Great 4th of July Weekend in Mexico Beach Fl

We had a great weekend in Mexico Beach!     All the hotels on the beach were filled as well as the majority of vacation rentals.    The weather (on and off rain showers) didn't deter any of the revelers!!! 

The fireworks were great---its always a great time to sit on the beach and watch all the private fireworks before and after the City show. 

If you were one of the zillion people who called to make reservations at the last minute and couldn't find a place to stay-------I hope you book early next year!!!

_____________________________________________________

As for the oil-----------WE HAVE NONE!!    The men/women on the beach, the boats in the water, the aerial flyovers are all looking for it and THERE HAS BEEN NO CONFIRMED SIGHTINGS OF ANY OIL OF ANY KIND in our area. 

Below is a picture of the most recent trajectory map.   I've put a circle where Mexico Beach to Cape San Blas is just in case some of you are not familiar with the area. 

Of course, we are still anticipating some kind of effects of the oil.  By the time it gets here, they say it will be
weathered, meaning non-toxic.   

The one thing I can say is that we are NOT going to look anything like what it looks like in Lousiana!   We are expecting tar balls, perhaps some tar mats.......If it comes on-shore, I can assure you it will be cleaned up quickly!!!!  

Other than that we are taking this one day at a time!!!

As of right now, we are oil free, open for business, and as beautiful as ever!!

___________________________________________________________

The Federal fishing has been closed, meaning you can only fish in state waters---that's about 9 miles out from the beach.    While my husband is a charter boat captain, I can only speak the basic language of fishing, so please call him with any specific questions when related to fishing!!!    Chip:  850-527-6272.


The MBARA annual King fish Tourney is approaching quickly--the end of August. 

The way it stands right now, the tournament is still on.   We will have the Captain's Party at the El Governor Friday night, the 27th.  The tournament will start Saturday.  Awards afterwards at Marquardt's. 

We are going to cancel the fish fry at Beacon Hill park just because there are too many variables to plan for it adequately now---but next year!!!!!!!

I believe there is also going to be a dance at Toucan's Saturday night!!

It's still going to be a fun weekend no matter what, so don't change your plans! 

4th of July in Mexico Beach Fl

We are seeing no oil of any kind on our beaches.   The Deepwater Horizon website says they have spotted oil 30 miles from Panama City.  So while it is definitely getting closer it has not and will not hit our beaches this weekend!

The Whale, the massive skimmer from Taiwan, has arrived on the coast of Louisiana.  It can supposedly skim 300,000-400,000 barrels of oil a day!!    Finally, some real help!!!

We are continuing to daily patrol the beach, the water, the air for signs of oil.  

While our weather has been extremely rainy all week (Thanks to tropical depression Alex) we still plan on having a great 4th of July.    A 5K race in the morning, kids fishing tourney on the canal, and of course the fireworks.   They will be shot off the pier---so bring chairs, blankets....and watch the show on the beach!!

Have a great weekend!   I'll be working this weekend if you are interested in seeing any property!!!
Mary
850-896-5222

Newest update for the oil spill in Mexico Beach

Below is the recent update on the oil spill and tropical depression Alex.   Mexico Beach remains oil free, clean and open for business.  Looks as if we are going to escape TD Alex as well!!!


On June 27 NOAA places the oil plume 57 miles from Mexico Beach and 244 miles from St. Petersburg.


Winds and currents will prevent a further eastward movement of the oil plume along the northwestern Florida coastline.

Areas already impacted, west of the Choctawhatchee Bay, will continue to receive impacts as the oil plume moves slightly northwest and closer to the shoreline.

No significant amounts of oil are within or moving towards the loop current ring and there is no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits within the next 5 days.

Tropical Storm Alex began to move across the Yucatan Peninsula last night and is expected to reach the Gulf of Mexico by this afternoon.

The majority of the computer models, along with the National Hurricane Center, are forecasting Alex to move towards the west-northwest and impact the coastline near the Texas-Mexico border later this week.

The system is also forecasted to slightly increase in intensity as it moves across the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall.

All Florida Beaches Remain OPEN! Pensacola Beach is open but has been closed to swimming and wading until further notice.

Mary
850-896-5222
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Pictures from the first day of summer in Mexico Beach Fl

Our beaches are still gorgeous, no oil has been sighted from the workers on the ground to the boats in the water to the spotters in the sky!!!!

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Facebook Page

Mexico Beach the first day of Summer

http://map.floridadisaster.org/GATOR/index.html

Above is a great interactive map to show the most current oil sightings and explanations.  Lots of information here!!!

I believe there have been a scattered tar ball here and there between Mexico Beach and Cape San Blas but that's about all for right now.  There are lots of men on the ground scouring for any signs as well as lots of boats in the water looking as well.

We had a gorgeous weekend and the water was beautiful!

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty
Facebook Page

Tar Balls on Panama City Beach

Below is the local news in Panama City.


PANAMA CITY BEACH — Cleanup crews were stretched out along western Bay County beaches Saturday, picking up the first coined-sized tar balls and smaller tar “flecks” from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that residents and officials have dreaded for weeks but knew were coming.




