Despite better economic news, Florida residents aren't quite as optimistic as last month.  UF's monthly gauge of Consumer Confidence dropped two points in March to 74.  
     That was after a series of monthly gains.  Survey Director Chris McCarty pointed out that it was the same pattern last year.
     This year unemployment numbers are much better and the stock market is holding on to big gains.
     But McCarty says the biggest drag on the economy is the price of gasoline, which according to AAA is $3.92 a gallon in Gainesville, or 24 cents a gallon more than last year.