BAD TO WORSE

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: June 14, 2009

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Forecasters predict a relatively mild hurricane season this year. If their projections bear out, it couldn't come at a better time. Floridians face the worst recession since the 1930s, with double-digit unemployment rates, broad job losses across several industries and a disastrous real estate market clogged with foreclosures and vacant homes. In a state reliant on tourism and housing, a major hurricane could plunge the economy into an even steeper decline. Perhaps we'll be fortunate again. If not, here's a look at the grave effects of a major storm on Florida's historically vibrant economic engines: housing, tourism and jobs.