Go figure,'' says Anita Perrin of Action Travel in Chicago. Travel agents and hoteliers say tourists are still booking Florida getaways, despite storms that have dropped up to five times more water on the state in the first two weeks of February than is normal for the usually dry month. In Tampa, the 1936-37 winter rainfall record already has been broken. During December, January and so far this month, 29.95 inches of rain have fallen, compared to the old record of 14.86 inches. Still, attendance remains strong at major attractions in Orlando, the nation's No. 1 tourist destination.
Officials cite bookings made months in advance.
There's nothing at this point that anyone is panicking about,'' says Dennis BeMent, general manager of the 400-room Hotel Royal Plaza near Disney World. We're really happy with the way the year has gone so far. For Buta, an annual visitor, rain fell on three days of her week-long Fort Lauderdale vacation. Only true downpours kept her off the beach. With Florida's tourist season in full swing, stormy weather boosts traffic at malls, movie theaters and museums.