Florida Senate Offers House a Deal to Kill Tourism Agency

Material from the News Service of Florida was used in this report.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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TALLAHASSEE (WFLA News) -- Leadership in the Florida House of Representatives has wanted to cut off funding for Visit Florida for two years, and they may finally get their wish.

The News Service of Florida reports that a new Senate budget proposal has matched the House’s stance to eliminate Visit Florida.

The House has attacked deals the tourism marketing agency made with celebrities including rapper Pitbull and chef Emeril Lagasse, that ran into the millions and seemed to be more about promoting the stars' own businesses than promoting the state in general.

Former Tampa state senator Dana Young is CEO of the agency. She hopes lawmakers will come to an agreement that preserves its funding.

“Going down this road, based on experience in other states, will lead to very negative consequences for the state economy," Young said.

Without legislation to continue funding, Visit Florida will shut down at the end of September.

Material from the News Service of Florida was used in this report.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


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