The federal government shutdown, now in its third week, is beginning to show signs of strain on Brevard County's tourism sector. Local business owners say the closure of national parks and federal facilities has discouraged out-of-state travelers from visiting the Space Coast. "We've seen a 20% drop in weekend visitors compared to last month," said Maria Gonzalez, owner of Cocoa Beach's Surfside Inn. "People are canceling reservations because they don't want to deal with the uncertainty." The Kennedy Space Center, which typically draws 1.2 million visitors annually, has reported a 15% decrease in ticket sales since the shutdown began on December 22. While the center remains open, federal employees are working without pay, leading to reduced staffing and slower service. "It's not just about the numbers," said Tim Reynolds, a tour guide with Brevard Adventure Tours. "We're losing the human element. Our guides are stressed, and guests can tell." Local hotels and restaurants are adapting by offering discounts and bundling services. The Cocoa Village Inn has introduced a "Space Coast Staycation" package that includes a Kennedy Space Center tour and a dinner for two at a nearby restaurant. "We're trying to keep locals engaged," said manager Lisa Chen. "But it's hard to replace the federal dollars that usually flow through this area." County officials are monitoring the situation closely. Brevard's tourism director, James Porter, said the impact could worsen if the shutdown extends beyond two weeks. "We're in constant communication with state and federal partners," he said. "But ultimately, the decision to resolve this lies with Congress." As of Friday, 1,200 federal employees in Brevard County had been furloughed, according to the Department of Labor. The shutdown has also disrupted seasonal events, including the Cocoa Beach Christmas parade, which was postponed due to staffing shortages at the city's recreation department.