aaa florida trips

Join AAA today Membership gives you access to Roadside Assistance, Deals, Discounts, and more.

• Add Members
• Gift Membership
• Member Benefits Guide
• The Extra Mile
• Renew Expires in 28 days

AAA Visa Signature® Credit Cards

Earn a $100 Statement Credit

After spending $1,000 on your card within 90 days of account opening.

• Advice back All Advice Travel Auto Money Home Life
• Destinations back All Destinations Northeast States Southeast States Central States Western States Mid-Atlantic States National Parks Road Trips International Travel Inspiration
• Connect back All Connect Community Stories Authors & Ambassadors
• Guides back All Guides Doing Your Taxes Protecting Your Valuables Winter Driving Buying and Selling a Car Buying and Selling a Home Getting Organized Home Improvement Improve Your Finances Maintaining Your Car Saving Money Staying Healthy Traveling
• Series back All Series AAA World Garden Road Trips Member News AAA's Take Good Question Car Reviews AAA Traveler Worldwise Foodie Finds Minute Escapes
• Vacation Packages
• Explorations by AAA - Motorcoach Departures

FUN ON WHEELS

A motorcoach tour experience offers luxurious comfort at an affordable price.

Enjoy round-trip motorcoach transportation on one of these vacation getaways where your journey is as fun as your destination.

Featured Vacations

July 10, 2024

Worthington, Ohio

Explorations by AAA Motorcoach

Member Price starting from

July 16, 2024

Akron, Ohio

August 03, 2024

August 06, 2024

Dayton, Ohio

August 15, 2024

September 16, 2024

September 21, 2024

October 06, 2024

October 12, 2024

October 15, 2024

October 19, 2024

December 07, 2024

December 08, 2024

December 10, 2024

December 11, 2024

Welcome to AAA

To enjoy customized local content, please enter your ZIP Code below.

Limited Time Offer!

Please wait....

• Special Cruise Section
• Table of Contents
• AAA Diamonds
• AAA Road Trips
• Icon Legend

AAA Road Trips

Pacific southwest.

Mid-Atlantic

Southwest Desert

Southeast Appalachian

Southeast Gulf Coast

Great Lakes

Northern Rockies

South Central

Pacific Northwest

Southern Rockies

Northern Plains

New England

Western Canada

Eastern Canada

Alaska & Hawaii

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

I've Lived in Florida for 27 Years — and These Are the Best Affordable Beach Vacations in the State

A local weighs in on the best cheap beach vacations in Florida without the high price tags.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Hundreds of miles of coastline keep Florida top of mind for a beach vacation year-round. And despite the Sunshine State's perpetual popularity, you might be surprised by how much terrain there is for a cheap beach getaway filled with fun.

After 27 years in Florida, I’ve done my fair share of poking around for the finest sandy stretches the state has to offer.

When friends come to visit from across the country or around the world, I always point them to a few places they’d likely never discover on their own — all the better for having a unique Florida experience while saving some money. With that in mind, here are some of some of my favorite places for a cheap beach vacation in Florida that doesn't skimp on sun and fun.

Apalachicola

Lynne Buchanan/Getty Images

Famous for its oyster bars and seafood shacks like LongBill’s, this friendly community along Florida’s Panhandle is prime for an affordable beach vacation, especially when you stay at a historic property like The Bowery Inn or Taranto House , both of which date to the early 1900s, or the lovely Gibson Inn , another historic hotel with a breezy wraparound porch.

“This community captivates the heart and soul of Old Florida charm with a relaxed vibe, incredible fishing, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and the liveliest locals slurping down fresh oysters and plenty of libations,” says Jason Bogan, general manager of The Gibson Inn. “So, come on down, pull up a stool, and immerse yourself in some genuine Southern hospitality.”

Among the many unspoiled white-sand beaches in Apalachicola and the Forgotten Coast are stretches lining the beautiful barrier island of St. George. Laura Byrne of Tampa Bay Parenting says she first fell in love with the island’s beaches while living in Tallahassee some years ago (Florida’s state capital is about 80 miles northeast of St. George Island).

