Thanks to the vehicles we drive, and the cost of gas, we’re using less fuel. Maybe even saving some bucks by cutting back on the road trips as well. As good a thing as that is for us, the State Transportation Board is feeling the pinch. The taxes we pay at the pump when we fuel up go to fund projects like highway improvements, and will less money coming in, the state is starting to think about other ways to help make money. Here’s just one of those; when we renew our tags, we also report our odometer readings and so those who drive more pay more. Don’t worry for now, any changes are years away.

   Speaking of speed…the Honda Grand Prix promoters would like something from the city of St Pete – a three year extension on the current contract. That current contract will expire in 2014, so the extension would take the event into 2017. City officials seem to like the idea, but some downtown businesses who say they actually lose revenue during the event aren’t as excited; they’d like to talk about making some changes, like the length of time the fences are up, limiting access to destinations like the Dali Museum and the Mahaffey Theater

Are you going to think twice about the kind of car your drive, and do you understand why local businesses want to support the Grand Prix, but not lose daily income? Have an opinion? Share it with us at ann.kelly@coxinc.com.