You Pumped What? The Great Florida Gas Fiasco of 2023
Remember that time in Florida when your car suddenly sounded like a grumpy old man after a trip to the gas station? Yeah, that wasn't just your imagination (or the questionable taste in music at the pump). Back in August of 2023, a little bit of human error led to a whole lot of contaminated fuel causing mayhem in the Sunshine State.
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| What Gas Stations Were Contaminated In Florida |
Diesel Does Dallas (or Tampa, to be precise)
Apparently, someone wasn't paying close enough attention at the Port of Tampa, and diesel fuel ended up getting mixed in with the regular gasoline. This wasn't exactly a recipe for a happy engine. Cars were sputtering, coughing, and running rougher than a politician during election season.
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
Fill 'Er Up With Nope: Who Got Hit the Hardest?
The contamination mainly affected stations supplied by CITGO in the Tampa Bay area. Counties like Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco were ground zero for this funky fuel fiasco. If you filled your tank after 10:00 am on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 at a CITGO or any of their affiliated stations (BJ's, 7-Eleven, and some independent spots), then you might have gotten a dose of that diesel delight.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
But hey, not all sunshine and spills! Thankfully, some stations were cleared after inspections. These bastions of pure, unadulterated gasoline were:
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
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- Dan's Car Wash (because who needs a clean car with a messed up engine, right?)
- A select few 7-Elevens (apparently, Slurpees weren't the only thing these stores were serving up that summer)
- Quick & Easy Stop and Palmers Easy Stop (because sometimes, easy is exactly what you need after a gas station snafu)
So You Think You Got Bad Gas? Don't Panic (Too Much)
If you suspect you were a victim of the contaminated fuel fiasco, here's the short and sweet:
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
- Don't keep driving! Park it and call a tow truck if necessary. A grumpy car is better than a broken one.
- Contact the gas station. They should be able to help you out with getting the bad gas drained and reimbursing you for any repairs.
- Keep your receipts! Paperwork is your friend when it comes to getting your money back.
How to Avoid This Happening Again? Great question! Here are some quick tips:
- Stick with trusted gas stations.
- Keep an eye on the news. If there are any reports of contamination, you'll be in the know.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions! If something seems off, ask the gas station attendant before you fill up.
Hopefully, this little trip down memory lane (or should we say, gas lane?) has been informative and entertaining. Remember, even in Florida, a little caution can go a long way in avoiding a fuelish faux pas.
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