Sarasota, FL|News|
Tourism Fuels Record Sales Across Region
Businesses enjoyed a 'record-breaking tourism season' in January, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.

Linda Hersey launched the very first Florida Patch site: Old Northeast-St. Petersburg Patch, in December 2010.
She has had many roles at Florida Patch as it has grown from a start-up to a go-to hub for information, conversation and news. She currently is a Senior Field Editor, identifying and curating real time news for nine sites in southwest Florida.
Linda is a veteran journalist and senior newsroom manager who made an early transition to New Media – way back in 2006! :)
In addition to City Editor roles in Portland, Maine, and Broward County, Florida, and years as an investigative journalist, Linda authored two primers for working journalists covering Native American issues, including "100 Questions, 500 Nations."
She holds an MBA from the Chapman School of Business, at Florida International University. She also is among the rare breed of English Majors, holding a BA in Eng. Lit. from Boston University.
Businesses enjoyed a 'record-breaking tourism season' in January, according to the Florida Department of Revenue.

Businesses enjoyed a 'record-breaking tourism season' in January, according to the state.
Check out our summer camp map by clicking on the red icons. It's quick and easy to use.
Michael Douglas Rhine's body was discovered by a private boater near Fort De Soto Park.
Michael Douglas Rhine's body was discovered by a private boater Wednesday near Fort De Soto Park.
Michael Douglas Rhine's body was discovered by a private boater near Fort De Soto Park Wednesday.
The Berliner Bash on April 20 will be a celebration of a Florida craft beer style that is low alcohol, refreshing and fruity.
The mall owner has a new partner in a joint venture, which is good news for shoppers and the mall, analysts say.
Westfield Group, the mall's owner, formed a joint venture with a New York investment company, which is good news for the Clearwater mall and shoppers, analysts say.
Check out this gorgeous shot of a Gulfport garage that was sent out on Twitter. Where do you think it was taken?
Ajay Patel is wanted in connected to a drug trafficking operation, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The Pinellas County Commission claims that the museum owes back rent to the county.
A trio of projects were recognized for their 'regional significance.'
According to the Sheriff's Office, three robberies occurred in a short time span at City Food Market.
Who shot Carol the circus elephant? A reward is being offered, after the 39-year-old elephant is injured while on tour.
The winner in the national competition will collect for $1 million. Find out the recipe that helped Bethany Perry move ahead in the competition.
The driveby shooting took place overnight in Tupelo, Miss., and a reward is being offered to find who shot Carol the circus elephant.
If you missed the musical, now you can see the Glitter Sisters on video, thanks to Cookie McPhee's posting to YouTube.
This five bedroom, 10-bath house is being offered for $3.75 million dollars.
The flight was bound from Knoxville, according to WAT.com in Tennessee.