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Published on Sunday, June 27, 2004
in the Winter Haven News-Chief
WINTER HAVEN - The lure of cookouts and fireworks is expected to override fears of high gas prices this Independence Day as Floridians make travel plans.
According to AAA Auto Club South, 2.3 million Florida residents are expected to travel during the July 4 weekend. Nationwide, an estimated 39.4 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles from home, up 3.4 percent from the 38.2 million who traveled last year.
"The Independence Day weekend is traditionally the heaviest travel period of the summer," said Kevin Bakewell, senior vice president of AAA Auto Club South. "We could be seeing potentially record travel this holiday weekend."
According to AAA, the average U.S. family can expect to spend about $77 on gasoline during its longest driving vacation this summer. That is about $18 more than a year ago, when gas prices were roughly 44 cents per gallon lower than today's $1.925 national average for self-serve unleaded.
In Florida, 1.9 million residents are expected to travel via automobile, while 180,000 will take airplanes to their destinations.
"Summer trips will range from weekend getaways and nearby family reunions to far-flung exotic trips and extended road excursions," Bakewell said.
The greatest overall number of Independence Day travelers will originate in the Southeast with 8.7 million, followed by 8.5 million from the West and 6.7 million from the Midwest, AAA reports.
Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Larry Coggins said FHP will be heavily patrolling interstates and major roadways over the weekend.
He said motorists should thoroughly check their vehicles before heading out.
"So many times we see trips delayed because of a hose or belt or tire problem, and then people try to make up time by speeding," Coggins said. "It puts them at risk of getting in a crash."
Drivers can report accidents or impaired motorists by dialing * FHP on their cell phones.
"Drive safely, and allow yourself time," Coggins said.