ORLANDO, Fla. — Those gas stations near the Orlando International Airport that charge almost $6 a gallon for gas still refuse to post their prices on signs. Now, they have racked up $14,000 in fines from the city. But the city will have to wait for now because this whole issue is tied up in court.
Matt Seidl pumped just a gallon of gasoline from Suncoast Energy when he realized how much he was paying.
"No way, I was just robbed," said Seidl. "Its $5.79 for a gallon of regular across the street at Sun Gas, the price is the same."
Seidl was blindsided as are many customers who use these gas stations along Semoran Boulevard in Orlando.
"The stores don't post the prices on signs along the road," said Seidl.
On May 12 a city ordinance went into effect that requires them to do so, but neither has.
City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, "We're not telling them what to charge. We just want people to be informed about what the price is when they go in to pump gas."
Since these gas stations haven't complied with the ordinance, each has been fined $250 a day by code enforcement.
WFTV confronted Bob Barnes, the manager at Suncoast, and asked how do they plan to pay for it?
"I'm not sure," said Barnes.
Right now the issue is tied up in court after a judge issued a stay of enforcement. That means the city can't collect the fines just yet. A hearing is scheduled for June 30. Until then Barnes plans to keep the prices as they are.
"I think it's just business," said Barnes.
Drivers like Matt Seidl do not agree.
"They're just doing business? Yeah that's a shady way of doing business," said Seidl.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer told WFTV both business owners have submitted paperwork to get signs for the road. But he said they're taking longer than usual and they're stringing along the process.
WFTV