The first tar balls were noticed Friday night on the far west end of Bay County beaches, and an oil sheen was floating 5 miles offshore of Lake Powell, Mark Bowen, Bay County’s emergency services director, said Saturday.



The first oiled bird, a pied-billed grebe, also was rescued after witnesses noticed the bird had oil on its neck and was in distress, Bowen said.



Tri-State Bird Rescue, a nonprofit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization and BP contractor, has taken custody of the animal, county spokeswoman Valerie Lovett said. The bird has been taken to Pensacola for rehabilitation.



“This is harsh, very harsh news for people to hear,” Bowen said, but he asked the community to brace for more bad news if the wellhead near Louisiana’s coast is not capped. The spigot, a mile underneath the surface, is currently leaking millions of gallons of oil a day.



“The general trend over the summer is not favorable,” he said. “It’s our turn.”



BP crews were out early Saturday morning placing red flags near small tar bars on west end beaches for later cleanup, and other crews were later slowly combing sand between State 79 and Pier Park, stooping down to pick up small black clumps and smaller flecks the size of pinheads.



Beachgoers continued to sunbathe and play in the water, even as the orange-vested cleanup crews worked around them.



None of the area beaches have been closed for cleanup, Lovett said.



Bowen said the county has contracted privately for several additional near-shore skimmers that should arrive within days and a deep-water vessel that will arrive in two weeks.



He confirmed that the oil currently reaching local beaches had been tested by infrared spectrometer and was from the Deepwater Horizon spill.



“The release has to be stopped,” Bowen said, while indicating that skimming assets were at the sheen site off Lake Powell on Saturday attempting to collect the oil.



Bowen said a couple dozen tar balls were collected Friday night along a 2-mile stretch of beach in western Bay County, but a robust outgoing tide had swept others away by morning, although more continued to be discovered as Saturday wore on.



“This product is driven by currents and wind,” he said, indicating the elements favored Bay County over the next couple days.



Bowen said the county has collected an enormous amount of boom for deployment to protect the passes, but “I won’t tell you we have everything we need.”



Federal waters west and southwest of Panama City Beach continue to be off-limits to fishing, while federal waters south of Shell Island and all state waters in the area are open.



The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has reported that an “oil plume” was 36 miles from Mexico Beach. A lone tar ball washed ashore early Sunday on the tip of Cape San Blas in Gulf County, the farthest east the oil spill has reached.



Beachgoers are advised not to touch any of the tar goo. Reports of oil can be called into the local hotline at 850-248-6030.

Oily Debris found ashore Panama City Beach

Below is a press release from Bay County Chamber of Commerce.  Unfortunately, the inevitable is upon us.   Mexico Beach is still clean and oil free with no reported effects of the oil spill.   We are expecting another busy weekend.

My prayer for Panama City Beach and us is that the effects are minimal and in a form easy to clean up.

Oiled plastic foam found on Panama City Beach



Bay County Emergency Services Hazmat responders tested a piece of oiled plastic foam found by a kayaker at Panama City Beach Wednesday in the Gulf Highlands area, off Beach Access 39. Preliminary tests of the substance on the Styrofoam matched an oil sample originating from the Deepwater Horizon release that Bay County obtained several weeks ago and is being used as a baseline for local sampling equipment. The item will be turned over to the U.S. Coast Guard for further testing.


Trajectories released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show continued easterly movement of product released following the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion. An unknown amount of product is predicted to be located off Bay County shores by Friday. Residents and visitors may see weathered oil pollutant in different forms.


Bay County continues to prepare for impacts related to the oil release. Visit www.baycountyfl.gov for important phone numbers and information and to sign up for E-mail updates about the oil release.

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty
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Mexico Beach Beaches still Beautiful and oil free

Vacationers are moving east!    Our rentals and hotels have been filled with vacationers trying to out run the oil spill. 

Check out this website I just found.  It shows a true aerial of where the oil has been located.  Zoom in and you can see Fort Walton Beach all the way to Apalachicola has had no oil reported. 

Mexico Beach is still clean and oil free!

Mary
850-896-5222

Oil Spill Update for Mexico Beach Florida

NO OIL IN MEXICO BEACH FLORIDA!

We had another absolutely gorgeous weekend (HOT!) with LOTS of people enjoying our beautiful white sand beaches!    The water was calm for both beach goers and fishermen!
Gulf County deployed some boom to protect the Bay (although there has be no sighting of oil in Gulf County)---the bay is still navigable, however.   There are daily fly overs to spot any oil in our area as well as people on the ground walking the beaches.      The oil is still about 80 miles from our area, but I guess its better to be safe than sorry. 

Below is more information about the oil spill taken from the DeepWater Horizon websites.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in coordination with Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Health, issued an executive order to temporarily close a portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp.  The FWC is taking precautionary actions regarding harvest and consumption of these marine species, which may be affected by oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The closure includes state waters from the beaches out 9 nautical miles into the Gulf from the Alabama line east to the Pensacola Beach water tower.  Interior bays and estuaries remain open to fishing.  This area covers approximately 23 miles of Florida's coastline in Escambia County, where oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill is now present (see map).

Recreational catch-and-release fishing is still allowed as long as saltwater fish are not harvested or possessed in the closed area.

