Clearwater Beach prepares for influx of spring breakers
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As a gem of Florida’s Gulf Coast with white sand and blue water, Clearwater has the perfect ingredients for a spring break vacation.
“It’s cold in Wisconsin. We wanted want to fly out and get some warm weather, so we came here to have some fun,” visitor Trae Carter said.
Pinellas County is preparing for an influx of spring breakers who are coming to experience the high tides and good vibes.
“I think people are needing the people to come down, and I think the hotels are full, the occupancies are good, and the hospitality industry is doing well. So, it is starting to thrive,” business owner Cindy Dervech said.
One of Florida’s most popular vacation destinations is ‘breaking up’ with spring breakers
While tourism is up, local business advocacy groups said they want to make sure small businesses are not left out of the profits.
“You can have the best beaches, but you have to know how to run a business. You must know all the details, all the behind the scenes,” Chief of Staff with Amplify Clearwater Jeff Lugo said.
Lugo said the group’s goal is to make sure small businesses can keep up with the boom in visitors.
“So, one of our focuses is helping the small business startups, those are who we are trying to get into the business and trying to get a leg up to grow, and to really be a contributor to our economic development system,” Lugo said.
Business owners told 8 On Your Side they have seen a slower start to spring break, blaming inflation and higher prices.
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