Don't get burned buying a used car

Submitted by Ken Amaro, Ken Amaro, Community Reporter

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013, 9:48pm

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- Buying a used car can save you money, but it can also cost you money. Last October, Stoonie Powell bought a used car. He paid $4,000.

"It was a very good car," said Powell. "That's basically what I was told, it was a good car."

It is a 2004 Chevrolet Impala. It looked like a cream puff on the outside, but under the hood it was a lemon.

"Everything started happening," said Powell. "Quite a few things started happening."

Powell, 91, said this is not his first time buying a vehicle, but this time it cost him.

"I did not go and have it examined. That's where I made my mistake," said Powell.

Less than 30 days after owning the vehicle, Powell's employer paid to replace all four tires.

Then they took it to Dennis Cascante for an inspection and he told him to take it back to the used car dealer.

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Suspect sought in vehicle burglary

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Friday, February 1st, 2013, 8:04pm

JULINGTON CREEK, Fla. -- Deputies with the St. Johns Sheriff's Office are seeking the public's help identifying a woman allegedly connected with a car burglary.

According to a release from the St. Johns Sheriff's Office, the victim reported her vehicle window was smashed, which allowed the suspect to steal her purse, along with assorted credit and ID cards.

The female suspect allegedly used one of the victim's credit card at an Orange Park Credit Union after the burglary.

Anyone with any information concerning the identity of the female subject is asked to contact Detective Charles "Kip" Brantley at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office at (904) 209-3986. You can also remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477).

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Retail prescription price battle

Submitted by Jeff Marcu, Anchor/Investigative Reporter

Monday, January 21st, 2013, 6:46pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- While medical costs are rising, the price of prescriptions are falling.

Like many people in their 60s, Pat Sena takes her share of prescriptions. "Six," she said.

Years ago, that would have been cost-prohibitive for a lot of people, but now, thanks to the retail battle of the bottle, people are having an easier time following doctor's orders and taking their medicine.

"Anything that helps lower the cost of prescription drugs for everybody is a good thing," Sena explained.

Just drive by a drug store and you will see the message.

"They want to get you in their stores," Dr. Andres Gallo, the head of the Economics and Geography Department at the University of North Florida said.

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USDA predicts food price increase in 2013

Submitted by Jeff Marcu, Anchor/Investigative Reporter

Wednesday, January 9th, 2013, 4:15pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Prices at the grocery store are on the rise. According to the USDA, the average family will be spending more in 2013.

It's a trip Katina Hick dreads. The weekly stop at the grocery store. She said she spent, "$187."

If you haven't yet felt the recent price spikes, you will soon. In its 2013 predictions, the USDA believes every category of food will increase this year. Fresh vegetables will shoot up 4 to 5 percent. Dairy products up 3.5 to 4.5 percent.

Across all categories, the average hikes will be 3 to 4 percent, including food you buy at restaurants. Because of that, Hick said, "I had to put some back actually, I had a basket, I had to go back because I couldn't afford it all."

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A New Year means new laws for Florida drivers

Submitted by FirstCoastNews Web Staff

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013, 7:13pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- It is a new year in the Sunshine State and on Florida's roadways there are some new laws in effect.

To start, say you want to flash your headlights to warn other drivers about nearby police.

"Just to alert," said Kim Rolfe, of Jacksonville. "It's just a courtesy to let other driver's know 'Hey, you're about to pass a cop.'"

Before the new year, that was illegal in Florida.

"I did not know that that was illegal!" Rolfe shouted with a laugh. "I thought I was just doing something nice for my fellow drivers!"

As of January 1, 2013, it's now legal, after the state legislature cleared up the law.

"So, it could be a good law to aide in safety," William Lee, of St. Augustine, said Tuesday morning. "So, I think it's good."

If you're ever in an accident, there's another law you should know about. It's about the personal injury protection (PIP) portion of your Florida policy.

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AAA predicts lower gas prices in 2013

Submitted by Jeff Marcu, Anchor/Investigative Reporter

Tuesday, January 1st, 2013, 6:49pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Average gas prices in 2012 were the highest they've ever been. According to AAA, the average price for gas nationwide was $3.60 per gallon last year. The study blames tensions in the Middle East, hurricanes and refinery outages for those record prices.

Analysts forecast gas prices should drop this year, but people say they are still recovering from paying high prices in 2012.

It's a ritual Paulette Viruet goes through at least once a week. She said it costs her about $45 to fill up her minivan. With four kids, and plenty of places to go, Viruet can't downsize to a small car.

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