Oysters, clams and mussels are not included in the closure, because they are not expected to be affected by oil in the area.

Some very good news:
Gov. Charlie Crist has announced that the recreational harvest season for bay scallops in Florida will open 12 days earlier than usual this year.  The governor is taking this action to help relieve possible economic hardships on Florida fishing communities that may occur due to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  SCALLOP SEASON OPENING JUNE 19 THRU SEPTEMBER 10.

Unfortunately, an oil plume of about two miles wide by 40 miles long has been spotted 9 miles of the Pensacola Pass.  Both Perdido Pass and Pensacola pass have been closed to prevent oil from entering the inland waters. 

Five in sized tar balls and tar patties were found in areas from the Alabama/Florida line to Walton County.   Clean up teams are responding as they wash up.

Below is the best map I've seen to show where the oil has made landfall.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/05/27/us/20100527-oil-landfall.html

If you aren't familiar with the location of Mexico Beach in the Panhandle take a look at the map below and compare the oil landfall to where we are--80 miles away.
Map of Mexico Beach

So, in a nutshell,  the oil is not here in Mexico Beach to Cape San Blas in any form, sheen, tar balls,  tar patties-------our sand and water is beautiful and we are open for business!!!!

Fishing is the best its been in years!!!      

Please don't hesitate to call with any questions or concerns!!!

We are all taking this one day at a time and I will continue to update you!

Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Mexico Beach Real Estate on Facebook

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Oil Spill update for Mexico Beach Florida

Take a look at this link showing where oil has made landfall.   Click here.   As you can see, it has NOT MADE LANDFALL in Panama City Beach or further east to Mexico Beach or Cape San Blas.

Our beaches are as beautiful as always, no tar balls, no oil sheen, no oil fumes, just beautiful white sand and blue green waters. 

We are taking all kinds of precautions though---There are daily flyovers for aerial observation, there are boats patrolling the waters and even people on the beach watching for anything washing up on shore. 

If it was close by we would certainly know it!!!

Gulf County has deployed some boom to protect the Bay.  It is still open for navigation though and since the fishing is absolutely awesome right now, you'll want to get out there this weekend and take advantage of it!!!

Chip has been catching limits of snapper within just a few hours, king mackeral are around and he even snagged a few grouper the other day. 

While I can't predict where the oil will go in the next several weeks I do believe that by the time it makes it over this way, if it does, it will be pretty much dissipated, non-toxic, and diluted.   We are not going to see the gooey, orange, thick mess that poor Louisiana is experiencing.   We can live with a few tar balls on the beach----we always have those!
Just to catch you up on the real estate end---------we continue to show and sell!!!    Looking at the sales numbers for so far this year:

At the end of the 1st quarter, the average sales price was down 25% over the


same period last year. To date, the average sales price is down 16%. This

could mean that the steep price decline that we have seen over the years is

starting to ease up...possibly nearing that "bottom" that we've talked about

for years.
 
Interest rates are still under 5% which is amazing!   Lenders are lending to buyers with good credit and 20% down for those 2nd homes.
 
Buyers are definitely taking advantage of this market, knowing that even if we get a little oil over here----it's not going to last long! 

NO OIL IN ST. JOE BAY

Below is the press release from Senator Don Gaetz this morning.
I did cut out some information that really didn't apply to our area---Please read the whole thing!!!!


Looks as if Gulf County is doing some prepartory work with boom placement across the bay. However, there has been no oil sighted--they are just being proactive!!

Mexico Beach is clean and beautiful!

Latest Oil Spill Developments: From Senator Don Gaetz


Local Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in the following counties are now activated: Escambia – Level 2 (partial); Santa Rosa – Level 2 (partial); Okaloosa – Level 2 (partial); Bay – Level 2 (partial); Gulf – Level 2; Wakulla – Level 2 (partial)



STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (SERT) RECONNAISSANCE: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reports that tarballs and tar patties have reached the shore in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Okaloosa counties. "Tarmats" (tabletop size or larger) have been spotted offshore, and recon teams are relaying locations to skimming teams to collect that product before it reaches shore. Recon teams are working from Escambia through Gulf. Contract clean up teams are on site and working to clean the oil as it comes ashore. Current oiling is light and scattered, sheen and tarballs will continue to come onshore in a weathered condition at least through Thursday due to weather conditions. Impact will be on the western panhandle counties (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton and Okaloosa) with possible impacts farther east (Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor) through Thursday. Sheen has been spotted less than 4 miles offshore of Pensacola. DEP and FWC continue reconnaissance by air, sea, and land. Recon activities will be increased as the oil continues to move toward the east, and continues to move closer to shore. Recon teams are now "patrolling" the beaches in the affected counties. There are two overflights (weather permitting) at 5 and 10 miles offshore each day. In addition, vessels are in the water to confirm sightings, and DEP has established a mobile command post at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin for deployment of 25 ATVs which are patrolling the shorelines. Recon information is being relayed back immediately to the SEOC and local EOCs for action.



.At this time, oil is located approximately 85 miles southwest of Gulf County, and approximately 260 miles west of Pinellas County with some sheen approximately 210 miles offshore of St. Petersburg in the Loop Ring. Oil remains approximately 265 northwest of the Dry Tortugas.







