(e-mail: jnederveld@lakelandedc.com)

What with gas prices being what they are (above $1), and what with me being who I am (cheapskate), I am always on the lookout for cheap gas.

If you happen to have an iPhone, you’re in luck. There’s probably an app for that. But for the rest of us who are still using cell phones that merely call other people (Yes, we know. That basically means that we’re all cavemen), our best resource is www.tampagasprices.com.

The Web site is one of a host of (mostly horrible) sites that track local gas prices. Overall, I’d say that this one is the easiest to use. Here’s the why:

Tampa Gas Prices is a branch of a site called www.gasbuddy.com, which allows you to enter in your city or zip code, and then presents you with  (as you can see from the handy screenshot that our tech geniuses have supplied me with) a range of prices and locations that are near you. Neat!

However, it gets even better. While it’s hosted by the publisher, the content of the site is managed by the users. For example: if you see a low gas price, get online, and report it, it will flash up and help everybody else out.

The mission of the site is to avoid high-priced gas in order to force prices lower. Look out, OPEC.

And this can also earn you points and prizes. (Like free gas! What fun!)

Check it out at www.tampagasprices.com.