“I’m from Tampa and was used to the beautiful sugar-sand beaches of Clearwater, and St. George Island State Park did not disappoint,” says Byrne. Grab a kayak or canoe from Island Outfitters and paddle in the Gulf of Mexico or along the Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System , or rent a golf cart to explore Apalachicola’s historic district, home to many interesting buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cocoa Beach

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

Cocoa Beach was always my preferred destination for an affordable beach weekend when I spent a few years after college living in nearby Orlando. Just about a one-hour drive east of Orlando puts you along these dune-backed beaches where pro surfer Kelly Slater grew up shredding waves. You can rent a board at Ron Jon Surf Shop and paddle out near the Cocoa Beach Pier , or sign up for surf lessons at the School of Surf . Budget-minded hotels in the area include Beach Place Guesthouses — one of my favorites in all of Florida for a low-key stay — strung with hammocks and fronting a quiet stretch of sand with loaner surfboards at the ready. Rise early from August to September for a beach walk here, and you might even see baby sea turtles hatching. Also be sure to check the rocket launch calendar for a free show in the sky. "The Wizard of Oz" fans will want to shell out a few bucks to pop into the quirky Wizard of Oz Museum , home to a private collection that spans decades of memorabilia. With all this and more, it's no wonder Cocoa Beach is one of the best beaches near Orlando .

New Smyrna Beach

VisionsbyAtlee/Getty Images

New Smyrna Beach , another popular option not far from Orlando, is a safe and beautiful bet for an affordable beach vacation in Florida. Oceanfront condos for rent line the packed sand, plus you can consider a riverside stay at one of my favorite bed-and-breakfasts in the state — Black Dolphin Inn , which fronts the Intracoastal Waterway. A quintessential Florida feed awaits on the river at JB’s Fish Camp , a local favorite for its fabulous grouper sandwich and fish dip. You can rent kayaks and paddleboards here, too, and paddle out into the surrounding river. Florida’s largest stretch of undeveloped coastline also awaits at Canaveral National Seashore , with 24 miles of pristine sand for sunbathing, shelling, and swimming.

Panama City Beach

Jacqueline Anders/Getty Images

This former party-heavy destination has pivoted in recent years to become a favorite among families seeking an affordable and cheerful beach vacation in Florida. Panama City Beach’s unpretentious vibes pair with gorgeous Gulf of Mexico beaches, making it a top Panhandle destination. Scuba divers like me flock to the area to blow bubbles underwater at five shipwrecks that are part of the Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail . And you only need a mask and snorkel to fin out from the beach and explore the rock jetty and artificial reef attracting tropical fish, rays, and more at St. Andrews State Park . Book an affordable room at the beachfront Flamingo Hotel and Tower ; hit Shrimp Basket for a budget feast of oysters, wings, and shrimp; and simply bask in the mellow beach vibes.

Pensacola Beach

mrolands/Getty Images

With accommodation options that range from camping at Fort Pickens to the beachfront Pensacola Beach RV Resort and chain hotels to the gorgeous Pensacola Beach Resort , this is another affordable Panhandle destination in Florida. You can explore the area on a budget aboard the 145-passenger Pensacola Bay City Ferry, which connects downtown Pensacola, Fort Pickens, and Pensacola Beach. But you’ll want to jump in the car to visit other gorgeous area beaches, too, like Johnson Beach at Gulf Islands National Seashore and the dune-backed white strand at Perdido Key State Park . From April through October, free bands play at Pensacola Beach, and people bring lawn chairs and settle in for the evening.The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are at home in Pensacola, so you might even be treated to a free show in the sky. Lastly, don’t miss Atlas Oyster House for a lively brunch in town plus cheap bloody marys and bottles of bubbly.

Bradenton Beach

DIANETTE GARCIA/Getty Images

A vacation in Bradenton Beach along Florida’s Gulf Coast puts visitors within a quick drive of some of the region’s most gorgeous beaches along Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key — all for a fraction of the price. You can still find old-school properties like Beach Dreams and BridgeWalk fronting the white sand and historic district here. You can also explore the area for free aboard the Island Trolley , which makes a loop from Bradenton’s Coquina Beach north to Anna Maria Island’s City Pier. Weekends boom with families descending for all-you-can-eat pancakes served with Gulf of Mexico views at the beloved Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe . And the lively Coquina Beach Market , next to Longboat Pass and with all kinds of crafts and handmade items for sale, always makes for a fun, free outing on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

St. Augustine Beach

St. Augustine may be one of Florida’s most touristic (and historic) cities, but you can have a surprisingly affordable beach vacation here, too.

