PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. – Nine out of 12 gas terminals are now fully operating at Port Everglades after recovering from last week’s severe flooding, a spokeswoman for the port confirmed Wednesday.
According to public information officer Joy Oglesby, “all indicators are pointing to more fuel getting to gas stations in southern Florida faster.”
Oglesby said in a news release that gasoline from ports in Tampa and Port Canaveral are also being delivered directly to gas stations in South Florida.
“Fuel ships continue to bring petroleum products to Port Everglades,” she said. “There is no shortage of gas, diesel, jet fuel or other petroleum products. And, the delays in delivery are expected to continue to decrease.”
Despite the promising news, gas stations across South Florida were still seeing long lines Wednesday.
“It’s been crazy -- never seen anything like it,” one driver named Cheryl told Local 10 News at a Mobil gas station off U.S. 1 and Le Jeune Road.
That gas station only had regular or diesel Wednesday morning after a tanker came in with 9,000 gallons of fresh fuel shortly before 5 a.m.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava held a news conference Wednesday morning outside a Shell gas station at 2775 SW 28th Terrace, reassuring residents that gas is being distributed around the clock and urging people not to panic buy.
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“With the improved weather, distribution will also continue to improve and we anticipate no additional gas shortages,” she said. “While this is good news, we ask that you please only purchase gas when you absolutely need it.”
The mayor said if people stop overstocking up on gas, fueling stations can get back to normal quickly.
For reference, she explained that the Shell gas station she was speaking at received 5,000 gallons of gasoline Tuesday afternoon and ran out by 7 p.m.
The gas station typically pumps 3,000 gallons of gas in an entire day.
Florida Highway Patrol officials say troopers are working day and night, escorting tankers to gas stations. Levine Cava said Miami-Dade police are also assisting with that since some tankers are having trouble pulling into the gas stations due to the long lines.
Oglesby also urged drivers to be judicious about their gas purchases and usage until the privately-run petroleum companies at the port are fully operational.
“Buy the gas that you need to take care of the essentials,” she said. “Consider your neighbor, coworker or friend who may be in need.”
The logistical nightmare may be prompting changes.
Broward Mayor Lamar Fisher said the county is seeking to mandate that any new privately-owned pumps installed at Port Everglades be raised to withstand higher water.
“We are going to be changing our ordinance to make sure any future terminals that are on board, they have to elevate their pumps,” he said.
Fisher suspects private companies existing terminals will get on board as well, because the jet fuel company at the newest terminal, built to the latest code requiring elevation, did just fine.
“it is a relisency issue that all of us are going through,” he said.