Florida’s tourism industry is reopening for business following Hurricane Milton, which brought devastation to Florida last week.
The Category 5 storm prompted a series of mandatory evacuation orders for more than six million people in 11 counties.
The National Hurricane Centre has now discontinued all tropical storm surge warnings.
Tourism is now resuming in the region with tourist boards keen to provide post-hurricane updates for those due to visit.
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is fully open. Key West International and Florida Keys Marathon Airports were unaffected and remain operational. Director of Airports Richard Strickland advises passengers to check with their airlines to verify flights.
The county’s state parks, land-based attractions and water-based fishing, as well as dive and tour operators, have also resumed.
Tampa International Airport has reopened and resumed flight operations, too.
Plus, power has been restored to the St. Pete Pier and Pier District in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Both sites are fully open and ready for visitors.
Kissimmee, one city with minimal damage, has started to reopen its tourism activities. The tourist board reported that nearby theme parks, such as Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, will resume activities in the coming days.
Santiago C. Corrada, CEO and President of Visit Tampa Bay, said: “While the one-two punch of major storms was challenging, we want the world to know that the news media coverage did not reflect the reality of Tampa Bay.
“We received some minor impact to our hospitality industry but fortunately, our world-class eateries, thrilling attractions and luxurious hotels are fully open and welcoming leisure travellers and convention-goers back to Tampa Bay. Thanks to our greatest treasure – our wonderful people – we’ve weathered the storms and our miles of dazzling waterfront, authentic culture, active adventures, sky-high coasters, cuisine and nightlife are all waiting for you to discover your treasure, right here in Tampa Bay.”
DT Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee, added: “We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our law enforcement, local businesses and residents who have worked tirelessly to ensure Kissimmee continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for our visitors.
“Fortunately, damage was minimal, and we can confirm that tourism operations have gradually resumed.”
Governor Ron DeSantis stated on X: “Since Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast, search and rescue teams have worked around the clock to successfully execute life-saving missions here on the west coast, as well as in parts of central and southeast Florida impacted by flooding and tornadoes.”
Over 1600 people have since been rescued from floodwaters, rubble or other hazards.
Image credit: Reuters
