The State of Florida has activated its price-gouging hotline in anticipation of Tropical Storm Fay. "Price gouging statute violators could be fined $1,000 per violation, up to $25,000 for multiple violations in one day."

Florida gas stations are starting to run out of gas in anticipation of Tropical Storm Fay:

Gas stations around Southwest Florida seem to be well-supplied this afternoon as residents prepared for tropical storm Fay.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection surveyed 79 gasoline facilities in Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties. Only four reported being out of fuel.

Charlotte County seems to be the most fuel-strapped. It had 11 stations that reported being "low on fuel" and two that were out.

In Lee County, 24 stations reported having "plenty of fuel," one was out and none of them reported being low. In Collier, 25 stations reported plenty, four were low and one was out.

Goza said two of the 7-Elevens in Cape Coral had run out of gas Sunday, but were now fully stocked.

At the Murphy USA station across Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers, business was livelier. Cars and trucks lined up two to three deep at each pump. Diesel fuel was out, but all other tanks seemed fine.

It is almost as if the two stories are related in some way...

Anyone who witnesses the law of supply and demand being honored, I mean "suspects price gouging is asked to call 866-NO-SCAM."