Record FL Gas Prices Expected For Memorial Day Travel

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — High gas prices aren't stopping Floridians from traveling on Memorial Day weekend.

Residents paid an average of $4.58 per gallon at the pumps on Friday morning as they got ready to hit the road for their holiday trips, according to AAA Gas Prices.

As of Thursday, the highest recorded state price was $4.58. Residents shouldn't expect a lower price on Monday either.

"...Gas prices on Memorial Day are still forecast to be the holiday's most expensive yet," said Mark Jenkins, AAA spokesman. "A combination of tightening global supplies and strengthening demand are the main culprits behind this unprecedented pain at the pump. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a quick end in sight. Gas prices are likely to continue fluctuating throughout the summer and remain well above year-ago levels."

A year ago, prices were $2.87 per gallon in Florida, AAA said.

AAA expects 2 million Floridians to travel away from home this holiday weekend. Ninety percent of travelers will be driving to their destination.

The last Memorial Day gas price record was in 2008 at $3.93 for the state, AAA said.

Before you head back home on Monday, you can check right here how much it will cost to fill up your tank.

And for motorists who may be drinking this weekend, AAA will have its "tow to go" service available for non-members and AAA members who aren't capable of driving from drinking over their limits. The service kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday and runs until 6 a.m. Tuesday.

AAA said they want people to use the service as their last resort. Other options include calling a friend or hailing a rideshare service.

Tow To Go Guidelines

• Free and available to AAA members and non-members.

• Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.
• AAA service vehicles are limiting passengers to one (1) per vehicle, in accordance with established COVID-19 safety protocols. Additional passengers need to make other arrangements.
• Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use tow to go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating.
• In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home.
• Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.

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