Gas prices dip a bit in Bradenton, Sarasota. (Warning: Take caution driving during eclipse)

Good news to start the week: Retail gas prices in the Bradenton-Sarasota area are averaging $2.18 a gallon, down 3.5 cents from a week ago.

According to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 308 area gas outlets, that’s still 12.9 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and 2.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

And officials warned motorist to be cautious during the eclipse on Monday.

“AAA discourages motorists from watching the solar eclipse while driving,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA - The Auto Club. “Motorists should realize other drivers may be attempting to watch the eclipse and drive at the same time. To help prevent trouble, reduce your speed and keep additional space between you and other vehicles. The better option is to find a safe place to park, and then observe the eclipse.”

Nationally, the average price has fallen 2.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.32 a gallon. That’s still up 3.7 cents per gallon from a month ago, and 15.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.

“While the sun may be fading away briefly today, the sun is certainly not setting on the impressive demand for gasoline we’ve seen thus far this summer,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy. “There has been nearly insatiable demand for gasoline ahead of today’s eclipse. So much so that some motorists in rural eclipse viewing areas may find filling their tanks more challenging as stations struggle to keep fuel in their underground tanks.

Statewide, prices are averaging $2.24 a gallon.

“The good news is that the bulk of the motoring public is seeing gas prices drift lower as oil prices have slipped,” DeHaan said. “That trend may continue in the week ahead as oil prices have remained under pressure as the season’s close comes into view along with lower gasoline demand and cheaper winter gasoline.”

The most expensive gas price averages in Florida are in West Palm Beach-Boca Raton ($2.35), Tallahassee ($2.30) and Gainesville ($2.30)

The least expensive gas price averages in Florida are in Tampa ($2.17), Orlando ($2.17), and Fort Myers-Cape Coral ($2.21), according to AAA.

This story was originally published August 21, 2017 at 9:49 AM with the headline "Gas prices dip a bit in Bradenton, Sarasota. (Warning: Take caution driving during eclipse)."