TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Yesterday, VISIT FLORIDA learned of 23 families that evacuated from their homes in Lee County while their infants were in NICU care. The babies were transferred to hospitals in Broward County and their families were in need of nearby housing. Thanks to the Broward hospitality industry, VISIT FLORIDA was able to quickly secure accommodations for every single family in need of assistance.

Spanning donated rooms from 19 hoteliers in Broward County, the accommodations will be provided to the families free of charge while their babies receive life-saving medical care from Broward Health, Joe Dimaggio, Memorial Miromar, and Memorial West Hospital. This is just one example of how Florida’s hospitality community serves our state.

Hotels donating rooms include:

Bahia Mar
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach
Costa Hollywood
Diplomat Beach Resort
Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale 17th Street
Four Seasons Ft. Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Hilton Garden Ft. Lauderdale Airport
Hollywood Beach Marriott Hotel
Maren Curio Collection by Hilton
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Airport
Renaissance Fort Lauderdale West - Plantation
Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale Riverside Hotel
Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
The Pelican Grand
W Fort Lauderdale

Dana Young, VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO said, “We are humbled to be able to help Floridians recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian. This incredible act of generosity from our hotel partners ensures that some of Florida’s most vulnerable residents are still able to get critical medical care despite being displaced by the storm. We sincerely thank these hotels for their donations to Florida’s NICU families and making such a positive impact on our state.”

Heiko Dobrikow, The Las Olas Company / Riverside Hotel, EVP / GM said, "When Dana Young contacted us to help these Southwest Florida families in need, the answer was an immediate "YES" and we mobilized. Within less than 12 hours, the Broward County Hoteliers committed to take care of our fellow residents and provide a small sense of peace during their difficult times."

Throughout the state’s response to Hurricane Ian, VISIT FLORIDA has worked closely with authorities to connect displaced Floridians with resources for finding suitable short- and long-term accommodations. Visitors with questions or concerns about their Florida vacation should go to VISITFLORIDA.com for real-time information from local travel sources to make the most informed travel planning decisions possible.

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