The Snake Effect: study shows how Florida tourism could suffer

Clearwater Beach, FL - There are a few reasons tourists flock to Florida.

"The weather, the beach," said Brenda Hulgan of Tennessee.

Misty Walker of Oregon said, "The beach of course. Then, hopefully, attractive men."

Tourists come from around the world to swim, shop and see a stunning sunset.

But if they knew that lurking in the mangroves and grass are 15-foot snakes, would that keep them from coming?

The US Geological Society says yes. A new study shows how the growth of giant snakes may become a threat to tourism if the snakes are not under control.

Especially when the reptiles make headlines. Remember the pet python that strangled a Sumter County toddler in her bed? The survey says the more tourists see snake stories in the headlines, the less likely they are to visit Florida.

With 88,000 people employed in the biggest industry Pinellas County has, a study like this one is serious stuff.

However, Visit St. Petersburg and Clearwater tourism expert David Downing says there are more pressing reasons that potentially pose a problem for tourism.

"From inclimate weather to red tide to H1N1 to currency fluxuation to transit strikes to terrorism," said Downing. "In the grand scheme of things to be concerned, right now, knock on wood, snakes is not up there."

Walker says snakes wouldn't keep her from coming back. "I'm not that scared of snakes. I think alligators would be scarier than the snakes and if that hasn't stopped tourism, I wouldn't be concerned."

In fact, one tourist saw snakes as an upside for Florida tourism. "You could hunt the snakes!" said Ashley Schmitz of Oregon.

While tourists we connected with, clearly do not buy the study, Downing says he won't rule anything out.

"In Florida, you never know what's going to happen," said Downing.