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.
St. Pete is seeing a hotel boom, but one industry expert urges caution
The city of St. Petersburg is booming. The city's population has gone up 5% in five years and the median age of residents is dropping.
Conference brings brightest minds in beer brewing to St. Petersburg
If you’re a big beer drinker, you know the craft beer industry has exploded in the last 10 years.
Study shows snowbirds are staying longer and spending more money
Snowbirds are flocking to Lakeland and it’s a bigger than usual invasion, which means a bigger boost for the local economy than in previous years.
Airbnb claims $140-million impact in Tampa Bay counties last year
Airbnb visitors brought over $140 million to hosts in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties last year.
Open containers allowed on St. Pete's new pier
Thursday morning, the City of St. Petersburg decided it will allow open containers on the walkways of the new Pier District.
Florida fast train will connect Orlando tourists to Miami cruise port
Florida's new high-speed rail is building a station at PortMiami, giving theme park tourists the opportunity for a car-free vacation by connecting them to the cruise capital of the world.
Pinellas County bans horseback riding near Skyway bridge
A popular activity in Pinellas County is being shut down. The Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday night to ban horseback riding near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Officials say the hobby is damaging seagrass and causing water quality issues.