Some business owners said they’re left confused, especially when LGBTQ+ events bring revenue to the state.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Key West, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors and St. Petersburg are among several Florida cities that have long been top U.S. destinations for LGBTQ+ tourists. So it came as a surprise this week when travelers learned that Florida’s tourism marketing agency quietly removed the “LGBTQ Travel” section from its website sometime in the past few months.
It left Rachel Covello of St. Petersburg with questions as to why.
Covello is the owner of OutCoast, an online LGBTQ+ travel blog that primarily focuses on Florida.
She said from a personal standpoint, it was shocking, feeling like a diverse community in the state was being erased at Visit Florida’s website. From a business standpoint, she said it makes no sense for her, citing the numerous LGBTQ+-friendly events and destinations that bring revenue to the state.
“My goal is never to tell …