Storm stirs up 2,000 price-gouging complaints

TALLAHASSEE – Hurricane Matthew brought torrential rain, heavy winds and many instances of retailers looking to stick it to consumers, if the complaints logged by Attorney General Pam Bondi's office are anything to go by.

Bondi's office said it received more than 2,000 complaints of price gouging statewide as of Friday afternoon, including more than 260 in Central Florida. Most were lodged against gasoline stations charging higher rates for fuel, water and ice. But hotels, motels, large retail and home improvement stores also generated complaints.

One came from Orlando resident Lora Mason, who said the Circle K at East Colonial Drive and Goldenrod Road charged her $9.99 for a pack of water that would have cost $3.88 at nearby Sam's Club.

"I only stopped there because it was right next to Sam's, and Sam's was out of water," Mason said.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/weather/hurricane/os-hurricane-matthew-price-gouging-20161007-story.html