St. Pete-Clearwater's Tourism Surges Post-Hurricanes

0:00It's April 23rd. This is Tampa Bay News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Corey with the story. Tourism's roaring back in St.P. clearwater, Florida, with record-bed tax revenue lighting up the books. January pulled in $8 million. February hit $10 million, that's a 9% jump from last year. Visit St.P. clearwater, cause it the highest ever for those months. This surge comes just 14 or 15 months after hurricanes, Helene and Milton slammed the area in 2024. Last year saw a dip as recovery took center stage, especially with international travelers holding off. Locals and visitors are buzzing about the comeback. Tourists like the Millas from New Jersey are hitting hotels, restaurants, mini golf, and shops to palm money into small businesses and help everyone. Rebound. Leaders credit a team effort from hotels and the community getting back on their feet fast. What's up demand from folks who skipped last year is fueling this boom.

1:00Expect those record numbers to roll on through early summer. Proving the beaches are stronger than ever and drawing crowds ready to spend.