Tour St. Augustine offers free historic walking tours of the downtown attractions every Saturday and Sunday, as well as other options. My kids love riding the free passenger ferry to Rattlesnake Island to play pirates at Fort Matanzas National Monument, which has gorgeous views overlooking the Matanzas River. There’s also a playground that kids love at Lighthouse Park , where you can picnic under the oaks and take in the lighthouse views. When it comes to beach time, there’s no better free activity than bodysurfing and searching the sand for shark teeth at St. Augustine Beach or Vilano Beach, where you'll still find affordable, mom-and-pop properties like Magic Beach Motel .

Lake Worth Beach

Karl Weatherly/Getty Images

Just south of tony Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable vacation along this notoriously pricey stretch of South Florida. The City of Lake Worth Beach pier is a favorite spot among surfers and has a buzzing breakfast joint — Benny’s on the Beach , where the kids can fill up on French toast and pancakes, then scoot down to the sand, while the bloody marys and mimosas flow for adults. Between Lake Worth and Lantana, just south, there are plenty of mom-and-pop hotels within a short bike ride of the beaches, including Beachway Inn and Barefoot Mailman Inn & Suites . The Lake Worth Beach Waterside Farmers Market is a lively place to spend a Saturday morning from October through April, with coffee, music, and dancing in the street. Free concerts and festivals with lagoon views often play out at the bandshell at Bryant Park Pavilion, too.

Indian Rocks Beach

Joel Waldrop/Getty Images

Beloved by locals, but often overlooked where it sits between busier St. Pete Beach to the south and Clearwater Beach to the north, Indian Rocks Beach is one of my go-tos for an affordable beach vacation in the Tampa Bay area, where I live.

Sign the family up for surf lessons with Sister Jo’s Surf School (the waves are almost always ideal for beginners) and stroll the boardwalk through a marshy forest at the small but beautiful Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve. “I love that you can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling here, and the white sand is perfect for building castles and finding unique shells,” says Karimah Henry of Crafting a Fun Life .

When I visit with my own family, I love staying just south of Indian Rocks Beach, in Indian Shores, at the affordable Legacy Vacation Resorts . A certified B Corp property, it fronts the Intracoastal Waterway and has an outdoor grilling area where we cook hot dogs and hamburgers to save on dining out while enjoying some of the best waterfront views around.

Bonita Springs

dosecreative/Getty Images

Just north of flashy Naples, Bonita Springs offers an affordable Florida beach vacation with access to equally lovely Gulf of Mexico sand. Make the Hyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove your base, and enjoy the 1,000-foot lazy river, fire pit, barbecue area, and tiki bar. Nearby, Lovers Key State Park 's two miles of undeveloped sand beckons for shelling and boogie boarding. Dive into more of the area’s singular tropical nature at Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary , where you can stroll along a boardwalk through the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. When hunger strikes, follow the neon to Mel’s Diner , which serves comfort foods like pot roast melts and pulled pork sandwiches that won’t break the bank.

Related Articles

Memorial Day road trip ahead. Here are the best and worst times to go in Florida, the Southeast

Memorial Day is rapidly approaching, which means millions will be hitting the roadways or skies for a quick weekend getaway.

AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period. This is a 4% increase over last year, with experts noting this comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers. 

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, said. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”  

When is Memorial Day 2024? When is Memorial Day weekend 2024?

Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday of May, with this year's being on Monday, May 27. Memorial Day weekend starts on Friday, May 24, and lasts through the holiday until Monday.

Why we celebrate: What to know about federal holiday, what’s open in Florida

Which will be more congested for Memorial Day travel — roadways or airports?

According to AAA, road trips are expected to set a record with 38.4 million people projected to travel by car over Memorial Day weekend. Drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.

