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Blue Jays fans keeping Dunedin economy afloat during turbulent times for tourism
Dunedin’s tourism grew by 9.6% in 2025 due to Canadian Blue Jays fans, while overall Canadian travel to the U.S. dropped 25%, impacted by political and weather factors.
- On Feb. 26, 2026, Dunedin, city in Pinellas County, Florida, posted month-over-month visitation gains throughout 2025, generating a $200 million impact and 1,600 jobs in the city of 37,000.
- An ATIP request to the CBSA showed a decline in cross-border travel on Blue Jays game days in 2025, after a boycott that began in February 2024 following U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments.
- County tax data show only three of the 14 municipalities saw increases from 2024 to 2025, while two severe storms also negatively impacted regional tourism.
- Local leaders said spring training and spring break months are crucial to the economy and support many local small businesses, while the Dunedin mayor noted Canadian residents recalled seeing Blue Jays signs after her January TV appearance.
- Visit St. Pete-Clearwater reported about 2.1 per cent of its 2025 visitors came from Canada, down from 3 per cent, while Florida attractions keep Canadians returning for warmer winters and events.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 43%
C 57%
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