Florida tourism numbers lowest since 2010
COVID-19 ended a decade of record-setting tourism numbers in Florida, with the industry seeing a 34 percent drop in visitors in 2020 compared to the prior year.
Florida's vacation rentals fight revs up again in Tallahassee
A years-long effort to block local governments from regulating vacation rentals is on the move again, as House and Senate leaders revive a proposal to prevent cities and counties from inspecting and licensing properties offered on platforms such as Airbnb.
Bay Area hospitality industry adapts to unusual Super Bowl
After years of planning, Super Bowl week is finally here. The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into the plans, and that's not the only unusual thing about the Super Bowl in 2021.
Florida downplays reports of medical tourism for COVID-19 vaccines
Florida was one of the first states to throw open vaccine eligibility to members of the general public over 65, leading to rumors that tourists and day-trippers are swooping in solely for the jab.
How putting Cuba on list of state-sponsored terrorism could hurt Tampa's economy
In the final days of the Trump administration, the U.S. State Department put Cuba on the list of state-sponsored terrorism, which could slow future Cuban trade and tourism, especially for Tampa, the closest major port to Havana.
JW Marriott opens in downtown Tampa after nearly three years of construction
After nearly three years of hard work, the JW Marriott on Water Street will finally open its doors to the public
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.