Renting a car for your road trip? Florida-based rental company  Hertz  says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand, with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. 

But airports are also bracing for a large surge of travelers next weekend.

Is Memorial Day a busy airport day?

AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019.

"This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11," AAA said in its press release.

As for other modes of transportation, AAA predicts nearly two million people are expected to travel by buses, cruises, and train.

“This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.” 

When are the best and worst times to travel on Memorial Day?

For those planning a road trip for the holiday weekend, transportation data and insights provider INRIX offers the best times to get on the road.

Experts advise drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.  

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said.

What are the busiest travel days around Memorial Day?

Thursday, may 23.

• Best times: Before 11 a.m., After 7 p.m.
• Worst Times: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, May 24

• Best times: Before 11 a.m., After 8 p.m.
• Worst Times: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 25

• Best times: Before 11 a.m., After 6 p.m.
• Worst Times: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 26

• Best times: Before 1 p.m.
• Worst Times: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Monday, May 27

• Best times: After 7 p.m.

Floridians beware: Other states are heading to Florida to vacation

Whether Florida residents plan on traveling or relaxing at home all weekend, they might want to be aware of the thousands of others joining them.

AAA compiled a list of the top domestic travel destinations for Memorial Day weekend, with three Florida cities making the list:

• Orlando, Florida
• Seattle, Washington
• New York City, New York
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Anaheim/Los Angeles, California
• Denver, Colorado
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Miami, Florida
• Boston, Massachusetts

"This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed," AAA writes.

Florida gas prices drop as summer travel season kicks off, says AAA

Florida's gas prices are on the decline, says AAA. 

According to the Auto Club Group Florida gas prices have seen a downtick over the past 10 days, dropping 11 cents per gallon. 

See also:  Free admission for kids is back at Palm Beach Zoo

Sunday's state average was $3.45 per gallon which is about 5 cents less than a week ago, but 6 cents more than this time last year. 

"The summer travel season is beginning with gasoline prices that are 20 cents less than the highest price this year," said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "While gasoline prices are usually volatile through the summer months, recent futures prices suggest the state average could move lower this week."

Florida's most expensive gas markets by region: 

• West Palm Beach - Boca Raton ($3.64) 
• Naples ($3.55)
• Fort Lauderdale ($3.51)

Florida's least expensive gas markets by region: 

• Crestview - Fort Walton Beach ($3.16) 
• Panama City - ($3.18) 
• Pensacola ($3.21) 

Ways to save on gasoline, as provided AAA: 

• Combine errands to limit driving time.
• Shop around for the best gas prices in your community.
• Pay with cash. Some retailers charge extra per gallon for customers who pay with a credit card.
• Remove excess weight in your vehicle. Every 100 pounds taken out of the vehicle improves fuel economy by 1-2 percent.
• Drive conservatively. Aggressive acceleration and speeding reduces fuel economy.

Resources for drivers provided by AAA: 

• Enroll in savings programs. AAA Members who enroll in Shell's Fuel Rewards program can save 30 cents per gallon on their first fill-up and 5 cents per gallon each additional trip to the pump. Click here for more information.
• Get a tune-up. Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained to optimize its fuel economy. Visit AAA.com/AutoRepair to find a certified repair shop.
• Find the lowest gas prices in your area by using the free AAA mobile app.
• Determine anticipated fuel costs for your trip by using the AAA's Gas Cost Calculator.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Travelers cope with crowds and high prices on the busiest day of Memorial Day weekend

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed the next few days as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend getaways and then return home.

Airports around the country are bracing for the travel rush as Americans head out for Memorial Day weekend. AAA predicts 43.8 million people expected to travel between Thursday and Monday. (AP Video: Tassanee Vejpongsa)

Highways and airports are likely to be jammed this weekend, as Americans head out on Memorial Day weekend getaways. AAA says this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years.

