Fla. tourism down for the first time in 7 years

"Florida's tourism industry is taking a hit in the sour economy. It's the first time in seven years that tourism has dropped in the popular Sunshine State, according to statistics released Monday."

"About 82.5 million visitors traveled to Florida in 2008, roughly 2.3 percent less than 2007. Visits were actually up during the first part of 2008, but started tumbling when news about the economy hit, according to VISIT FLORIDA officials. Families changed vacation plans and companies canceled conventions."

"Before 2008, visitors to the state had increased steadily for seven years."