AAA: Highest 4th Of July Gas Prices In Florida Since 2014

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Daytona Beach, FL - The busiest Independence Day ever for travelers also sees the highest gas prices for that federal holiday in the past four years.

AAA is reporting that the average gas price in the Daytona Beach metro area is $2.70 for regular unleaded, only half a cent under what it was a week ago. That's because gas prices face upward pressure, according to AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins.

"Gas prices [are inching] higher on renewed concerns of global oil supply shortages," Jenkins added. "Oil prices are back to multi-year highs. So another five to 10 cent increase at the pump would not be out of the question this week, but prices will not rocket high enough to ruin travel plans."

Gas prices in Florida rose two cents during the past week, ending a 34-day decline of 24 cents. The state average of $2.72 and the current Daytona Beach metro average are both 56 cents more than this time last year.

At the county level, Volusia's current gas average is $2.70, while Flagler is at $2.73.

The last time Florida gas prices were this high on the 4th of July was in 2014, when the average was $3.60 for a gallon of regular unleaded.

AAA predicts nearly 47 million Americans will travel for the 4th of July, with 39.7 million of them driving. That's the most since AAA started tracking that stat 18 years ago.

If the current trend is any indication, those drivers will have to keep a sharp eye out for those who are impaired.

According to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, 188 people were killed in a DUI crash over the 2016 Independence Day holiday, a 28% increase from the previous year.