Artist reveals gas station's high prices

ORLANDO, Fla., July 2 (UPI) -- A Florida artist weighed in on the controversy over a gas station's refusal to post its high prices by "playing the role of a sign" for about 6 hours.

Performance artist Brian Feldman said he spent 6 hours Thursday in front of Sun Gas near the Orlando International Airport with a sign around his neck listing the station's $5.79 price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline -- believed to be the highest in the country -- as well as the prices for mid-grade and premium fuels, the Orlando Sentinel reported Friday.

"This is an art installation, and I am playing the role of the sign. Hopefully, they'll do the right thing and post their prices. But if they don't, I'll do my best to make sure they get the attention they deserve," Feldman said.

The station and the Suncoast Energy station across the street are embroiled in a legal battle with the city of Orlando over their refusal to post their prices on their signs. The city passed an ordinance requiring gas stations near the airport to post their prices, but the stations refused and are incurring fines of $250 per day while attempting to fight the law.

Attorney Gus Benitez told Circuit Judge Jose Rodriguez Thursday he believes the ordinance oversteps the city's authority.

"We believe and we contend this is price control," Benitez said. "The city is doing this only to affect the price."

David King, an attorney for the city, said officials are not interested in regulating prices, they just want to ensure the prices are posted for consumers.

"The consumer has a right to know. ... They're the ones who are being preyed upon in this area," King said.