Florida Average Gas Prices Below National Average

Yes, gas prices are high, but Florida average gas prices are below the national average. The prices are much lower than they were this time last year. Prices were around 40 cents higher in April of 2022. As of April 18th, AAA says the price for a gallon of gas in Florida is $3.62. The national average is $3.68.

Right here in the Tampa Bay area the average is $3.63 a gallon. How about this, the average price of diesel in Florida has dropped almost a dollar since this time last year. It was $5.03 in April 2022 and is now $4.09.

So, the Florida average gas prices are below the national average and hopefully the prices will continue to go down.

[SOURCE: ABC Action News]

So, what are the most targeted vehicles for car theft in Florida? Well, there is one item on these cars that is being stolen and thieves want their hands on it. The catalytic converter is being targeted now more than ever. It contains precious metals and those metals are getting more expensive. The report come from CARFAX, who put together a list of the top vehicles for car theft in Florida.

So, what is a catalytic converter? CARFAX says, "Catalytic converters are a key component of a car’s emissions control system, reducing the amount of pollution coming out of the tailpipe. They transform hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides – the bad stuff – into oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide." Inside the catalytic converter there are precious metals like: palladium, rhodium, and platinum.

Catalytic converters have been on cars since 1975. Electric cars don't have them because they don't have an exhaust system. It also doesn't take long to remove it. A small saw can remove it in less than 60 seconds.

How to prevent thieves from stealing it? Experts say to buy a catalytic converter anti-theft device. It is a metal plate that shops can add on to your car. You can also get your VIN number engraved on the converter. That makes it much tougher for the thief to sell it.

Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a bill making it a third-degree felony for a person to knowingly possess, purchase, sell or install a stolen catalytic converter.

From new info from the HSCO in a Feb 2024 email...The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced in 2023 that they will make permanent their auto theft and retail theft task forces. They were initially established to address the rising concerns about auto theft and retail theft in Hillsborough County. Both of those squads met or exceeded their expectations so they decided to become permanent.

"With their newly permanent status, the Auto Theft Squad and Retail Theft Squad will continue to build on their incredible accomplishments, further strengthening their impact on crime prevention and law enforcement efforts in our county," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "As Sheriff, I look forward to the continued success of these squads as they play a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and well-being of our Hillsborough County residents."

[SOURCE: ABC Action News]

The F-150 is the most popular vehicle in history. It also comes in #1 on the list.

It is America's second most sold mid-size sedan in terms of popularity. It is only behind the Toyota Camry.

The Prius is a hybrid and thieves are targeting those vehicles more. They contain more of the precious metals.

The crossover has been produced by Honda since 1995.

The Explorer was introduced in 1991, but they can thank Jurassic Park for taking it to the next level. It was the vehicle featured on the tour they go on in the movie.

Chevy announced an EV of the Equinox, but the gas powered version is on this list.

The signature truck for Chevy. Thieves like this truck also.

First released in 1995. It has been named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year before.