Scott Says Florida ‘Very Fortunate’ in Avoiding Isaac

Gov. Rick Scott says Florida has “been very fortunate” to avoid major damage from Hurricane Isaac and hopes tourists understand that.

Scott visited two Florida Keys icons Wednesday to showcase that Florida’s tourism businesses are ready to welcome visitors. He posed for photos with tourists at Key West’s Southernmost Point marker and toured the Ernest Hemingway Museum before briefing reporters there.

Isaac was a tropical storm when it skirted past Key West Sunday, leaving little impact in the Keys.

Earlier Wednesday, Scott flew over western Palm Beach County to view flooding that affected homes in the The Acreage and Loxahatchee Grove. County officials estimated nearly $9 million in damages.

Still, Scott said Florida was lucky, but concerned about possible “economic damage” from visitors staying away, especially during Labor Day weekend.