Dark Days for Sunshine State

These are dark days indeed for Florida, as the state reels from the triple blow of three high-profile deaths: Terri Schiavo, legal eagle Johnnie Cochran, and the Pope. Tourism officials say that sun-seekers are fleeing the state in droves, heading north or to the Midwest in search of more contemplative climes.

A Friday 'mourning' doubles match in honor of the Pontiff

By Deanna Swift

FORT MYERS, FL--Just weeks ago, southwest Florida was wall to wall with tourists and 'snowbirds' waiting out the last of the cold weather up north. But that was before a trifecta of despair sent the Sunshine State reeling. First it was the sudden passing of legal eagle Johnnie Cochran, whose high-profile clients included favorite Florida resident O.J. Simpson. Then, just days later, Terri Schiavo and the Pope had joined Mr. Cochrane, their deaths as unexpected as they were untimely.

But fans of the three icons aren't the only ones in mourning these days. Florida tourism officials say that business has dropped off significantly in recent weeks as sun-seekers and silver hairs head north or to the Midwest in search of more contemplative climes. From Fort Meyers Beach to Bonita and Naples, the beaches are deserted, golf courses un-played, and Jello shots unordered. Here's a firsthand look at a 'state of despair':