SERT ACTIONS FOR TODAY: Reconnaissance, reporting, and deployment of contracted clean up teams are the top priorities for today. The goal is to keep beaches clean, safe, and open. SCAT teams (coastal response teams) are in place and responding. First and second tier booming operations are over 90% complete for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay counties. Boom staging and deployment continues in Gulf and Franklin counties. One concern with boom operations is balancing boom placement with navigation. Booms are not allowed to block navigable waters unless there is imminent landfalling oil. The Coast Guard must give permission to block navigable waterways. In order to prepare for rapid deployment of booms across inlets and other navigable waterways, teams are "wet staging" boom in the water next to waterways so that they can be closed off in very short time frames, if needed.

HEALTH: DOH is staffing Unified Command Sector Mobile effective today as part of the Environmental Public Health Task Force, which consists of participation by BP, federal partners and the states. Florida actively participates in the following sub/workgroups:





MEDIA / MESSAGE / RUMOR CONTROL:



Rumor control continues to be a critical component of the SEOC response. Please check all information before passing it along. Our beaches are open, teams are stopping, or cleaning up, the oil as it arrives on Florida shores, and we should not think in terms of “a tidal wave” of oil, but in terms of manageable amounts of oil arriving in weathered condition, and there is a plan for containment and clean up in place and it is being activated.



FLORIDA’S BEAUTIFUL BEACHES REMAIN OPEN – ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO COME ON DOWN TO FLORIDA!

City of Mexico Beach and the oil spill

1 So far Mexico Beach has no tar balls or oil sheen near our beaches. However, I've had a lot of folks ask what they should do if they see anything on the beach. Below is the City Administrators response to that specific question. If anyone sees tar balls, they should not touch them but mark their location and call (850) 248-6030; that number is the local number to report oiled water or beaches. If they want to call a toll free number to report oil, that number is (800) 448-5816. If there is an oil sheen, we will already know about it because sheens are easily seen from the air. What the EOC has told us is that the oil has been in the water so long that by the time it hits the beaches to our west, all the toxins have evaporated and so the tar balls are non-toxic. They also don't have any smell so it isn't going to smell like oil or tar. The reason why the people only need to mark them, not touch them (even though they are non-toxic), and call one of the two above numbers is because DEP will come out, collect the tar balls, and run tests on them. This will also prevent them from needing to look for a place to dispose of the tar balls. If people want to volunteer, have them contact the Red Cross at (866) 448-5816 or via e-mail at oilspill@redcrosspc.org REALLY GOOD INFORMATION BELOW!!! This is from the City Administrator as well.  Just FYI, as of today, we have 25 contractors on our beaches, checking for tar balls. They also have two mules for added mobility. If anyone asks you about all these people, you will be able to inform them of this fact. Also, as of this morning, I requested boom, from both Bay County and BP, so that we can boom off the canal; we will use the boom for as long as the oil impact is relatively minor (like what is currently occurring in Pensacola and Walton County); however, if we are forecasted to receive a large patch of tar balls or an oil sheen, we will at that point completely sand the canal closed. Sanding the canal shut for anything less than a major oil impact would be "over-kill" and, with the booms, we can keep some access into and out of our canal for use by BP's contractors, vessels of opportunity, or fishing boats (if the fishing areas aren't shut down).

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

So far Mexico Beach has no tar balls or oil sheen near our beaches.


However, I've had a lot of folks ask what they should do if they see anything on the beach.

Below is the City Administrators response to that specific question

If anyone sees tar balls, they should not touch


them but mark their location and call (850) 248-6030; that number is the


local number to report oiled water or beaches. If they want to call a toll


free number to report oil, that number is (800) 448-5816. If there is an


oil sheen, we will already know about it because sheens are easily seen


from the air.




What the EOC has told us is that the oil has been in the


water so long that by the time it hits the beaches to our west, all the


toxins have evaporated and so the tar balls are non-toxic. They also don't


have any smell so it isn't going to smell like oil or tar.




The reason why the people only need to mark them, not touch them (even


though they are non-toxic), and call one of the two above numbers is


because DEP will come out, collect the tar balls, and run tests on them.


This will also prevent them from needing to look for a place to dispose of


the tar balls. If people want to volunteer, have them contact the Red
Cross at (866) 448-5816 or via e-mail at oilspill@redcrosspc.org


REALLY GOOD INFORMATION BELOW!!!

This is from the City Administrator as well.

Just FYI, as of today, we have 25 contractors on our beaches, checking for


tar balls. They also have two mules for added mobility. If anyone asks


you about all these people, you will be able to inform them of this fact.


Also, as of this morning, I requested boom, from both Bay County and BP, so


that we can boom off the canal; we will use the boom for as long as the


oil impact is relatively minor (like what is currently occurring in


Pensacola and Walton County); however, if we are forecasted to receive a


large patch of tar balls or an oil sheen, we will at that point completely


sand the canal closed. Sanding the canal shut for anything less than a


major oil impact would be "over-kill" and, with the booms, we can keep some


access into and out of our canal for use by BP's contractors, vessels of


opportunity, or fishing boats (if the fishing areas aren't shut down).



