The pinch at the pump
SUN PHOTO BY DREW WINCHESTER
Eddie Apple gets ready to make a delivery for Hungry Howie's Pizza in North Port Friday. Apple said the rising gas prices often send him home having spent more than he made during a shift.
SUN PHOTO BY ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER, annek@sun-herald.com
The RaceTrac gas station sign at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Cranberry Boulevard in North Port, near the Charlotte County line, advertises gas prices Saturday morning. Gas experts are predicting the cost per gallon could continue to rise.
Eddie Apple has put 30,000 miles on his car during the nine months he’s delivered pizzas for Hungry Howie’s in North Port. He makes $6.50 an hour, gets an additional dollar for each delivery, and relies on the tips given by those kind enough to do so.
His delivery area stretches from River Road to Chamberlain Boulevard, and if someone decides to stiff him after he drops off their pizzas and wings, he’s basically covering the delivery costs out of his own pocket.
