TALLAHASSEE - Florida League of Mayors (FLM) president Pegeen Hanrahan, Mayor, Gainesville, joined Governor Charlie Crist and a coalition of business and other organizations today to announce a new incentive for Floridians to spend their money locally. The "Florida Backyard Card" unveiled today rewards consumers who spend their money with hundreds of participating businesses across the state. The Florida League of Mayors has joined the grassroots campaign to support Florida-based businesses and boost the economy in cities throughout the state.

"The revenues produced from dollars spent in our communities pay for vital services such as roads, schools, police protection, fire service and public safety---not to mention other services such as parks and libraries, without which our lives simply would not be the same," said Mayor Hanrahan.

The Florida Backyard Card is part of the "Backyard Economics" campaign launched last month by the business coalition led by the Florida Retail Federation and the Florida Chamber. The partnership with the Florida League of Mayors has allowed the coalition to expand the campaign, making local spending a win-win for citizens throughout the state.

The Florida Backyard Card is available for free at Florida Lottery retailers across the state and online at FloridaBackyardCard.com.

Other backers of the "Backyard Economics" campaign and Florida Backyard Card include the the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals, the Florida Press Association, the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and Florida TaxWatch, the nonpartisan, nonprofit research institute and government watchdog. For more information about the campaign, visit www.FloridaBackyardCard.com.