Beach business looking up

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (WALA) - As the federal government announced over 240,000 jobs added to the economy in April, our local economy is showing signs of rebounding as well. Pensacola Beach relies heavily on tourism, and beach businesses are anticipating and preparing for a busy summer.

Beth Schachner owns Pensacola Beach Properties right across the street from Casino Beach. After her business of 20 years flirted dangerously close with disaster last year, she is finding reasons every day to look ahead with optimism.

“We have been booked,” she said. “People have been coming in starting in January and it’s not just the holidays. It is every single weekend.”

Some visitors, like Pam Bates from Dallas said it is already getting hard to find a room on short notice.

“It was hard to find a room this weekend,” Bates said. “I mean, I looked on Cheap Tickets and there was only three hotels that had rooms available.”

More reservations booked directly reflects on how well restaurants and other businesses do. Business owners and managers along the beach said that all you have to do is look around to tell how things are going so far.

“I take a ride around the beach and take a look at the parking lots and hotel lots and things like that and they’re filling up,” said Tim Russell, General Manager at Crabs, We Got ‘Em on Pensacola Beach.

Green flags flew over a picture perfect postcard day on the beach Friday, leaving no doubt that Pensacola Beach is ready to please.

Rental agencies reported having a great spring break and recommend booking now if you plan to spend some time on the beach over the summer.