We previously posted how you can stimulate the economy by booking a vacation and the good folks with VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, are taking this one step further. They’re asking Florida residents to “Share a Little Sunshine” by inviting loved (and unloved) ones down to the Sunshine State for a vacation to get back to what really matters, spending time and creating memories with family and friends. Doing so keeps Florida’s economy flowing.

Residents can log onto www.ShareaLittleSunshine.org and select one of three Hallmark-type, feel-good videos to send to friends and/or family.  The process is lickity split, meaning, in less than two minutes, an e-vite to visit Florida is on its way. To thank those who send the invitations, each time they “Share a Little Sunshine” they’ll be entered to win one of 12 groovy Florida getaways with one being given away each week of the program. The 12-week program’s launch coincides with the 26th Annual National Tourism Week being celebrated May 9 – 17, 2009.

C’mon, get going, what are you waiting for? Head to the Sunshine State and invite others to do so to keep the economy flowing. More than 1 million residents are directly employed in Florida’s tourism industry and the state’s 82.5 million visitors generated $65.2 billion in spending last year. Florida’s tourism industry generates $3.9 billion in revenue to support schools, help build roads and pay for vital statewide programs.  And, a healthy tourism industry is the reason Florida is state income tax free. Yup, tourism is important for Florida’s economy. Will you do your part? After all, a vacation in Key West, Orlando, Daytona Beach or elsewhere in the Sunshine State ain’t so bad.

Data Based on 2008, VISIT FLORIDA

The best place to cool off during the Central Florida heat this summer is at the ICEBAR, Orlando’s hottest nightlight attraction. Don’t worry about bringing your own parka or gloves, they’re included in the cover into the U.S.’s first permanent ice bar on International Drive where the walls, tables, bar etc., are made of ice. Enjoy a vodka drink the really “neat” way, in a glass made of ice.

There are more cool things happening in Florida this summer.  Jay Clarke with the Miami Herald has a grasp on the Florida attraction pulse and has gathered all that’s new and wonderful in the Sunshine State in his April 19 article titled, “Zip Through the Treetops, Visit the Stars.” Clarke gives a roundup of new and refreshed Florida attractions like the Zipline Safari at Forever Florida (which we mentioned last month), the reopened  with their timeless Southern belles and information about the new airport terminal in Key West making it easier to vacation in the Conch Republic. Go check it out and when finished, book your Florida vacation. Take your pick from our faves as Orlando, Daytona Beach and Key West.

April 25, 2009, is Florida Lighthouse Day and a fabulous opportunity to check out some of the Sunshine State’s historic seaside structures. Need some guidance? Here are three suggestions on which ones to visit.

Stay in Daytona Beach and venture 10 miles south for the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station. The only Florida lighthouse listed as a National Historic Landmark this active lighthouse and was built in 1887 and is the state’s tallest. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Florida Lighthouse Day, engage in family-friendly activities revolving around Florida’s historic lighthouses and learn about Coast Guard programs.

Head to the Keys for the Key West Lighthouse and climb the 98 steps for a birds-eye-view of Old Town. Built in 1847 this lighthouse was deactivated in 1969. Nearby is the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, take a guided tour to meet descendants of Papa Hemingway’s famous polydactyl cats (6-toed felines).

And if you’ll be in Key West, catch a boat out to Dry Tortugas National Park for a tour of Fort Jefferson and see the Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse. This 82-foot structure constructed from iron and wood was built in 1886 and is still active. A trip out to Dry Tortugas is a full-day trip and parts of Fort Jefferson are closed due to renovations, check with the National Park Service before visiting.

Check out the site of the Florida Lighthouse Association for additional information about Florida Lighthouse Day and locate a lighthouse.