Pensacola businesses hope for busy Spring Break season

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - With temperatures starting to feel like spring and thousands of spring breakers are seizing the moment, and hitting the beach.

Senior Lifeguard Nick Sharp says ever since the his crews came back to Pensacola Beach on March 1, they’ve been preparing for huge crowds.

“I’m definitely expecting a lot more people on the main beach. We’re going to try and have lifeguards cover as much area as we can. We’re having extra people coming in tomorrow actually at 7 a. m., just to be prepared,” said Sharp.

Sharp says lifeguards are keeping a close eye on the water, and making sure to inform the public on potential dangers.

“Being out here for six seasons, I can tell you that March and April is probably where we do most of our work. We spend so much time going in the water, rescuing people and keeping people out of the water on red flag days,” Sharp said.

Officials have more lifeguard stands in the beach parking lot, and they foresee a need for them. They expect crowds to increase each day through the week.

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The expected increase is great news for business owners like Bruce Parris, manager of the Dock. Florida Gov. Rick Scott says tourists spent a record $71.1 billion in 2012 - nearly 7 percent better than 2011.

“Weather permitting, we’re expecting to be real busy. That’s why I started staffing up last week. We’re dressing for success and we hope there’s a bunch of people here,” said Parris.

Parris says 2012 was a record year and he’s hoping 2013 will be even better.

“Everyone has a positive attitude about summer and everybody's waiting for it. Every day gets better," Parris said.