I remain optimistic that we are going to see a minimal affect here at Mexico Beach!!

Don't hesitate to call me with any questions!
Mary
850-896-5222

Below is the newest press release for Today. I usually just pick out several of the statements that directly impact Mexico Beach, but I've pasted in the whole report.


To add my 2 cents: Mexico Beach is not seeing any oil sheen or tar balls. I have heard of reports from fisherman about 7 miles out that they are seeing oil sheen and possibly some oil product a few feet under the water.

The City of Mexico Beach is meeting tomorrow to decide when they should close in the canal to prevent oil from entering.

I believe they (BP) is constructing a boom line to close off the Bay---I haven't heard when they will do that , but will let you know when I find out!!

As of today, fishing off Mexico Beach and in the Bay is still open.

Driving along Mexico Beach this morning, there are still people enjoying our beautiful coastline!!!! I'll post pictures when I have a chance!!

MEDIA ADVISORY: MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2010
CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION (ESF 14): (850) 921-0217
FLORIDA DEEPWATER HORIZON RESPONSE JUNE 7, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.

Landfall Reports and Predictions:

• June 6, dime to silver dollar-sized tar balls and tar patties continue to be found in widely scattered areas from the Alabama state line east to Laguna Beach in Bay County. Clean up teams have been dispatched.

 According to NOAA projections, additional impacts are expected throughout northwest Florida within the next 72 hours due to onshore winds.

 Multiple skimmers have been dispatched to collect tar mats and sheen.
• Potential impacts to Florida’s shoreline will likely be highly weathered, in the form of tar balls, oil sheen, tar mats or mousse – a pudding-like oil/water mixture that could be brown, rust or orange in color.

• Observations by NOAA continue to indicate that a small portion of the oil slick, in the form of light sheens, has reached the Loop Current Ring, a circular current which was formerly part of the Loop Current but has pinched off at the Florida Straits.

• Florida continues to monitor the location of the Loop Current Ring for potential reattachment to the Florida straits. o There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill-related oil products reaching the shore beyond the Panhandle region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours.

• Learn more at the NOAA website. If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.

On Site Actions:

• Current projections estimate Deepwater Horizon’s discharge at 12,000 to 19,000 barrels per day. Learn more.

• BP has placed Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap Containment System in an attempt to contain the leak and capture a substantial amount of the leaking oil. BP has begun pumping gas and oil to the surface. There is hope that a significant portion of the flow will be captured, but this is only a temporary and partial fix. Learn more.

• Meanwhile, BP is continuing efforts to drill relief wells.

• To discuss spill related damage with BP representatives, please call the BP Claims Reporting Line at 1-800-440-0858

State Actions:

• The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 1.

• June 5, DEP began operating a mobile command post at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin for reconnaissance missions. A team of staff on 25 all-terrain vehicles will monitor the coastline from Escambia County east to Gulf County for potential impacts. Each all-terrain vehicle will monitor five miles of shoreline.
• June 4, Governor Charlie Crist announced that his request for a Fishery Failure Determination for Florida has been granted by the United States Department of Commerce. Impacted fisherman and affected businesses can now qualify for economic injury loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

• BP has opened claims offices in Florida. Visit the BP Claims Page to learn more.

• On June 3, Governor Crist sent a letter to Mr. Lamar McKay, President, BP America requesting BP to commit $100 million to enhance monitoring, evaluating and responding to the constantly changing conditions related to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

• Governor Charlie Crist has issued three Executive Orders since April 30, 2010 declaring a state of emergency in 26 coastal counties that may see impacts.

• DEP issued an Emergency Final Order to accelerate preparedness and restoration in the counties under the Governor’s state-of-emergency Executive Orders.

• On May 18, 2010 the Small Business Administration (SBA) opened eight offices and a mobile unit in the Panhandle. To date, these offices have issued a total of 190 applications. Find an office here.

 DEP conducted water and sediment sampling to use as a baseline and is monitoring air quality data. Statewide air quality monitoring is conducted in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Learn more at http://www.airnow.gov/ or http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.

o Air quality reports for June 6 revealed that air quality was considered good for ozone and particulate matter in the Panhandle. “Good” means the air quality is satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Boom Placement:

 Approximately 261,750 feet of boom has been placed in Florida along the most sensitive areas of the Panhandle and 9,200 feet is staged. Additionally, counties in the region are moving forward with supplemental booming plans.

 Placement of boom is based on where the oil is threatening, as well as each region’s area contingency plan.

The Unified Command Operations Group is asking boaters to avoid damaging boom. Boom cut or broken due to boater traffic jeopardizes coastal protection.

Stolen or misplaced boom should be reported to local authorities.

Health Effects:

• At this time, there are no indications of any health risks due to the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Florida Department of Health and DEP are closely monitoring health and environmental impacts to Florida and county health departments will issue an advisory if conditions become unsafe.

• If residents or visitors see tar or oiled debris on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. Report it to the Florida State Warning Point Line at 1-877-272-8335. For most people, an occasional brief contact with a small amount of oil will do no harm, yet still it is not recommended. Learn more.

• In addition, volunteers helping with response efforts are not to engage in direct contact with oil and oil contaminated products such as tar balls, tar patty, tar mats, and oil sheen.

