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KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) — Key West's Fantasy Fest has attracted thousands of visitors who are helping to restore the tourism-based economy following Hurricane Irma.
The 10-day festival includes a zombie bike ride, a pet parade, Friday's masquerade march and Saturday night's flamboyant Fantasy Fest Parade.
Florida Keys tourism revenues have been down overall since Irma pummeled the island chain on Sept. 10. Lodging facilities that are open have seen good income from recovery workers, but they typically don't participate in fishing, diving and other activities.
Tourism brings in about $2.7 billion a year, and visitor-related jobs make up about 54 percent of the workforce.
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Online: http://www.fantasyfest.com/
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