Florida's Hurricane-Battered Gulf Coast Beckons Spring Breakers: We Are Open'
Briefly

Spring break in Florida, particularly in beach towns west of Tampa, is essential for local businesses recovering from the destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Signs proclaiming 'We are open' reflect the hope of revitalizing the economy in these areas. Despite Miami Beach's measures to deter rowdy spring breakers, many Gulf Coast businesses, still in temporary setups, rely on this season for crucial revenue. With over 8,000 emergency rebuilding permits issued post-hurricane, the local community is focused on bouncing back amidst inflation and other economic challenges.
It appeared on chalkboard signs, waving inflatables and posters: We are open. Spring break season is fraught in some parts of Florida, where the raucous behavior of certain visitors can outweigh their economic benefit.
For the businesses and the restaurants along the Gulf of Mexico that were ravaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, welcoming spring breakers has been imperative.
Some are still in temporary setups, or barely weeks into reopening, so every dollar is crucial.
The storm was a very humbling experience... Many had anxiously anticipated the season, which began in early March and will wrap up in the next week or so.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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