Sydney Nauman
•9/9/2026
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — Gas prices are climbing, and drivers are feeling it every time they pull up to the pump.
Prices surged overnight by roughly 20 cents, with some Fort Myers stations hitting more than $4 a gallon on Wednesday morning.
James Cannon, a Punta Gorda resident, said the jump was hard to ignore.
"Cost me almost 80 dollars to fill my Honda," Cannon said.
Paul Maguire said the rising prices are changing the way his family approaches filling up.
"It just seems to be climbing and climbing," Maguire said.
Maguire said he now turns to gas company apps to find deals before heading to the pump, but he admits the savings only go so far.
"They're not really enough to make a big big dent. You know 5 cents off a gallon is not really enough when you're creeping over four dollars a gallon," Maguire said.
Cannon said he tries to shop at wholesale clubs when he can to take advantage of their gas discounts, but the financial pressure goes beyond just fuel.
"It's very stressing having to constantly thinking about it on top of paying for kids, high priced groceries that are already just insane, so somebodys gotta do something to fix it," Cannon said.
Once the tank is full, Maguire said every trip counts.
"Consolidating your trips, making sure when you go out you hit a couple places to get the most bang for your gallon," Maguire said.
Still, Cannon said most drivers simply do not have the option to stop filling up.
"They kinda got us at the point of a gun here really because you don't really have much of a choice, you've gotta fill your car up you've gotta get to work so what are you gonna do?" Cannon said.
For now, drivers say they will keep hunting for discounts and stretching every gallon as far as it will go, but they’re hoping relief will hit soon.
