"Is Florida losing money over tighter security?"

Friday, June 29, 2007

Is Florida losing money over tighter security?
WTSP-TV Ch 10 (CBS), Tampa / St. Petersburg (FL)


TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Tightening America's borders after 911 cost Florida
$50 billion in lost tourism and international spending, a business-backed
group reported today.

"The national security policy had a huge impact on Florida's economy," said
Victoria Zepp, executive director of Florida Tax Watch's Center for
Competitive Florida.

The group released a study that claims, among other things, that Florida
lost $34 billion in international investment, saw 16 million fewer foreign
travelers, 40,000 fewer foreign students and nearly 10,000 fewer foreigners
seeking health care treatment.

English and German travelers complain of rude treatment at the border and
Latin Americans go elsewhere when they learn they have to pay $100 for a
U.S. visa application that requires all of their travel party to go to the
U.S. embassy, Zepp said.

"These are well-documented people who are healthy, wealthy and wise and who
don't pose a threat," Zepp said.

Visit Florida president Bud Nocera urged better training for border guards
and airport screeners.

"There is no reason we cannot have strong security, better security, but
also hospitality," he said.

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