TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On September 13, Bainbridge, Georgia-based Southwest Georgia Oil Co. Inc., General Motors (GM) and the State of Florida announced plans to bring E-85 to the greater Tallahassee area and make the ethanol-blended fuel available for the first time in the state, according to a press release.

Southwest Georgia Oil Co. Inc. is identifying 16 additional fueling stations where it will offer E-85 under its Inland Fuel and SunStop convenience store locations in Tallahassee and surrounding areas.

“Inland is proud to offer the first retail E85 dispensers in the State of Florida,” Inland Food President and CEO Mike Harrell said in the release, adding, “We are committed to making alternative fuel choices like E-85 easily available to the public, and we are excited to be teaming up with Governor [Jeb] Bush, General Motors and our supply partners to promote E-85's availability and to increase consumer awareness.”

“Securing a diverse and reliable supply of energy will reduce Florida's dependence on imported oil and ensure that a balanced mix of fuel sources and technologies are available for years to come,” Governor Bush (R) said during a press conference at the first Inland Food location to offer E-85. “The tremendous potential of ethanol to become a major source of transportation fuel for Florida's energy future will be spurred with greater public access to ethanol fueling stations.”

Southwest Georgia Oil Co. operates 30 convenience stores throughout Florida, Georgia and Alabama.