Weather, tourism looking up for Labor Day

Residents and tourists on the Emerald Coast will get a welcome relief from the rain this Labor Day weekend.

The weather will be clear, with highs in the low 90s, said Jason Beaman with the National Weather Service in Mobile, Ala. Evenings are forecast to be in the upper 60s to low 70s.

“I don’t think it can get much better than this,” Beaman said. “Our whole forecast is showing sunny days. The weather should be pretty nice for Labor Day weekend.”

Beaman said a weak front has helped to dry out the area. He said high pressure will keep the typical summer rains away.

“It’s going to be a rare reprieve,” he said. “For now, there is no chance of rain.”

Weather conditions and news of the capping of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill have helped tourism lately.

Tamee Gaddis, assistant manager at Henderson Park Inn in Destin, said her establishment is full for the weekend.

She said the inn is nearly booked full through September, which would put it on track with previous years’ business.

“We’re finally getting back to normal,” Gaddis said. “It’s a relief. It kind of makes up for the soft summer we had.”

Tracy Louthain with the Beaches of South Walton Tourism Development Council said most lodging businesses have seen an increase in their bookings.

“While we don’t have any hard numbers yet for Labor Day, we are hearing that reservations are coming in and we’re optimistic we will have strong visitation over Labor Day weekend,” Louthain said.

Yellow flags are expected to fly at local beaches, said Sean Hughes, deputy chief with the South Walton Fire District. He suggested swimmers stay in areas where lifeguards are on duty.

“We’re expecting great weather and a great weekend,” Hughes said. “Hopefully, this will be a big weekend for people to come to the beach and enjoy the holiday weekend.”