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Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Gas prices rise again in Florida. See the cheapest in your area
Gas prices in Florida are on a yo-yo string. After dipping and soaring over the past several weeks, prices have inched up this week. As of Monday, July 28, the cost of gas is up about 2 cents a gallon in Florida and the Miami area. Prices in South Florida are about 12 cents higher from a month ago but 28 cents lower than a year ago. 'While gas prices may shift from week to week, overall they tend to follow a relatively steady pattern,' said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. 'As long as oil prices remain stable, drivers can expect pump prices to stay within their current range.' North Florida remains the cheapest to get gas in the state. Naples and Palm Beach County are among the most expensive areas. Here's what to know if you're commuting or traveling in Florida: Miami-Dade: The average price: $3.09 on Monday, July 28, a 2-cent increase from last week, according to GasBuddy's survey of nearly 1,700 stations in the region. Cheapest gas in the Miami area is $2.67 and the most expensive $4.35. Fort Lauderdale: $3.11, according to AAA, an increase of 3 cents from last week. West Palm Beach/Boca Raton: $3.23, according to AAA, a penny increase from last week. Average: The average price for a gallon of gas in Florida on Monday, July 28, according to AAA, is $3.08. Prices on Monday, July 28, according to AAA: Bradenton/Sarasota: $3.07 Daytona Beach: $3.08 Fort Myers: $3.10 Gainesville: $3.14 Jacksonville: $3.08 Lakeland: $3.10 Naples: $3.16 Orlando: $3.10 Panama City: $2.87 Pensacola: $2.87 Port St. Lucie: $3.11 Space Coast: $3.05 Tallahassee: $2.97 Tampa/St. Pete: $3.12 Villages: $3.11 Average: The average price for a gallon of gas across the country on Monday, July 28, according to AAA, is $3.14. ▪ Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy: 'It's been another relatively quiet week for average gas prices, with most states seeing modest or slight declines, while a handful of price cycling states experienced the most noticeable fluctuations. Oil prices continue to hover in the mid-to-upper $60s, and with gasoline demand starting to ease as we head into August, we could see prices gradually decline as we approach Labor Day. That said, this is also the time of year when the tropics begin to stir, so we'll be keeping a close eye on hurricane activity that could disrupt supply and shift the outlook.' There's an app to help: The GasBuddy app was built to show motorists prices around them and a fuel tracker can update users on stations that have or don't have fuel based on supply changes.


Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Gas prices are up by double digits in Florida. Search for cheapest in your area
Gas prices have jumped again this week in Florida. The cost of gas is up by 10 cents a gallon in the state, including South Florida. But prices in the Miami area are about the same from a month ago and stand 43 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. North Florida remains the cheapest to get gas in the state. Naples and Palm Beach County are among the most expensive areas. 'Lower oil prices helped make this Independence Day one of the most affordable in recent years,' said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. 'In Florida, however, prices continue to fluctuate week to week, as local stations adjust prices to remain competitive with nearby retailers. When prices eventually reach a low that's no longer profitable, retailers raise them back up. This strategy has fueled short-term volatility at the pump — even as national prices and other drivers relatively stable.' Here's what to know if you're commuting or traveling in Florida: Gas prices in South Florida ▪ Miami-Dade: The average price: $3.06 on Monday, July 7, according to GasBuddy's survey of nearly 1,700 stations in the region. Cheapest gas in the Miami area is $2.59and the most expensive $4.19. ▪ Fort Lauderdale: $3.09, according to AAA. ▪ West Palm Beach/Boca Raton: $3.24, according to AAA. Florida price at the pump Average: The average price for a gallon of gas in Florida on Monday, July 7, according to AAA, is $3.06 Gas prices around Florida Prices on Monday, July 7, according to AAA: Bradenton/Sarasota: $3.03 Daytona Beach: $3.06 Fort Myers: $3.08 Fort Walton Beach: $2.79 Gainesville: $3.12 Jacksonville: $3.05 Lakeland: $3.08 Naples: $3.14 Orlando: $3.05 Panama City: $2.84 Pensacola: $2.87 Port St. Lucie: $3.07 Space Coast: $3.03 Tallahassee: $2.95 Tampa/St. Pete: $3.08 Villages: $3.08 U.S. price at the pump Average: The average price for a gallon of gas across the country on Monday, July 7, according to AAA, was $3.14 What the experts are saying ▪ Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy: 'Nearly every state saw average gas prices decline for the second straight week, even as the nation celebrated July 4 with the lowest national average for Independence Day since 2020. That downward momentum may continue, as OPEC's weekend decision to boost production by a larger-than-expected 548,000 barrels per day in August adds further pressure to oil prices— potentially accelerating supply builds. If tensions in the Middle East remain contained and the Gulf is spared from major hurricanes, the odds are improving that the national average could dip below $3 per gallon later this summer, but in the meantime we could see the national average falling to its lowest summer level since the pandemic.' How to find cheap gas near you There's an app to help: The GasBuddy app was built to show motorists prices around them and a fuel tracker can update users on stations that have or don't have fuel based on supply changes.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'100 deadliest days' begins for teen drivers. What to know in Florida
