Hillsborough Q4 revenue dropped nearly 50% from 2019; county officials to receive tourism update
Hillsborough County's quarter four revenue drops nearly 50% compared to 2019 amid the pandemic.
Visit Florida predicts tourism rebound after sharp decline during pandemic
Tourism was down 30% across Florida for the months of July through the end of September, compared to last year, according to Visit Florida.
Cruise cancellations further damage Florida's struggling tourism industry
As cruise lines extend cancellations, Florida's port-of-call cities, including Tampa, continue to take economic hits. This month Norwegian, MSC, Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines have canceled voyages through November, and some companies like Carnival Cruises are holding off passengers through early 2021.
Carnival canceling cruises from all U.S. homeports except Miami, Port Canaveral through Dec. 31
Carnival Cruise Line is canceling most U.S. sailings through the end of this year, the latest sign that the cruise industry’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic could still be many months away.
Staycationers, visitors must continue following safety guidelines at the beach, tourism officials say
Beaches were busy Monday afternoon up and down the Pinellas County coastline. There were no big parties that law enforcement had to break up, and on Clearwater Beach, people stayed in their own groups.
Ahead of pivotal Labor Day holiday, rebound campaign urges in-state travel
In its first marketing campaign since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in mid-March, Visit Florida is urging in-state travel as part of an effort to buoy the state’s economic recovery and its struggling tourism labor market.
Hillsborough, Pinellas officials discuss drop in tourism due to pandemic
The novel coronavirus has infected more than half a million Floridians and led to a massive hit in tourism. The Pinellas County tourism development tax shows declines over the last several months.
Florida economy loses $23-billion under cruise line suspension
Major cruise lines are trying their best to stay afloat as they face major financial struggles. The industry has been put on pause since mid-March which experts estimate has resulted in a $23-billion loss to Florida's economy.
Tourism experts still hopeful, despite crushing blow of pandemic
Following a record-breaking year in 2019 for Hillsborough County’s tourism industry, 2020 was set to shatter last year’s numbers until the pandemic, according to Visit Tampa Bay.
Plan to redevelop Tropicana Field could include removing part of interstate
The city of St. Petersburg and the Florida Department of Transportation are looking at possibly removing or shortening Interstate 175.
Redington Shores zoning board votes down proposal for strict occupancy regulations on rental properties
Some beach rental owners are concerned proposed restrictions could put them out of the business. It's part of an effort to crack down on noise complaints in Redington Shores.
As Disney World, SeaWorld present reopening ideas, Hillsborough awaits Busch Gardens' plan
Florida's top industry is set to take another step forward in the reopening process Wednesday. In Orange County, two major theme parks presented their phased reopening plans to county officials -- and they were approved.
'Dr. Beach' ranks Caladesi Island State Park as one of the country's top 10 beaches
Caladesi Island State Park is one of two Florida beaches to make the annual top 10 list by "Dr. Beach" -- proving that the Sunshine State continually has some of the best sandy destinations in the country.
State approves Pinellas County plan to resume short-term vacation rentals
Pinellas County is now the first in the Bay Area allowed to resume short-term vacation rentals. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation signed off on the county’s safety plan Wednesday.
Bay Area rental owners await word from state as Panhandle counties get green light
Eight Panhandle counties have been cleared by Tallahassee to resume vacation rentals with some coronavirus restrictions. With the holiday weekend looming, Bay Area owners are hoping for the same good news soon -- but not every local county has submitted a plan.
Counties must submit requests to governor before reopening vacation rentals
Vacation rental properties are still required to stay closed during phase one of Florida’s reopening plan, but the governor said Friday he will allow counties to submit applications to begin bookings again under a detailed safety plan.
Pandemic's impact on hotels, tourism could be worse than Great Depression, experts say
The COVID-19 pandemic flipped a profitable start to 2020 on its head for the hotel industry.
Proposed laws would stop cities from regulating short-term rentals
Two bills, one in the Florida House and one in the Senate, would stop local governments from making rules against short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO.
Hotels tack on so-called resort fees, but you don't have to pay them, AG Moody says
If you're dreaming of a getaway full of colorful sunsets and white sand, make sure the hotel price you see accurately represents what you get.
Baseball is back: Teams, fans return to Florida for spring training
With temperatures in the mid-50s, Friday was a cold one for most Floridians. But for some baseball fans from up north, it’s still paradise.