Sizzle Dining positively impacts tourism and the economy on the Gulf Coast

The 10th annual Sizzle Dining runs throughout the month of September. It features over 100 Gulf Coast restaurants offering unique menus to support local tourism and help children facing food insecurity. One dollar from each Sizzle Dining meal will go toward Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that helps fight food insecurity for kids. The event also serves to draw people to local Gulf Coast restaurants, boosting the area's dining scene. Miriam Dotson from the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau joined Gulf Coast News at 9 to discuss how Sizzle Dining impacts tourism and the economy in the region. Dotson said that Sizzle Dining introduces people to new restaurants and draws people to the local businesses. She said it also invites people to try new things as the on-season begins. Last year, more than 87,000 meals were sold during the event. This year, organizers are aiming for over 100,000 meals. Sizzle Dining runs throughout September, and participating restaurants have created special menus for the occasion. WATCH THE FULL SEGMENT ABOVE DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.