The "100 deadliest days" has begun. That's the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day AAA describes as the time when crashes involving teen drivers spike. During that time, on average, eight people lose their lives every day in a teen-related crash, AAA said in a news release. There are 456,754 teen drivers on the road in Florida, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. As of May 5, 2024, 205,000 Florida teens between the ages of 15-19 were driving with a learner's license. Here's what you should know, as both a parent and a teen driver. "The stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers — a period when crashes involving teen drivers spike, leading to tragic consequences," AAA said. AAA's review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed there is a 30% increase in deadly crashes involving teen drivers during summer compared to the rest of the year. On average, eight people lose their lives every day in a teen-related crash between Memorial Day and Labor Day. "During the summer, teen drivers are on the road more often, usually with friends, which increases the risk of distraction and dangerous driving habits," said Rachel Wilson, director of driver education for AAA, The Auto Club Group. "Many feel invincible behind the wheel, underestimating the dangers of speeding, distractions, and not wearing a seatbelt. But crashes hit different when they happen to you — and by then, it's too late." In 2023, here are the numbers when it comes to teen drivers, according to FLHSMV: Crashes: 19,980 Fatal crashes: 68 Fatalities: 83 Injury crashes: 2,114 Injuries: 3,084 New teen drivers, ages 16-17, are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to adults, AAA said. The biggest contributing factors include: Distraction: Nearly six out of 10 teen crashes involve some form of distraction. Teen passengers are the leading distraction, followed by cell phones and infotainment systems. Speeding: Almost 30% of fatal teen crashes involve excessive speed. Driving with teen passengers: Studies show that the risk of a fatal crash increases with each additional teen passenger. Failure to wear a seatbelt: Seatbelt use significantly reduces the likelihood of serious injury or death. "Teens are inexperienced behind the wheel, and that lack of experience combined with risky behaviors is a dangerous mix," said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for for AAA, The Auto Club Group. 'More teens die in car crashes during summer than any other season. Parents must take an active role in coaching their teens and reinforcing safe driving habits." The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said "teen drivers were two-and-a-half times more likely to engage in one or more potentially risky behaviors when driving with one teenage peer, compared to when driving alone." "The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in one or more risky behaviors when traveling with multiple passengers increased to three times compared to when driving alone. In fact, research shows that the risk of a fatal crash goes up in direct relation to the number of teenagers in the car." FLHSMV suggested these tips to stay safe this summer ... and whenever you're behind the wheel: Before you drive: Always buckle up and make sure all passengers buckle up, too. Keep passengers at a minimum. Never try to fit more people in the car than you have seat belts for them to use. Maintain your car's optimum performance. Make sure your car has gas in it. Get directions before you leave. Be responsible, never drive impaired, and never ride with anyone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Don't drive drowsy. While you drive: Obey the speed limit. Excess speed is one of the main causes of teenage crashes. Use your turn signals. Don't blast your music. You might miss hearing a siren or a horn that could warn you of possible trouble. Don't drive distracted. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on driving. Share the road with others. Watch out for motorcycles, bikes and pedestrians. Don't leave your car in cruise control when you're driving late at night or when you're tired. Stay alert. Be aware of the weather, traffic congestion and road conditions. AAA urges parents to take proactive steps to ensure their teens are driving safely: Lead by example. Model good driving behavior by avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, and always buckling up. Provide at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice. Give teens experience driving in diverse conditions— nighttime, inclement weather, highways, and busy streets. Teach defensive driving skills. Encourage teens to anticipate hazards, stay alert, and maintain a safe following distance. Create a parent-teen driving agreement. Establish clear rules about when, where, and with whom your teen can drive. Clearly outline the consequences for breaking the rules and rewards for driving safe. Here's a few things you may not know — or a reminder if you did know — about teens driving in Florida, according to the FLHSMV: Parents can rescind a minor's driver license. The parent or guardian who signs the parental consent form can rescind responsibility