THERE HASN'T BEEN MUCH ATTENTION BROUGHT FORTH YET, BUT...

Have you noticed that the price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline has jumped significantly just within the last month? I don't drive, but even I remember that just after the first of January that at some of the lower price stations one could notice prices just above $2.00 a gallon.

Today, the average price for a gallon of unleaded in the Tampa Bay area is $2.51 a gallon, an increase of 36 cents in the past month. The Tampa Tribune story today notes that while prices are expected to continue on their upware spiral for awhile due to higher oil prices, increased demand for heating oil, and refinery disruptions, they should not reach the record levels of last year.

More people should consider mass transit to get to where they're going. Here in Lakeland, the Citrus Connection service gets you to where you're going at a reasonable price (they recently raised rates for the first time in it's 20+ year history), and they have some good pass offers for frequent riders...including one I take advantage of where my employer pays half the cost for an unlimited pass! Twelve dollars a month as much as I ride is really good. Now if they can only consider expanding their service hours, especially on Saturday...