• Only qualified community responders should handle oil products and oil-contaminated materials.

• For general health information questions regarding the oil-spill and exposure to oil spill products contact the Florida Poison Information Centers at 1-800-222-1222.

Fisheries & Seafood:

• June 5, NOAA adjusted the boundaries of the closed fishing area, adding 565 square miles at the northeast edge. On June 4, NOAA revised the fishery closure zone to open the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas to commercial and recreational fishing. All commercial and recreational fishing including catch and release is prohibited in the closed area in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Closing fishing in these areas is a precautionary measure to ensure that seafood from the Gulf will remain safe for consumers. Learn more.

• At this time, Florida’s state waters remain open to recreational fishing.

• Fishermen who wish to contact BP about a claim should call 1-800-440-0858.
• To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401 and leave a message. Messages will be checked hourly.

• For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, rescues should be conducted by trained responders. Learn more.

Tourism:

• Through www.VISITFLORIDA.com, vacationers are able to view live Twitter feeds and read up-to-the-minute information on the status of any city or region in Florida. Learn more at http://www.visitflorida.com/florida_travel_advisory/.

• The Florida State Parks website, http://www.floridastateparks.org, is updated daily and will list any impacts. Learn more by calling 1-850-245-2157.

Tips for Homeowners:

• While the state appreciates the concern expressed by Floridians and the ingenuity of those seeking alternative measures to help protect the state’s shoreline, the following tips are offered to ensure that these measures are helpful and not harmful to Florida’s coasts, wildlife and water resources: following tips are offered to ensure that these measures are helpful and not harmful to Florida’s coasts, wildlife and water resources: following tips are offered to ensure that these measures are helpful and not harmful to Florida’s coasts, wildlife and water resources:

Tips for Businesses and Consumers:

• The Attorney General’s fraud hotline is open to receive any reports of fraud or price gouging. The hotline is 1-866-966-7226.

• The Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner gas price-gouging hotline is also operational. The toll-free hotline number is 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352).

• Coastal businesses should make loss of earnings claims for damages incurred as a result of the oil spill. Businesses should file a claim with BP by calling 1-800-440-0858. Learn more at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/ or by calling 1-850-413-3089 or toll-free at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
Volunteer Opportunities:

• The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is encouraging Floridians and visitors to become a Coast Watch volunteer. Learn more at www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org.

• Report a change in Air Quality to http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.
• For information on scheduled beach cleanups and other volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org/.
 To request volunteer information, please call the BP hotline at 1-866-448-5816.

Learn More About Florida’s Response:

• DEP launched a Twitter account, www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert, dedicated to providing updates on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

• DEP in coordination with the state Emergency Operations Center established an email sign-up and a comprehensive website at http://www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com.

• For a list of Unified Command, BP and Florida phone numbers, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm#numbers

• The Oil Spill Information Line is available at 1-888-337-3569 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).

Oil Spill Update for Mexico Beach

June 6----Mexico Beach is not seeing any oil sheen.  There have been no reports of tar balls in the water or on the beach.  

However, our local paper has stated the following:

Marshall Nelson, director of county emergency management for Gulf County, said boom was being staged as of Thursday afternoon with more to be placed in the coming days in preparation of the potential arrival of oil by early to mid week next week.
At an afternoon special meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on Thursday, Nelson said projections have oil, in some form, arriving in Gulf County waters and beaches by Wednesday.

Below is the information taken directly from the BP press release for June 6.

Landfall Reports and Predictions:

• June 6, dime to quarter-sized tar balls continue to be found in widely scattered areas from the Alabama state line east to Bay County. Clean up teams are on site.

• According to NOAA projections, additional impacts are expected throughout northwest Florida within the next 72 hours due to moderate /strong southwesterly winds.

• Multiple skimmers have been dispatched to collect tar mats and sheen. 

• Potential impacts to Florida’s shoreline will likely be highly weathered, in the form of tar balls, oil sheen, tar mats or mousse – a pudding-like oil/water mixture that could be brown, rust or orange in color.

According to the NOAA oil plume model, the oil plume is 4 miles from Pensacola Beach and 99 miles from Gulf County, with non-contiguous oil sheen and tar balls scattered closer.

Below are some pictures of Pensacola beach taken today, June 6.   More than likely this is what we will see within the next days/weeks in Mexico Beach. 

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Update on Oil Spill nearing Florida

Below is the newest brief. I wish they wouldn't have used the generalization of the panhandle! Mexico Beach, St. Joe Beach, Cape San Blas---we are NOT seeing any affects of the oil. Our water is clean, and beautiful. The fishing is open here and it is fantastic fishing right now!!!

They have reported  oil sheen about 10 miles off Pensacola. 

Landfall Predictions:


The latest projections from NOAA indicate weathered oil from the leading edge of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill could impact the Florida Panhandle as early as this week due to a shift in winds and currents.


Oil sheen was reported by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approximately 10 miles from Florida’s shoreline on Tuesday, June 1.


Any potential impacts to Florida’s shoreline will be highly weathered, in the form of tar balls, oil sheen, tar mats or mousse – a pudding-like oil/water mixture that could be brown, rust or orange in color.


