Tech & Biz

Spring Break Students Saving Florida Economy

by Jordan Yerman | March 13, 2009 at 09:25 am

265 views | 0 Recommendations | 3 comments

One thing can save Florida's stagnant economy: SPRING BREAK!

Indeed, migrating college students are using their powers for economic good, bringing their cash from around the country and injecting it into local economies.

This may not quite be the stimulation that the student set is seeking, but hey. It helps.

"The No. 1 expense has been alcohol and cab rides," said Angelo Todesca, a 20-year-old college student from Boston on a week's trip to Fort Lauderdale. "I brought down $500. I'm hoping to leave with zero."

Such frugal budgets temper the enthusiasm for spring break in South Florida's tourism industry, and this year has brought a noticeably smaller influx of college students, according to hoteliers and restaurateurs. Still, the turnout has the beaches and bars crowded enough to leave many business owners toasting the season with the cheapest two-for-one draft beers they can find.

Of course, students find themselves with smaller party budgets, so local businesses are having to offer far more bang for those visiting bucks.

The discounts continue at the bar, where specialty cocktails that sold for $9 a few weeks ago now go for $5. With more deals offered by his competitors along Ocean Drive, Abravaya said he had to lower prices to compete.

''We're having to give a lot more for the money,'' he said. ``At least I get the customers in. Maybe they'll buy some food.''

(Found via HuffPo)

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lszu dwqzek (not verified)

at 02:50 on March 28th, 2009

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Larissa Z

at 22:33 on April 1st, 2009

College students are fad on doing parties and other food trip. Thus, it is important for them to be aware on frugality. A person that is budget conscious would do well to be frugal, such as food frugal. To be food frugal, you have to learn how to make every food dollar stretch, so even if there isn't a recession going on. You could take part in a freezer club, where people get together, cook meals when they aren't eating, and freeze the whole lot for consumption later. You can pack a large pot with a lot of stuff, keep it in the freezer or fridge for a while and it makes a fine meal. You can save a pretty penny being food frugal.