Spring breakers and vacationers are once again heading to Florida’s Gulf Coast, bringing a much-needed boost for local businesses still recovering from last year’s hurricanes. March, the peak month for tourism revenue, couldn’t come at a better time.

While some vacation rentals, restaurants, and tourism-dependent businesses are still struggling to reopen, most are ready to welcome the anticipated wave of visitors.

“If there are palm trees and sunsets, I’m in,” Tom McMillan, who traveled from Chicago with his wife, Trina, to enjoy the view at Indian Rocks Beach, told WTSP.

Despite following news of the hurricanes and their aftermath, McMillan wasn’t discouraged from returning to one of his favorite destinations.

“You can see palm trees missing their tops and ongoing construction, but I’m impressed with how quickly things have been restored,” he said. “The [rental resort] we’re staying at still has a broken elevator, but that wouldn’t have stopped us from coming.”

Jasper Klein, owner of Way2Go Rides, which provides transportation along Pinellas beaches and to and from airports, said many of the businesses he regularly visits are back in operation.

“About 35% of our revenue washed away in those hurricanes,” Klein shared with WTSP. “But seeing packed restaurants and bars, and familiar hospitality workers making money again, it’s finally starting to look better.”

According to the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, some rental units and homes remain closed, but those that are open have few vacancies—a sign that tourists are already returning in full force.

“One of our members told me he has a big group coming in next week, the largest he’s hosted since before the storm,” said Chamber CEO Charlie Justice. “If we had more rooms available, we’d have more people. Occupancy rates are strong, and optimism is high.”

All signs point to a full recovery, with business owners eager to put last year’s storms behind them.

“Our bookings are filling up fast for the last half of March and April,” Klein said.

Visit St. Pete Clearwater, the region’s tourism agency, reports that nearly all beaches are open, with water quality tests showing safe conditions. However, state parks at Egmont Key, Caladesi Island, and Honeymoon Island remain mostly closed due to permitting and construction delays, ongoing insurance disputes, and extensive storm damage.

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(Image credit: City of Clearwater beach cam)

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