Gas prices push some Fort Myers locals to skip Memorial Day travel

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Gas prices are impacting Memorial Day weekend travel plans for some people in Southwest Florida.

WINK News visited a gas station off Daniels Parkway in Fort Myers to see how drivers are responding to current fuel costs. AAA says around 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles for Memorial Day weekend.

"We still are going to come down regardless," Brett Munhall said.

Some travelers say the gas prices aren't stopping their plans, while others who live locally say they're staying home.

"I used to go out and travel, but now you can't even do that no more," said Cassandra Williams, who lives in Immokalee. "So this Memorial weekend, I'm staying home, and I'm relaxing."

AAA says 87% of travelers are driving to their destination this weekend. The national average for gas prices currently sits at around $4.50, while in Lee County, the average is around $4.35.

Jim Brant lives in Fort Myers and says these prices have kept him from going to see his son in St Petersburg.

"The gas prices are kind of going up and down and up and down, it's really tough for people to make ends meet right now, having to make some tough choices and prioritize their finances, and I think we're all affected by that," Brant said.

Kim Hornbeck says the gas prices haven't stopped her from her extensive travel plans.

"We started out in Melbourne, Palm Bay," Hornbeck said. "We headed over to Bradenton to see my son, and from there we went to Lauderdale and circled all the way back up to Palm Bay."

She plans to make it work despite the costs.

"We're just gonna make it work and suck it up this time," Hornbeck said.

If you’re headed home on Monday, AAA says the best time to hit the road is before 10 a.m. to avoid congestion.