Swine flu fears are no fun. Neither is a recession. Bah. Might as well stay close to home this summer -- especially when the deals for us residents are so fierce. We found a few:

BROWARD COUNTY

WHAT'S IN A NAME? Last fall, the new St. Regis on Fort Lauderdale beach went ritzy with a new name -- Ritz-Carlton -- and the group's legendary service. Check it out for yourself with a Just for Fun rate starting at $229 from June 1-Sept. 30. The package includes a $25 resort credit, two bar cocktails, two bike rentals daily and a $25 gift certificate from Neiman Marcus. www.ritzcarlton.com; 954-465-2300.

LUXE IT UP: Laundry is piling up, the tiles could use a good hose-down. Let someone else do the cleaning at the posh Atlantic Hotel, where from May 11-Aug. 31, grand deluxe rooms with kitchenettes run from $169 a night; suites $30 more. The Atlantic deal includes Internet access; breakfast for two at Trina, their AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant; and valet parking. 954-567-8020, www.atlantichotelfl.com (rate code: PKFLO).

DOUBLE THE PLEASURE: The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is again promoting two-for-one deals from June 1-Sept. 30. One example package is a $169 double at Trump International Beach Resort, June 1-Sept. 30. Mighty fine considering this property's amenities -- water sports, spa, children's activities and more.

MIAMI-DADE

HOT STUFF: A lot of new hotels on the scene -- one hip option is the Gansevoort South, with its gorgeous pool deck; edgy nightclub, Louis; and wacky aquarium in the lobby. Pop over and receive 20 percent off best available rate in any room category (doubles from $156), plus 10 percent off at gift shops, two bottles of water upon departure and valet parking. Through Oct. 31; reservations must be made via www.gansevoortsouth.com. Look for the Florida Residents Package.

ARTFUL RETREATS: Known for its collection of contemporary art, the Sagamore Hotel (right on the beach) offers a Florida resident from June 1-Sept. 30 starting at $175. If you've got a group of girlfriends, ask about the Girls Night Out special, starting at $69 each for four 'girls,' minimum two-night stay. www.Sagamorehotel.com; 305-535-8088.

ON THE KEY: Geographically close but mentally so far, Key Biscayne dishes up the Caribbean without the plane ride. At the Ritz-Carlton, the Reconnect package starts at $259 and includes lodging, daily breakfast buffet for two and a daily resort credit of $30. www.ritzcarlton.com; 305-365-4500.

GOING GREEN: Golf gratis at Aventura's Fairmont Turnberry Isle, which is giving away one round per night for every person staying in the room. From $159 per room, based on double occupancy, from May 21-Sept. 30, 2009. Cart fees extra. Bonus: Florida residents always get 10 percent off lodging. www.fairmont.com/turnberryisle, 866-840-8069, 305-932-6200.

FAMILY AFFAIR:Ocean Force Adventures gives a complimentary tour voucher (a $150 value) for one child with the purchase of two adult tickets, or 2 children at half-price ($75) with the purchase of two adult tickets on their 2-hour Biscayne Bay Adventure Sightseeing excursions through Aug. 31. 305- 372-3388, www.oceanforceadventures.com.

BY THE SEA: SoFi's all-suite Hilton Bentley -- with Tom Billante's new Ristorante VIVI -- has rates starting $199 per night. The Summer Staycation package, June 1-Sept. 30, works out if you stay a long weekend. Book three nights and the fourth is free, as is daily access to the beach club. www.bentleymiamisouthbeach.hilton.com, 305-938-4600.

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