Hit the road, Jack(sonville) — it is the first holiday weekend where COVID-19 isn't as big a concern as it used to be.
And according to theAmerican Automobile Association, that means lots more of us will be driving to enjoy the holiday festivities somewhere farther away than many have gone in over a year.
AAA said 2.05million Floridians will travelthis weekend,a 62 percent increase from last year's 1.27 million, which was far below 2019's 2.3 million. Of those, 130,132 will fly, a jump over last year's 21,208 due to COVID-19 fears, plusairport and airplane travel restrictions.
Nationwide, roughly 37million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more between now and Monday, a 60 percentincrease from last year when only 23 million traveled. That was the lowest on record since AAA began recording in 2000.
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“A year’s worth of pent-up demand is being unleashed this summer, as Americans anticipate the kickoff to the season,” AAA Auto Group travel VP Debbie Haas said. “Travel bookings with AAA – The Auto Club Group have surged recently, setting the stage for what should be a busy holiday weekend and an exciting summer.”
FYI — Las Vegas is the No. 1destination this weekend, followed by Orlando, AAA says.
As for the fuel to get Florida travelers to their destinations, stategas pricesare declining.
AAA says the average price of gas nationwide was $3.05 per gallon, while Floridians were looking at $2.87. That's 2cents less than a week previousand 4 less than the highest price so far this year.
"Unless pump prices suddenly rise this week, holiday travelerswill find gas prices that are slightly below what they paid on Memorial Day 2018," AAA Auto Club spokesman Mark Jenkins said. "While expectations of strong holiday fuel demand can carry the potential for causing higher pump prices, wholesale gasoline prices dropped 5cents last week. That means gas prices could drift lower as the weekend approaches, but things can change quicklyin the fuel market."
The most expensivemetro market was $3.05 per gallon in Panama City, while Jacksonville was the second-lowest at $2.82.Daily gas price averages are atGasprices.aaa.com.
Then there is the reader question about what he labels the "forgotten mile"— a decade-old Florida Department of Transportationproject that was supposed to do a lot of work onSouthside Boulevard between an Interstate 95 off-ramp and Philips Highway. But the reader saysthe project saw onlyrepaving and some curb work, and for whatever reasonit has not held up.
"Today, vehicles must navigate thegravel ruts in the highway, risking tire damage, alignment problems and thrown gravel, etc.," the reader writes. "... Can you advise the scope and status of FDOT plans for our 'Forgotten Mile?'"
FDOT spokesman Hampton Ray saidthat the departmenthas an obligation to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and its materials office ensures products used for state roadways provide the "best value to taxpayers."
"The materials are tested, and the methods used to apply the materials are evaluated by engineers," Ray said. "Once a state roadway or other facility is constructed, FDOT’s maintenance department works to extend the life of infrastructure and maximize the investment of taxpayer dollars. While maintenance is critical, FDOT plans resurfacing projects to support the roadways and provide a comfortable ride for motorists."
Ray said Southside Boulevardbetween Philips Highway andButler Boulevard is slated for resurfacing in 2023, with interchange improvements at Deerwood Park and other safety work. It isall set for early 2025 completion. As for the mile of road the reader refers to, Ray said theFDOT’s maintenance contractors routinely sweep and repair potholes as they develop, and his concerns have been sharedwith the maintenance office.
Finally, as you head out for the holiday weekend, remember that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, FDOT and local law enforcement are taking part in the statewide Click It or Ticket Occupant Safety Enforcement Campaign from now to June 6. This campaign, started in 2003 by NHTSA, emphasized occupant safety.
"This campaign is not about tickets, it’s about saving lives," Jacksonville Beach Police Sgt. TonyaTator said.
The programheightens awareness of the benefits of wearing seat belts, with officers expected to be out enforcingseat belt violations, which is aprimary offense. State law requires all driversand passengers younger than 18 tofasten their safety belts. Drivers and passengers 18 or older can be cited if they, or any passenger under the age of 18, are not properly strapped in, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Any questions about road construction or traffic, send them to dscanlan@jacksonville.com.
Dan Scanlan: (904) 359-4549
