FLORIDA POST HURRICANE JEANNE

VISIT FLORIDA attempts to update this information daily, however please be aware that information could change hourly.  Please visit the web sites below for up-to-date destination information.
For more information on localities in Florida, click on the following regional maps: 
• www.VISITFLORIDA.com/destinations  (map of Florida’s attractions, hotels, destination marketing organizations by region). 
• http://www.VISITFLORIDA.com/cvbs_alerts.php (regional map of Florida’s convention and visitors bureaus.)

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida’s mid-east coast area is moving quickly to recover from the effects of hurricane Jeanne. The Florida Keys, to Miami, to Fort Lauderdale report no damage sustained from the storms. The Palm Beach area reports that the majority of their hotels are open, with limited availability, and that power remains the single largest hurdle in maintaining normal operations but is being addressed quickly. Travelers with plans to visit Palm Beach County should consult with their individual hotels or resort for accommodations updates.

Meanwhile, the Pensacola area was impacted by Hurricane Ivan September 16.  Local and state officials are  well into the process of recovery with much help from state and federal agencies. Interstate 10 is closed east and west across Escambia County. 

It is important to point out that while there are areas still recovering from weather damage in Florida, many primary tourist areas have not been impacted and are open for business. VISIT FLORIDA is advising visitors to continue with their travel plans to visit these parts of Florida but call ahead to ensure their specific plans or hotels are confirmed. Please click on the links highlighted above for detailed and timely information on specific Florida destinations.

To many, the 2004 Hurricane Season will leave a close association between hurricanes and Florida. But it’s important to note that a direct hit to a particular destination anywhere in the world by a major hurricane is a rare event. From 1899-1992, fifty-five hurricanes made landfall in Florida, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  This translates to about one hurricane every two years in Florida in almost 100 years. “To have four strong hurricanes hit the same state in the same year, is almost unheard of.  The last time four hurricanes hit any same state was in 1886.  I doubt very seriously if it will happen again, at least not in my lifetime,” said Max Mayfield, Director, National Hurricane Center.

This hurricane season, many Floridians have been impacted and we are deeply concerned for these storms’ victims. We have also seen an incredible public spiritedness and resilience on the part of the state’s tourism industry in responding to visitors’ needs and recovery efforts.  Countless hotels, attractions, campgrounds, convention and visitor bureaus and tourist development councils joined the effort by local, state and national emergency teams, and are helping ensure the safe and speedy return to normal for our state’s residents and visitors in affected areas.  These teams will continue their vigilance.

VISIT FLORIDA is staying in contact with the state’s tourism industry in order to provide both potential visitors, as well as visitors already in-state, with important destination information and hotel availability. For access to timely and accurate local destination information, click on the links provided to access a regional Florida map to reach local experts.

FLORIDA AREA UPDATES:

For more information on localities in Florida, click on the following regional maps: 
• www.VISITFLORIDA.com/destinations  (map of Florida’s attractions, hotels, destination marketing organizations by region). 
• http://www.VISITFLORIDA.com/cvbs_alerts.php (regional map of Florida’s convention and visitors bureaus.)

VISIT FLORIDA INFORMATION RESOURCES:

VISIT FLORIDA’s consumer web site: www.VISITFLORIDA.com (click on Hurricane Ivan on left hand side) provides links to Florida’s convention & visitors bureaus, tourist development councils and Emergency Operations Center. 
VISIT FLORIDA 24-hour Alternative Lodging Availability: 1-800-287-8598
VISIT FLORIDA Tourism Industry web site: www.VISITFLORIDA.org
VISIT FLORIDA Media web site: media.VISITFLORIDA.org (for our latest statements, facts and news releases.)
VISIT FLORIDA Welcome Centers are open and providing information to travelers.
Visitors with pending plans to visit the state are encouraged to track the storm via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration web site: www.NOAA.org. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Henny Groenendijk, Public Relations Manager                             

(416) 485-2573 ext. 231

E-mail: hgroenendijk@thermrgroup.ca

September 29, 2004   Posted in: United States SouthEast