More state funds added to aid in fight against Zika virus

Tourism industry feeling sting of Zika

Miami Beach.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The governor added another $25 million of state funds to aid in the fight against the Zika virus this week. The state’s Department of Health is set to grant the money to researchers and developers working on a vaccine.

Florida's $90 billion cash cow -- the tourism industry -- is feeling the sting of Zika. Twenty-four billion dollars alone come from Miami-Dade, where local transmission of Zika started in the state. Worried people are cancelling their travel plans.

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Hotel rooms sold in the Miami Beach area are down more than 2 percent compared to the same time last year.

Visit Florida isn't taking the threat lightly.

"Having Zika in Miami doesn't help, and it's certainly a cause for concern," Visit Florida CEO Will Seccombe said. "It's an issue that is very well-known among travelers around the country and around the world."

But the state's tourism agency said it can get through it.

"It's a blip. It's important that we not hide from that and make sure that we continue to let people know that this is a challenge, and continue to support our government, local officials, doing everything they can to get the word out," Seccombe said.

A Zika zone in the Wynwood area was cleared this week. Gov. Rick Scott hopes a night out next week shows people it's safe to visit.

"We need to help the local businesses get back on their feet, so we'll be having a night out on the 30th," Scott said.

But even with everything South Florida has to offer, Zika fears might deter the itch to head south for worried people around the country.