[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

I don't have a business. "My" industry is dependent on bad drivers and belly-up insurance companies not paying property claims.


But yes, businesses are "patroned" by the locals, but not enough to keep things vibrant and profitable. Most smart restaurants, for example, will open up a month or two before "season," to work out all the kinks in the business plan, and the ride the increased sales receipts to get through the slow summer season.


I have friends that own a coffee shop in Jensen Beach. Their business is 2X what it is in the summer during season. Oftentimes, in the summer, they close early because there's not enough customers. In downtown West Palm Beach, condo buildings that look 3/4 empty from May - October suddenly light up like Christmas trees during season, and business picks up in Cityplace and the surrounding areas.


Call me crazy, but I LIKE the vibrancy of tourist and snowbird season. It's actually a pleasure to me to see people HAPPY and having FUN in my hometown. Traffic sucks, yes, but when I lived in Tallahassee, we all complained about "legislative season".... but knew that the businesses loved it because of all the money it pumped into the economy. Traffic is a small price to pay.

Great post - I feel exactly the same way!

[Tungsten_Udder]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

Call me crazy, but I LIKE the vibrancy of tourist and snowbird season. It's actually a pleasure to me to see people HAPPY and having FUN in my hometown. Traffic sucks, yes, but when I lived in Tallahassee, we all complained about "legislative season".... but knew that the businesses loved it because of all the money it pumped into the economy. Traffic is a small price to pay.

Yeah, I never got the dislike of tourists and snowbirds either. I guess it would make sense if you wanted to be a hermit and never interact with other people, but why would someone like that live anywhere near tourist areas anyway? I'd think they'd be out in the Boonies, living maybe 15-20 miles east of Immokalee off of 846 or something.

[Rachael84]

Originally Posted by TKramar

But while they're here, everything's worse. Crime, traffic, stress....can't they just stay home all year?

Florida residents should be more welcoming to tourists. That plays a huge impact on your local economy. Anyway, not liking tourists will drive them away because they don't feel very welcome. Us NYers are really nice to tourists. I go on this NYC tourism forum, and nearly every trip report says how friendly NYers were to the tourists. Maybe if you're all nice to tourists, that will want them to come down more, and therefore improve your economy at least a little bit?

[TKramar]

Originally Posted by HowDeDo

If you work in retail and there was no tourism, your job would be in serious jeopardy. Next time you see a Tourist with 3 cameras hanging around his neck, straw hat, and a button with Anita Bryant on it...shake his hand and say 'thanks for coming to Florida !' .

The tourist doesn't buy paint...for example.

[TKramar]

Originally Posted by HowDeDo

You have the perogative to stay in one place if you wish. But American Freedom gives people to live in any State if they wish and to do so without persecution from others. Please dont persecute your fellow American if he wants to live in the State you reside in ; instead share and welcome such people . In actuality, it isnt 'your' State , County, Town, Park, Lake, Highway, local Bar, Restaurant --- you are only enjoying them temporarily so let others do the same. Try and get along with all people and continue to make America a great place to live .

And that's why we need to disunite the States, and keep everyone in their own.

[ChrisA70]

Wow, for once I agree with you on something!!!

Originally Posted by Tungsten_Udder

Yeah, I never got the dislike of tourists and snowbirds either. I guess it would make sense if you wanted to be a hermit and never interact with other people, but why would someone like that live anywhere near tourist areas anyway? I'd think they'd be out in the Boonies, living maybe 15-20 miles east of Immokalee off of 846 or something.

[Tungsten_Udder]

Originally Posted by BacktoMA4good

Wow, for once I agree with you on something!!!

[planetsurf]

Originally Posted by TKramar

The tourist doesn't buy paint...for example.

No they don't, but the businesses that cater to the tourists (in addition to the workers personal homes) DO buy paint.

[Lulu101]

I don't have a problem with tourists. My real issue is with people who live here for years but consider themselves "temporary residents".

Originally Posted by Rachael84

Florida residents should be more welcoming to tourists. That plays a huge impact on your local economy. Anyway, not liking tourists will drive them away because they don't feel very welcome. Us NYers are really nice to tourists. I go on this NYC tourism forum, and nearly every trip report says how friendly NYers were to the tourists. Maybe if you're all nice to tourists, that will want them to come down more, and therefore improve your economy at least a little bit?

[TKramar]

Originally Posted by planetsurf

No they don't, but the businesses that cater to the tourists (in addition to the workers personal homes) DO buy paint.

Restaraunts are patronized by locals, bars patronized by locals.

Even DISNEY has specials for RESIDENTS/non-snowbirds.