Memorial Day travel hit by soaring gas and marine fuel prices in Florida
Fuel costs in South Florida have surged ahead of Memorial Day weekend, hitting drivers and boaters alike. Petrol prices at the pump now average around $4.50 per gallon, while marine fuel has climbed to roughly $7 per gallon. The latest figures show Florida’s average petrol price leapt from $4.21 to $4.43 per gallon in just one day. Drivers are hunting for deals, with Mega Saver in Fort Lauderdale offering fuel at $4.14 per gallon—but only with a free membership. Jeffrey Pierce called it the cheapest option in town.
For those filling up larger vehicles, costs are adding up fast. An 18-gallon SUV now requires $84 for a full tank of unleaded. Sharon Sewell, who relies on her car for medical trips, faces no alternative but to pay the higher rates. Boat owners are feeling an even sharper pinch. Ron Hanauer’s 34-foot vessel now costs $1,000 to fill the tanks. Meanwhile, Nilisha Williams has budgeted $15,000 to rent a yacht for her bridesmaid group. Despite the rising expenses, travel plans remain unchanged for many. Nearly 2.3 million Floridians will hit the road for Memorial Day, with another 236,000 flying and 75,000 using buses, trains, or cruise ships.
The spike in fuel prices is pushing up costs for both everyday drivers and holidaymakers. With petrol and marine fuel at multi-year highs, residents and visitors must adjust budgets as they prepare for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
