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While many head north to experience a white Christmas, others flock to Florida to trade snow for sand. However, after this year's hurricanes battered the region, the holiday season feels different for many families and frequent visitors.
10 Tampa Bay spent Christmas Day in Siesta Key, where the community is still in the middle of rebuilding. Despite efforts to brighten the season, the impact of the hurricanes is hard to miss in these severely affected areas. The subdued mood is evident in the faces of families trying to enjoy their holiday break and in the empty seats at local businesses grappling with declining revenue.
"It's been different, much quieter, and definitely a bit more subdued, but we're doing our best to enjoy it because, after all, we're on vacation," said Josh Doyle of Manchester, England.
Doyle has been visiting Siesta Key with his family and friends for both summer days and Christmas for the past 14 years.
"It's been difficult. There's a lot of salt in the house and plenty of disruptions," he said.
Other visitors are finding silver linings amid the challenges.