Letter: Short-term rentals help tourism

Letter: Short-term rentals help tourism

Judith Seraphin
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 08/30/07

Editor: I am concerned about the proposed ordinance the city of St. Augustine Beach is reviewing, that would make short-term renting illegal north of F Street. Short-term renting is a great business opportunity and tourist attraction for St. Augustine.

Eliminating short-term renting means some homeowners could potentially lose their homes as many need this extra income to offset the high real estate taxes. This can also mean less tourists, as many times it is families who rent a house. This also means a decrease in tourist spending for all of St. Augustine and St. Augustine Beach.

Homeowners of short-term rentals have done more than their part in making St. Augustine Beach a great community by fixing up old homes. Many times they are the best-looking houses in the area. Losing the ability to short-term rent would be a huge loss of revenue for St. Augustine and all its communities.

Judith Seraphin
St. Augustine

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