2008 First Quarter Visitation Numbers Released by VISIT FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE – Preliminary estimates of visitors to Florida released by VISIT FLORIDA, the state's official tourism marketing corporation, show an estimated 23.8 million people visited the Sunshine State in the first quarter (January, February and March) of 2008. This represents an increase in visitation of 3.4 percent as compared to the same period in 2007.

"This news speaks to the powerful combination of Florida's status as premier destination and a strong marketing effort in the face of ever-increasing competition," said Governor Charlie Crist.

Although not included in its quarterly reports, VISIT FLORIDA also announced the percentage of Florida residents who reported taking a pleasure trip was up 9.2 percent during the first quarter. Of those, the percentage who vacationed in Florida increased by 10.5 percentage points, which represents an increase of an estimated 1.2 million in-state person-trips.

McCOLLUM ISSUES PRICE-GOUGING ALERT IN RESPONSE TO WILDFIRES

TALLAHASSEE – Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced the activation of the Attorney General’s Price Gouging Hotline, and urged residents of Brevard and Volusia counties as well as other areas affected by wildfires to be alert for unscrupulous business operators who may take advantage of people impacted by the fires.

The Attorney General's action follows Governor Charlie Crist’s official declaration of a State of Emergency due to the widespread damage and ongoing threat caused by wildfires currently affecting 14 Florida counties.

Residents who suspect price gouging may call the hotline at 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226), and investigators will then research the complaint.

Florida law prohibits extreme increases in the price of such commodities as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency.