Fuel Contamination Update: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Provides List of Affected Stations
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has released an update regarding the fuel contamination issue that has affected Southwest Florida drivers. The agency has identified the stations that did not receive the contaminated fuel, as well as those that have been inspected, remediated, and cleared for fuel sales.
According to the FDACS, the following stations did not receive the contaminated fuel: Dan’s Car Wash in Tarpon Springs, 7-Eleven in Holiday, 7-Eleven in Lithia, Quick & Easy Stop in Sarasota, Palmers Easy Stop in Sarasota, and 2K Express 5 in Tampa.
On the other hand, eight stations have been inspected, remediated, and cleared by FDACS for fuel sales. These stations include multiple 7-Eleven locations in North Cape Coral, Cape Coral, Zephyrhills, and Burnt Store Road, Handy Foods Store #87 in Lehigh Acres, Faulkenburg CITGO in Tampa, and PJI LLC in Dunnellon (only diesel fuel was contaminated).
However, 17 stations remain under a stop-sale order pending laboratory confirmation. These stations include multiple 7-Eleven locations in Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers, Lakeland, Brooksville, Lehigh Acres, Plant City, and Daytona Beach, as well as BJ’s Wholesale locations in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Lady Lakes, Handy Foods Store #86 in Alva, Superday CITGO in Port Charlotte, Bolton One LLC in Hudson, JHW #310 – DBA Avenue CITGO in Dunellon, AL Prime – Daytona Beach in Daytona Beach, Choice Food & Gas in Umatilla, Perfection Station 5 in Tampa, and Rogers Petroleum in Arcadia.
The fuel contamination issue was initially warned by the FDACS on Sunday, stating that human error led to potentially widespread fuel contamination. The incident occurred at the Port of Tampa but had a significant impact, including in Southwest Florida.
Experts have warned that contaminated gasoline and diesel have the potential to cause engine damage or render vehicles inoperable. Drivers who purchased gas from the affected stations after 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, are urged to report it to the FDACS. Complaints can be filed by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA or visiting the FDACS website at www.fdacs.gov.
The FDACS continues to investigate the situation and assures consumers that steps are being taken to address the issue and prevent further contamination. It is crucial for drivers to stay informed and report any potential fuel contamination cases to ensure the safety of their vehicles.