FORT MYERS, Fla. - When you go to fill up, you might have noticed the sign by the pump saying they're blending ethanol with your gasoline. The State Energy Act lawmakers passed this spring requires all gasoline sold in Florida be 10% ethanol by 2010.

As soon as customers pay at the pump, the rising bill cues a chorus of complaints.

"I think they're ridiculous," said Paul Carlson.
"outrageous," said Kendell Lombard.
"They're horrendous. They're really high," said Jose Gonzalez.

Frustration hits a high note when they notice their four dollar gasoline is blended with ethanol.

Paul Carlson told WINK News "Since they put ethanol in my mileage seems to decrease and I don't like it."

Mechanic Bobby Sweesy has heard their complaints, and he agrees.

"I think it burns faster, I mean in my own opinion. You're getting spark plugs not lasting longer. I don't know. I don't see the good in it right now," Sweesy told WINK.

The one good thing for him is he has more customers coming in with questions about their cars.

"Most of the time with people using ethanol, the cars running rough," he said.

He says one thing you can do, is every once and a while, fill up with a higher grade fuel. You don't have to do it all the time, but if you notice your car running rough, it can help.

"Most of the time, switching to a higher grade of gas, name brand straightens it right out," Sweesy explained.

The higher grade will help flush out the build up of excess carbon in the lower grade, saving you money in the long run.

Sweesy told WINK ,"You spend a little bit but you're not in here spending 200 dollars getting your throttle cleaned."

The Florida Department of Agriculture told WINK NEWS they have heard from customers complaining about a slight reduction in gas mileage.

But a spokesman also said the jury is still out on ethanol. The Department has received studies from the racing industry showing better mileage when using 20% ethanol 10% more than is in the current gasoline/ethanol mix.