the common pump value dropped by a couple of dime over the previous week and is predicted to proceed to say no.
“Prices at the pump are likely to drop through the holiday weekend. Gas prices could ultimately fall 20 to 30 cents per gallon,” Jenkins mentioned in a press release Monday. “The downturn is being driven by strong refinery output, which led to a big gain in gasoline supplies.”
Meanwhile, the variety of individuals planning to journey greater than 50 miles for the holiday is increased than in 2019, earlier than the begin of the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to AAA.
AAA mentioned Orlando is the high Thanksgiving journey vacation spot nationally, based mostly on resort bookings, adopted by Anaheim, Calif., Las Vegas, New York City and Atlanta.
Of the Floridians anticipated to journey greater than 50 miles, about 2.7 million will drive.
Florida’s common gas value hit an all-time excessive of $4.89 on June 13 however steadily declined by means of the summer time. The value quickly dipped once more in October, when the state held a tax “holiday” that suspended gas-tax collections.
Fuel-savings app GasBuddy mentioned that whereas the variety of Americans touring throughout the holiday will likely be up almost 20 p.c from 2021, simply over 20 p.c gained’t take to the roads due to excessive gasoline prices.
“Higher gas prices don’t seem to be enough to stop people from traveling to be with family and friends,” Jenkins mentioned final week. “We’ve found that when gas prices are high, travelers look to offset the added cost by staying in a less expensive hotel or spending less on shopping and dining out.”
Besides gas prices, airfares are up 22 p.c and resort rooms are up 17 p.c. GasBuddy predicts the nationwide common to face at $3.68 a gallon on Thanksgiving Day.
FDOT, FHP Urge Safety During Thanksgiving Travel: With so many individuals on the highway for the holiday weekend, it’s very important that drivers train care whereas behind the wheel.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) urge drivers to verify their car is prepared for the journey, buckle up, and never drive impaired — together with not driving whereas drowsy. Holiday vacationers also can test roadway situations and think about stay streaming visitors cameras on FL511.com.
Road Rangers are FDOT’s security/service patrol who present free, restricted roadside help, together with altering a tire or aiding with minor mechanical repairs. Road Rangers additionally defend motorists and crash scenes by alerting oncoming drivers of the incident. Motorists on I-4, I-75, I-95 and Central Florida’s toll roads can request a Road Ranger’s help by calling *FHP (*347). Road Rangers can be found yr spherical, and FDOT may have elevated patrols throughout the busy holiday week.