Travelers on Florida’s Turnpike are experiencing relatively light traffic at the start of the Memorial Day weekend, with no major congestion reported, allowing them to focus on their wallets instead of their anxiety about traffic. (AP video by Cody Jackson)

Travelers walk through Salt Lake City International Airport Friday, May 24, 2024, in Salt Lake City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

• Copy Link copied

Travelers move through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Michelle Winters plays the violin as passengers stand in line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Cars drive through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ahead of Memorial Day, Friday, May 24, 2024, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Gasoline prices are displayed on a sign outside a service station as the Memorial Day holiday travel period kicks off Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Greenwood Village, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Traffic slowly moves along Interstate 405 on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles. Highways and airports are likely to be jammed in the coming days as Americans head out on and home from Memorial Day weekend getaways. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Travelers contended with big crowds and flight delays Friday, which was expected to be the busiest day of the Memorial Day weekend.

More than 6,000 U.S. flights were delayed by early evening on the East Coast, continuing a trend that has tested the patience of travelers all week. Cancellations were more modest, at slightly more than 200, according to tracking data from FlightAware.

There were delays on the highways, too.

Along Florida’s Turnpike, Wallis Tinnie said a traffic accident and road work slowed her drive to an African American history commemoration in the Florida Panhandle, the site in 1816 of the first battle of the Seminole Wars.

“But we’re comfortable with it,” the Miami woman said during a stop at Port Saint Lucie. “We left early, and our event is tomorrow. So hopefully — God willing, creek don’t rise — we’ll be there in plenty of time.”

The Transportation Security Administration predicted that Friday would be the busiest day of the holiday weekend for air travel, with nearly 3 million people expected to pass through airport checkpoints . TSA screened just under 2.9 million people Thursday, coming within about 11,000 of breaking the record set on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year.

Pasha Pidlubniak waits for a domestic flight at Miami International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Miami. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

“Airports are going to be more packed than we have seen in 20 years,” AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said.

Highways also are likely to be jammed as motorists head out of town and then return home. AAA predicted this will be the busiest start-of-summer weekend in nearly 20 years, with 43.8 million people expected to roam at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday — 38 million of them taking vehicles.

The annual expression of wanderlust that accompanies the start of the summer travel season is happening at a time when Americans tell pollsters they are worried about the economy and the direction of the country.

“Memorial Day is a holiday weekend. I get to hang with family and friends, so I’d say that’s priceless, right?” Nene Efebo said during a two-hour wait for a delayed flight at Denver International Airport. “Anything to hang out with family and friends.”

Victoria Ramos Valdes of Miami was taking a driving vacation with her husband, Blake, and their children, ages 3 and 4 months old.

“We said, hey, we’re going to go for a $300 budget, and the hotel is around $150,” she said, but it has a water slide, providing plenty of entertainment. “We’re taking a nice family trip and doing our best to have the best Memorial Day weekend possible.”

Some travelers reported experiencing sticker shock when they booked their trips. Upon arriving at Philadelphia International Airport, Ciarra Marsh said the city “was not our original destination, but we chose here because it was cheaper.”

At Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Larisa Latimer of New Lenox, Illinois, said her airfare was reasonable but other expenses for a getaway to New Orleans were not.

Motorists travel along Interstate 24 near the Interstate 40 interchange Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

“I just have to make the accommodation,” she said. “The rental car is up ... this year, the hotel accommodations were very unusually expensive.”

Kathy Larko of Fort Myers, Florida, used frequent-flyer miles — and some flexible scheduling — to pay for her trip to Chicago.

Travelers wait at a TSA checkpoint at the Los Angeles International Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Los Angeles. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

“I’m really conscious of looking at the cost of the entire trip. We’re staying a little farther out than we normally would” to get a lower hotel rate, she said. “We’re also flying back a day later, because we could get cheaper miles.”

The weekend’s highway traffic and crowded airports could be a sample of what is to come for several more weeks. U.S. airlines expect to carry a record number of passengers this summer. Their trade group estimates that 271 million travelers will fly between June 1 and August 31, breaking the record of 255 million set – you guessed it – last summer .

George Ridley, 4, left, rides on a suitcase as he and his father Chris Ridley make their way through the Nashville international Airport, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to travel over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

This story was previously updated to correct the spelling Fort Myers, Florida.

Cody Jackson in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, Melissa Perez Winder in Chicago and Shelley Adler in Washington contributed to this report.