"The high gas prices are affecting us, but we're eating it. "

After a quiet start to the year, the price of gasoline has spiked in recent weeks — 16 cents a gallon in Orlando in the past week alone — putting a sudden squeeze on both individual motorists and businesses.

Auto Club AAA said retail prices nationally have surpassed year-ago levels, averaging $3.73 for a gallon of regular. Prices are even higher in Metro Orlando and across Florida, averaging $3.75 Monday in the four-county metro area and $3.80 statewide.

Relief may be slow in coming: AAA's Auto Club Group said it is likely prices will continue rising through March and into April.

Read more at the Orlando Sentinel.