While cold weather this winter has been unusually rough on residents of the North and Midwest, it is proving to be a boon for businesses on Pinellas County's beaches.

Higher than average occupancy rates began in January, well before the magic months of March and April, when tourism is at its peak. Hotels enjoyed occupancy rates of 90 to 100 percent in March thanks to international visitors, spring breakers and Phillies fans.

Canadians and Germans, who love Pinellas County, came in full force.

And teens and college students, who love themselves, snapped up hundreds of selfie sticks at surf stores.

"Last year was good but this year is even better. The families are coming in now. Before this week we had a lot of college kids," said Carl Palmer, manager of the Clearwater Beach Wings on Poinsettia Avenue. "The selfie sticks were flying off the shelf."

Members of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce are seeing a great season, chamber president Robin Sollie said.

"The rental car agencies are all out of cars. The beach trolley has been full every time I see it go by," she said. "I haven't heard any downsides at all, well, except for all the traffic. But we all know that's the challenge we face when we have a good season."

She's also hearing that the bump in business started earlier than usual. Bed tax revenues support that.

"We were up more than 23 percent (in January) compared to last year," said David Downing, executive director of the tourism marketing agency Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. "There is a huge demand, and that demand is being reflected in occupancy and (higher) rates."

January bed taxes topped $3 million for the first time, he added.

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Spring breakers to seniors swarm the beaches