Friday remains a busy travel day for Floridians

PALM BAY, Fla. — AAA reports that 4.5 million Floridians are expected travel more than 50 miles during the long Thanksgiving holiday period.

It’s an all-time high, and 100,000 more than 2023.

Joe Vennaro and Linda Frost from Fort Lauderdale are taking an unconventional ride on their way to see family.

And it’s Frost’s first long-distance trip in it.

“It’s a 1932 Ford Custom,” Vennaro said. “It took me about 3 years to build. It’s not completely finished yet.”

They made a pit stop at the I-95 northbound rest area in Palm Bay.

Their old-school ride is getting them to the Daytona Turkey Rod Run at the Daytona International Speedway this weekend, where Vennaro can showcase his classic car.

Then it’s on to see his mom, who lives in town.

“Spend the weekend with the family, hang out at the track, be back Sunday night,” he said of his plans.

They are among the record-setting number of Floridians expected to hit the road for the long holiday weekend.

AAA expanded the number of days this year, now Tuesday to Monday, to better gauge the flow of travelers. The group said the increase is boosting consumer spending by nearly 5%.

Gas prices are comparable to last Thanksgiving when the state average was $3.03 a gallon.

With all the congestion, AAA recommends that travelers pack their patience on the way to and from grandma’s.

“Be aware, be patient when you are on the road, but leave early, because when you are in a hurry, you are more likely to take those unnecessary risks that could lead to a crash,” said AAA public relations manager Mark Jenkins.

Peak travel for Floridians as they return home is 1-7 p.m. Sunday, so residents are urged to plan accordingly.