for their minor's driving and cancel the minor's license. If teens get six or more points on their license within 12 months, their license is restricted to 'Business Purposes Only' for one year. If teens receive six points on their driving record within a 12 month period, driving privileges are automatically restricted to Business Purposes Only for 12 months or until age 18, whichever happens first. If under 21, there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Drivers under the age of 21 with a blood alcohol level of .02 percent or more will have their license immediately suspended for six months. A second offense will result in a one year suspension. Refusal to submit to testing (first offense) results in a suspension of 12 months, 18 months on a second offense. If a teen receives a moving violation conviction with a Learner's License, they have one more year until they can get an Operator's License. If a teen receives a moving traffic conviction with a Learner's License, the one-year period required to hold the Learner's License will be extended for one year from the date of the conviction, or until 18 years old, whichever happens first. Teens must be in compliance with school attendance, or they will be ineligible to obtain or maintain their license. If not in compliance with school attendance, a teen's driving privilege can be suspended until proof of attendance in school for 30 consecutive days has been provided. If convicted of possession of tobacco, minors lose their license for a minimum of 30 days. If convicted for possession of tobacco or nicotine products under the age of 18, the minor's license will be suspended for 30 days or more. There are driving curfews for minors with learner's and driver licenses: Learner's license Hours: Daylight hours for first three months after license issued; until 10 p.m. after three months Special requirements: Always accompanied by a licensed driver 21+; Must hold for a minimum of 12 months or until 18th birthday, whichever comes first; Required 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night. Driver's license, age 16 Hours: Driving is only allowed between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Notes: Unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ Driver's license, age 17 Hours: Driving is only allowed between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. Notes: Unless driving to or from work or accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ In 2023, these were the most common citations issued to teen drivers in Florida: Unlawful speed Careless driving operating a motor vehicle without proof of insurance operating a motor vehicle without a driver license learner license violation failure to observe stop sign failure to display driver license failure to obey traffic control device operating a motor vehicle with an obscured, defaced or no tag seat belt violation This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Crashes, fatalities peak during summer for teen drivers. Risk factors
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AAA gives drivers tips on how to stay safe for Memorial Day weekend
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — AAA is reminding drivers to inspect their cars before any travel this holiday weekend. About 39.4 million Americans go on road trips for Memorial Day and last year AAA helped more than 356,000 people with roadside emergencies. Flat tires, dead batteries and being locked out of a car were the most common things AAA was called for. 'As you finalize your travel plans, don't forget to check your vehicle's condition,' said Tiffany Wright, Public Affairs Director for AAA, The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas. 'A simple pre-trip inspection of your tires, battery, brakes, and other essentials can prevent unexpected breakdowns.' AAA suggests that driver check their car's tires, brakes, batteries and fluids before going on their journey. If they experience any car trouble in spite of this they should safely get to the nearest exit and pull over as far as possible while turning on their hazard lights. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Gas prices lower as millions prepare to travel for holiday weekend: AAA
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)— Gas prices have lowered as millions prepare to travel for Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA's holiday travel forecast. A record-breaking 2.6 million Floridians are expected to travel 50 miles or more, with 2.3 million taking a road trip. 'With so many drivers fueling up, gas prices may fluctuate in the coming days,' said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA- The Auto Club Group. 'However, even at their peak, prices should remain well below last year's holiday rates.' Florida lawmakers reverse law to require later school start times Florida Attorney General's team investigates price gouging amid hurricane season On Sunday, average gas prices in Florida were $3.05 per gallon, which is 46 cents less than the state average on Memorial Day in 2024. Florida gas prices shot up 20 cents per gallon last week, going from $2.92 to $3.21. Through this weekend, the state average declined 7 cents per gallon, AAA said. The most expensive gas prices in Florida are in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton for $3.22 and Ocala for $3.13. The average gas price in Hillsborough County is $3.09, and in Pinellas County it is $3.07. For gas prices in Tampa Bay, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.