LEE COUNTY, Fla.-- Lee County will begin an aggressive TV campaign in key northern markets, to advertise that beaches here are clear of oil.  The campaign will cost $750,000.

"We need to get the message out that we are fine here, book your visits," said Tamara Pigott, Director of the Visitor and Convention Bureau.  "This is going to be very aggressive and very creative.  The theme will be:   Still Pristine."

The Tourist Development Council voted unanimously on Friday to tap emergency reserve funds to launch the campaign.    Pigott says the staff will produce the spots in the next 10 days or so, and then air for a 2 week period up north.   The money also could be used for other 2-week  blitzes on air, later this summer.

"Some of our businesses have lost money because of the oil scare.  We have to re-assure people that we do not have oil on the beaches anywhere near here," said Pigott. 

At the same time, Lee Co.  reported good visitor numbers for April.  They increased by 3.5% over April of 2009, and more people are staying in hotels.   Year to date, visitor numbers have increased about 5% over 2009, which officials described as very encouraging.