JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida gas prices are down another 15 cents from last week. The state average is now on a 5-week streak of declines, falling a total of 62 cents per gallon.
This time last year, the price was $3 a gallon.
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Folks behind the wheel are keeping their eyes peeled for the best deal now that gas prices are trending downward.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the national average is $4.52 a gallon for regular. In Florida, the average is $4.26 while in Jacksonville, it’s lower at $4.22 a gallon for regular.
Still, some drivers have scoped out deals even better than that.
The prices at the Wawa on Beach Boulevard made drivers stop in their tracks. Regular gas is going for $3.99 a gallon.
A couple of them spoke to Action News Jax about their detour to the busy gas station.
“I passed Sam’s and it was $4.02 and that’s where I was gonna go but I decided no,” said driver Zharmille Johnson.
“I’m gonna be honest, I actually stopped somewhere else and got gas,” admitted another driver, Preather Preuitt. “And then I was like, I gotta stop there because I can fill up a tank with that.”
“$3.99 is a blessing!” he emphasized.
“A big relief especially when we’ve been putting gas for like $4.70, $4.80, so yeah it’s really good to see a 3,” Johnson added.
That made about a $20 difference in filling up both their tanks, which they can now budget for other necessities.
“That could be pull-ups for my 3-year-old,” Johnson pointed out.
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“Groceries, medicines, I got kids, a wife and kids so every penny counts,” Preuitt explained.
AAA says it’s important to remember the market remains relatively unpredictable, with the weather playing a major role.
“Drivers are likely relieved to get a break from record-high prices, and prices could get even cheaper this week,” AAA Spokesperson Mark Jenkins said in a press release. “However, it’s important to remember that the market remains extremely volatile, and prices have the potential to bounce back. That particularly applies to hurricane season. If a major storm makes landfall along the gulf coast, impacting operations at refineries in Texas, Louisiana, or Mississippi, prices could spike, due to concerns about fuel supplies.”
But still, Preuitt and Johnson remain hopeful.
“I’m optimistic,” Preuitt said with certainty.
“I’m taking it day by day,” Johnson pointed out. “If not moment by moment.”
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