WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Free gas brought long lines Tuesday morning to a Wawa gas station in West Palm Beach.
The giveaway was part of a promotion by Payne Chapel AME Church for the first 100 people.
The church, which is the oldest in West Palm Beach, gave away $2,000 worth of fuel.
The event began at 10 a.m. at the store located at the corner of Belvedere Road and Australian Avenue.
#TrafficAlert eastbound Belvedere Road 1500 block @Wawa heavy traffic backup due to free gas giveaway there but the line is being cutoff NOW and the promotion is over. #BREAKING #Media @TotalTrafficWPB @WPTV @CBS12 @WPBF25News @Telemundo51 @AdrianCT51 @pbpost @SunSentinel pic.twitter.com/oEhUTLIt1I
— West Palm Beach Police Department (@WestPalmPD) March 22, 2022
However, due to high demand the West Palm Beach Police Department tweeted at 10:20 a.m. that the line was being cut off and the promotion was over.
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Video tweeted by police showed cars were backed up on the road in an attempt to enter the gas station.
"It's going to help me tremendously really for at least a week where I don't have to shell out that extra money," said Jake Kimmel, who received free gas at the giveaway.
Pastor Odell Watson said drivers started lining up at 6 a.m. for the giveaway.
"We were able to be a blessing to a hundred vehicles, and we were distributing gas in $20 increments and so we were doing the best we can to be a blessing to everyone available," Watson said.
He said there is a possibility for another free gas giveaway in the future.
"It's a struggle, and it's going to get worse and worse every day," said Fred, who received free gas Tuesday. "It went up so quick, every week or every day, you know, it's hurting."
The average gas prices in Palm Beach County are currently $4.32 and $4.14 in Florida, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
Watson said the kind gesture is one of many ways his church is working to make a difference.
"There's so many people hurting right now, and I believe the church needs to be that voice to help to let someone know we're here," Watson said.
His church will be back out on Thursday feeding the community for those searching for their next meal.
"We just feel if there's a need in the community, the church should be here and willing to meet that need," Watson said.