SWFL beaches among the cleanest

Original Article:
WBBH-TV | http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43585279/ns/local_news-fort_myers_fl/t/report-swfl-beaches-among-cleanest

A brand new report shows Southwest Florida beaches are some of the country's best.

From Sanibel to Naples, city governments say what's good for the beach is good for business.

The Natural Resources Defense Council ranks Sanibel beaches among the cleanest in the nation.

The city limits sewage systems and curb runoffs with narrow and porous roads.

The manager of Sanibel's Island Inn, Chris Davison, says the clean environment draws tons of Floridians who prefer our beaches

Davison says his bottom line here at the Island Inn is inextricably linked to the beaches right outside his back door. And for that, he credits local government

"Sanibel invests significant dollars into our brakes. We've learned what's good for our environment is good for our economy," says Sanibel City Manager Judie Zimomra.

Collier County beaches had a great showing , too, with perfect scores.

And it's those oceanfronts that bring in money and the same visitors year after year.

"Our repeat visitation is quite large. It's in the 70% range," says Jack Wert of the Collier County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Wert points out that the perks extend beyond the business community.

"Homeowners last year saved over $670 in taxes," he says

So whether it's Naples, Fort Myers or Sanibel, clean beaches mean big business year round.

"Businesses that do the best and have the best longevity on Sanibel are the ones that embrace the natural environment," Zimomra says.

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For Southwest Florida Reservations including Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Naples, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach visit Reservation Central at http://www.rescen.com or call our local reservation office at 1-800-290-6920.