Skimmers have been deployed near Pensacola with the hopes of removing that oil from near shore waters and preventing and minimizing any potential impacts to Florida.


Observations by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continue to indicate that a small portion of the oil slick has reached the Loop Current in the form of light sheens. Florida continues to monitor the location of the loop current based on NOAA’s daily projections.


The City of Mexico Beach has been meeting with the contractor hired to coordinate the beach clean up SHOULD any oil come on our shore.   The plan is to have possibly up to 200 workers to clean up the beaches as well as use our beach rake.  

The City is also acquiring a DEP permit now to FILL in our canal to prevent oil from getting into the canal IF it should come this way.

Bay County has ordered up to 12 skimmers.  Boom will be deployed to protect St. Joe Bay if need be. The plans are to deploy boom from the tip of Cape San Blas to the Gulf County line.
They say that since Mexico Beach is an "open" beach, unlike bays, inlets,bayous...that the oil would be much easier to clean up once it reaches the shore. 
Skimming and booms have not really proven effective. 

I've attached the current oil trajectory map. 

Please help us spread the word that Mexico Beach is open for business, our waters and beaches are clean and beautiful and the fishing is GREAT!!!

Mary
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty
Mexico Beach FL real estate on Facebook

Remembering All who have Served

Happy Memorial Day 2010!

Thank you to all the men and women and their families who have served and sacrificed for this great nation!!!   

Mexico Beach had a great crowd this weekend!!!  

As for the oil spill..........I guess the Top Kill plan didn't work, so on to the next plan. 

Mexico Beach, however, has no oil, no oil sheen, no tar balls..........Our sand is sugar white and our water is gorgeous. 

Below is the last updated report concerning Florida.

According to the NOAA oil plume model, the oil spill is 70 miles southwest of Pensacola, 125 miles from Mexico Beach, and 290 miles from St. Petersburg.



• No direct oil impacts are expected across any part of the state within the next 3 days. Light southerly winds and calm seas are expected across the northern-central gulf today, but a 40-50% chance of rain and thunderstorms may hamper surface recovery operations


Governor Christ has made an executive order declaring a couple of weekends Free Fishing!
Free Saltwater Fishing Days for May 29,30 and 31, 2010 (Memorial Day weekend), and for the weekend ofJune 5, and 6, 2010, during which any person may take saltwater fish for noncommercial purposes without obtaining or possessing a license or permit or paying a license or permit fee .

The fishing is GREAT too!!!   Kings and spanish are running.  June 1 opens snapper season and they are a plenty!!!!!    

If you want to book a trip call Chip!   http://www.charterboat-missmary.com/

Top Kill Seems to be working!

Looks as if the "Top Kill" idea is working in stopping the oil flow!!!     This is awesome news!

I'll keep you updated!  

Our beaches in Mexico Beach are absolutely beautiful today!!!    We've got lots of things to do this weekend so come relax at the beach!!!

Mary

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-top-kill-works-20100528,0,4282960.story

Memorial Day Happenings at the Beach

Memorial Day Weekend Happenings in Mexico Beach:

So much is going on…we don’t know where to start!

·         “Sidewalk Sale” at The Grove from Thursday to Sunday.  Hours 9am-6pm CST (Thurs, Fri, Sat) & 9am-3pm CST (Sun).

·         DJ Flooressence, from Atlanta, will be hosting a free show Saturday from 7-10pm CST at Sunset Park.  Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and coolers and be ready to dance the night away!

·         Karaoke is back at the El Governor Friday, Saturday and Sunday night starting at 7pm CST.  Come belt out your favorite songs! 

·         Breakfast on the Beach all Weekend!  Enjoy breakfast at Toucan’s Friday thru Monday beginning at 8am CST.  Starting today, Weds, thru Sunday there will be Karaoke and DJ spinning out your favorite tunes.  Saturday and Sunday afternoon, enjoy listening to the DJ as you soak up the sun!  

·         10% off Fish Tacos at Killer Seafood this Memorial Weekend only-with the discount going towards the Firework Show in Mexico Beach.  Killer Seafood was just awarded “Best Seafood Dives” in Coastal Living for their Fish Tacos!  Go eat for yourself and you’ll agree!

·         Lookout Lounge - Live Music on the Poop Deck at 8pm EST: Thurs-Randy Stark; Fri& Sat- Randy Stark w/ Art Long on Sax; Sun- Bo Spring.  Karaoke & Dancing will be going on in the Crow’s Nest starting at 9pm EST on Fri & Sat.

·         The First United Methodist Church of Mexico Beach is sponsoring a Beach BBQ Blast at Sunset Park beginning at 11am CST on Saturday the 29^th.  Purchase a BBQ plate and enjoy homemade desserts. Live Music begins at 12:30pm CST!

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Oil Spill update May 24

 Mexico Beach, St. Joe Beach, Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas

We continue to be on the lookout for but HAVE NOT SEEN ANY EFFECTS OF THE OIL SPILL.   Our beaches are beautiful and clean and being enjoyed everyday by lots of locals as well as vacationers!   The Fishing is great, the water warm.........

