Florida Businesses Are Begging for Tourists After 2024 Hurricane Season
The 2025 hurricane season names have already been set, but Florida's Gulf Coast is still feeling the effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
"We were consumed by the Gulf," Madeira Beach city manager Robin Gomez told CBS News about the effects of Hurricane Helene. "The surge pushed up, upwards of 7 feet."
Many of the tourist hotspots, from restaurants to bars, are back in business with temporary food trucks or locations, but they need the visitors to return in order to stay open. After approximately $50 billion worth of damage to the state, per The Sun Coast Post, Florida is counting on tourists to aid their recovery.
Still, the White House trade wars aren't helping the situation as Canadians exit the state. It's the local businesses that are feeling the impact the most. “It's not only having a negative impact on the tourism market but business as a whole,” Seed and Bean market owner Cole Peacock shared with Gulf Coast News Now.
He's also worried about the effects of the tariffs on food products and how it will affect his business. “You need those extra visits to kick that profit margins to another level,” Peacock added.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently predicted that the Atlantic would have an "above-normal" hurricane season. They are reporting a 60% chance of 13 to 19 storms with six to 10 turning into hurricanes — and three to five of the storms could be major disasters.
For now, Florida businesses are going to hope people flock to the beach for the summer season ahead of any possible hurricane. They are open and ready for tourists to spend their hard-earned dollars.
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