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Drivers making tough choices as gas prices hit records highs in Florida

Palm Beach County gas prices averaging $4.32 a gallon
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The average price for a gallon of gas in the U.S. hit a new record high Wednesday, jumping 8 cents from the day before to $4.25, according to the latest numbers from the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Florida's gas prices also hit another record high Wednesday with the state's average now at $4.21 per gallon.

The news comes a day after President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. is banning the import of all Russian oil.

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South Florida drivers will find it nearly impossible to fill up their tank without paying more than $4 a gallon.

Prices have soared to an average of $4.32 in Palm Beach County, which is the second-highest in the state.

Only Monroe County in the Florida Keys has a higher average gas price than Palm Beach County coming in at $4.35 a gallon.

Matthew Reid, driver
Matthew Reid says he is cutting back on some things in order to afford filling up his gas tank.

"I have to budget for it now, got to work gas into the equation," said Matthew Reid outside a gas station on Okeechobee Boulevard near West Palm Beach. "It takes $60 to fill this up now."

He said it's causing him to make some tough choices.

"Cutting out on groceries, going to see the movies to see Batman, cutting out on all those kind of things I like to do," Reid said.

Others said they started cutting back on things weeks ago when gas first started going up.

April Maria, driver
April Maria explains how high gas prices are impacting her family.

"I'm a single mom and a schoolteacher, so I'm already on a tight budget," said driver April Maria. "There are no luxuries left."

Others said they are trying to cook at home more often.

"It means going out to dinner less, stuff like that, buying less stuff you might buy for yourself," said driver Mark Ridler, who recently retired. "I don't mind eating at home my wife is a good cook, she'll be happy I said that."