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Florida gas prices decline as Floridians prepare for a Independence Day road trip
Florida gas prices are declining as 2 45 million Floridians prepare to take a road trip for the Independence Day holiday weekend.
On Monday, Florida gas prices averaged $3 35 per gallon That is 6 cents less than the week before and the lowest daily average price in two weeks
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“Florida gas prices have fallen about 12 cents per gallon throughout the past two weeks,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group “Low oil prices have enabled gas prices to remain well below yearago levels However, strong demand has created some volatility throughout the past month Even if gas prices bounce higher again soon, Independence Day road trippers will pay much less at the pump than they did last year ”
Florida gas prices averaged $4 54 per gallon on July 4, 2022 That amounts to $18 more for a full tank compared to what drivers are paying now
Notable historic gas price averages for Independence Day in Florida:
2022 – $4 54 (record high)
• 2021 – $3 01
• 2020 – $2 11 (Lowest since 2004)
• 2019 – $2 68
• 2014 – $3 60
Regional Prices
• Most expensive metro markets – West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($3 41), Naples ($3 45), Fort Lauderdale
Several people arrested for illegal street racing
($3 39)
• Least expensive metro markets –Crestview-Fort Walton Beach ($3 26), Pensacola ($3 29), Sebastian-Vero Beach ($3 30)
Ways to Save on Gasoline
Combine errands to limit driving time
• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community
• Pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card
• Remove excess weight in your vehicle Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent
• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduce fuel economy
The Miami-Dade Police Department and Homeland Security Bureau agents conducted an operation to combat illegal street takeovers This resulted in 11 arrests, including one 17-year-old Reports over the weekend are that various enforcement agencies collaborated to tackle unlawful street racing and were able to confiscate two firearms, impound four vehicles, and issue 17 citations in addition to the ten arrests
According to the arrest record, police were able to identify and capture Calix Green, Male, 39, after he fled at a high rate of speed from an officer during a traffic stop
According to a state law enacted in 2022, it is illegal to participate in street racing That includes takeovers, drag racing, donuts, burnouts, wheelies, drifting and other related activities that can create unsafe roadways
Food safety tips for 4th of July celebration
Whether you ’ re a grill master or a firsttime barbecue cook, food safety should always be part of your routine to ensure a healthy and happy 4th of July
“Recent USDA consumer behavior studies have shown that individuals don’t always properly wash their hands or use a food thermometer,” said United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr Emilio Esteban
“Show your family and friends that you ’ re a true grill master by cooking food to a safe temperature and washing your hands after handling raw meat and poultry,” Esteban added
Ensure your food is safe to eat this Fourth of July by following these food safety steps:
Clean: Scrub the grill clean before use. Clean utensils and plates before they touch food No access to a faucet? Carry bottled water, soap, and paper towels. Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat and poultry. Follow proper handwashing steps to stop bacteria from spreading from your hands to your meal. Make sure to wet your hands, lather with soap, scrub for 20 seconds, rinse, and dry
Separate: Avoid cross-contamination
Separate raw meat and vegetables by using different cutting boards. Place raw meat or poultry on one plate and cooked meat and poultry on another. Don’t use the same utensils to place raw meat and poultry on the grill and take cooked food off
Cook: Use food thermometers to ensure your grilled food is ready. Insert the thermometer through the side of the patty until the probe reaches the center. Color is never a reliable indicator of doneness. Cook food to a safe minimum internal temperature by using a food thermometer:
Cook whole cuts of meat to 145 F with a three-minute rest time
Cook fish to 145 F
Cook ground meats to 160 F
Cook poultry (ground or whole) to 165 F Although frozen products may appear to be pre-cooked or browned, treat them as raw food and cook them thoroughly. Products labeled as “Cook and Serve,” “Ready to Cook” and “Oven Ready” must be cooked
Chill: Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40 F and 140 F — also known as the Danger Zone Perishable food should be consumed or refrigerated within two hours (one hour if outdoor temperatures are 90 F and above) With these safety guidelines, you can enjoy your delicious and healthy meals with your family and friends
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