Mayor Foster is a bit miffed that our area wont see any of the $25 million BP gave to the state for tourism advertising. While area waters remain clean, leaders say we need support as business is off by 20-30%. Approx $6 billion in tourism revenue is generated each year in Pinellas County.

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, the county’s arm in charge of promoting to tourists, requested for $2.5M to supplement advertising and marketing. However, Pinellas County will not be a recipient of the allocated funds since the counties along the panhandle are more immediately affected by the oil spill according the the governor’s office. The 8 counties will receive $4.4 million.

Photo courtesy of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

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