Florida’s tourism market escapes Hurricane Dennis
Florida’s tourist market barely missed a beat after Hurricane Dennis, first of the season, gave the state only a glancing blow.
Several hundred thousand people on the coast from South Florida to Alabama were evacuated but Dennis’s hurricane-force winds were far less than expected. Popular tourist areas such as the Keys escaped sustained hurricane winds and were back in business after minimal delays.
“The destructive core missed us,” said Matt Strahan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Office in Key West.
Vacationers in the upper and middle keys began returning quickly to hotels, according to news stories.
Authorities in the Keys said damage was limited to a few downed trees and power lines.
In Florida’s panhandle, where the hurricane was most feared, tourism officials said there was only minimal hotel damage and beach erosion.
“The hurricane went a little bit to the east of Pensacola, so damage was slight,” said Ed Schroeder, chairman of the Pensacola Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Tourists seeking summer sun and beaches were pouring back into the area, he said.
Many hotels in the panhandle, which includes Pensacola, were full, according to tourist officials.
“There are no booking cancellations and our airport is open,” said Mr Schroeder.
In anticipation of a storm possibly similar to last summer’s, Florida Governor Jeb Bush had declared a state of emergency and ordered guardsmen to be activated in case of major damage. That was a precaution that was not needed, as it turned out.
Ed Nocera, the head of Visit Florida, said the state is prepared this year for other hurricanes.
“If a hurricane happens during one’s vacation, we will make it completely fun for them,” he said, adding local tourist attractions are planning to give out free breakfasts and other perks if other hurricanes touch down in tourist areas.
Mr. Nocera urged tourists not to cancel their plans to come to Florida because of storms. “No country or state is better prepared to deal with hurricanes than Florida,” he said.
Report by David Wilkening
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