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Sharks, tornadoes and taxes: Cape Cod’s had a tough summer

Sharks, tornadoes and taxes: Cape Cod's had a tough summer | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018 file photo, people look out at the shore after a shark attack at Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, Mass., where a 26-year-old was attacked and later died at a hospital. Local chamber of commerce data suggests Cape Cod lodging and beach visit numbers are down in summer 2019, after uncommon tornados hit just one year after a pair of shark attacks. (AP Photo/Susan Haigh, File)

Cape Cod businesses are dealing with a challenging summer that’s included heightened shark fears, freak tornadoes and new taxes.

Local chamber of commerce data suggests lodging and beach visit numbers are down, one year after the famous tourist destination dealt with two shark attacks , including Massachusetts’ first fatal one in more than 80 years.

Colette Cummings, owner of Ducks in the Window toy shop, says tourist activity has been noticeably lighter but hasn’t yet hurt her bottom line.

And Gail Knell, co-owner of The Ebb Tide, says she’s looking forward to the fall season to recoup thousands of dollars her restaurant she lost during the tornadoes.

Wendy Northcross, the chamber’s CEO, says she expects August tourism numbers to rebound.

Local officials are also urging beachgoers to remain vigilant as last year’s fatal attack happened weeks after Labor Day.

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Abbey Westbury

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