We pray for Louisiana as it is reaching land there.  However, I took the following bullet points directly from the Deepwater Horizon releases. 

I will continue to keep you updated!

I've also included the most recent trajectory map which shows, sadly, the oil is now on shore in Louisiana.

• Winds/currents continue to keep the plume away from the Florida coast for at least the next 72 hours. 

• At this time, there are no plans to use dispersants in Florida. If dispersants are ever considered in state waters, the determination to use the chemical would be evaluated by DEP with input from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Florida Wildlife Research Institute and EPA.

• The fisheries, wildlife and seafood off of Florida’s coast in state waters are safe and there are no alerts at this time. Press Release  Florida saltwater fishing regulations remain in effect as usual. Learn more at www.MyFWC.com/Fishing.

• Currently, there are no impacts to Florida’s more than 1,260 miles of coastline and 825 miles of sandy beaches.  

• Through www.VISITFLORIDA.com, vacationers are able to view live Twitter feeds and read up-to-the-minute information on the status of any city or region in Florida. Learn more at http://www.visitflorida.com/florida_travel_advisory/.

• The Florida State Parks website, http://www.floridastateparks.org, will be updated daily and will list any parks that may be impacted. Visitors with camping or cabin reservations will be notified if their stay will be impacted. Learn more by calling 1-850-245-2157.

Please don't hesitate to call me if you should have any other concerns.   Please do not cancel vacation plans----we will be the first to tell you to cancel if the oil comes this way!!!

Thanks,
Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Sundance Realty

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Oil Spill update---containment boom on St. Joe Beach

Just to let everybody know...........BP is assembling 3,000 ft of containment boom along St Joe Beach. They are laying it alongside the beach in preparation to stretch it out from St. Joe Beach to the Cape to protect the bay. This is just in case the oil heads our way--------RIGHT NOW IT IS NOT PREDICTED TO COME THIS FAR AT ALL.

I attended the Bay County Commission meeting Monday and the Director of the EOC (Emergency Management center) said that it coming to Panama City Beaches is a REMOTE possibility. BP is really spending a lot of money to stay ahead of the game and be prepared for any worst case scenario. What they don't understand is that this preparation is also causing undue fear that our beaches are in imminent danger. And, of course, this is far from true.

The oil is still nowhere near Panama City Beach, Mexico Beach, Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe. Our beaches are beautiful. You just about have to put on sunglasses its so sparkly white!!!!!!!

Don't hesitate to call me if you have any questions!!
Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Tar balls are NOT from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

There have been 3 suspected tar balls found on Panama City Beach over the last few days--its been determined they were actually pieces of asphalt! 

So, as I've said over and over..........NO TAR BALLS, NO OIL SHEEN, NO OIL IN MEXICO BEACH!!!


The big news splash of the last day or so has been the tar balls found in Key West.  Below is the response from DEP. 

Florida Keys tar balls not linked to Deepwater Horizon oil spill



KEY WEST, Fla. - The Coast Guard Marine Safety Laboratory in New London,


Conn. analyzed a sampling of tar balls discovered on Florida Keys shoreline


Tuesday and determined that none of the collected samples are from the


Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

A sampling of tar balls discovered on beaches at Fort Zachary Taylor State


Park, Fla., Smathers Beach in Key West, Big Pine Key, Fla., and Loggerhead


Key in the Dry Tortugas National Park, Fla. were flown by a Coast Guard


HU-25 Falcon jet based in Miami, Fla., to New London, Conn. Tuesday for


testing and analysis.


The results of those tests conclusively show that the tar balls collected


from Florida Keys beaches do not match the type of oil from the Deepwater


Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The source of the tar balls remains


unknown at this time.

Let me repeat............NO TAR BALLS, NO OIL SHEEN, NO OIL, NOTHING, NADA, ZIL, ZIP, ZILCH!

Our waters in Panama City to Mexico Beach are beautiful as ever, our sand is blinding its so white!!!

Oil Spill Update

Check out the newest trajectory map.  Please notice the effects of the oil spill are no where near Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe or Cape San Blas.    Do not let this change any vacation or fishing plans you have made for our area.  Our beaches are beautiful!   

Florida Beaches are NOT affected by the Oil Spill

Mexico Beach is just as beautiful today as it was before the oil spill.  The oil spill is over 150 miles from our beach.  We are not seeing any kinds of effects--no oil sheen, no tar balls, no oily critters.....just gorgeous fine white sand and blue green waters.

Unfortunately the media has lumped the entire Gulf of Mexico coastline into one big oily black mess.  Simply not true!!!!

I've been posting on facebook every few days the updates on the oil spill.  Please check out my facebook button to keep up to date on what's going on!!!

Check out the you tube link below.



Please don't hesitate to call  me any time with any questions or concerns about anything having to do with Mexico Beach and the surrounding area!
Mary
850-896-5222

May 11 Oil Spill Update for Mexico Beach

As of right now, there IS NO OIL on or near the beaches of Panama City Beach.  In addition, as of right now, we are not within the “area of uncertainty” with no expectation of oil hitting our shores – today.

Tthe Area of Uncertainty is the area in the Gulf of Mexico in which the oil spill could enter within 72 hours – otherwise known as the projected trajectory.

At a press briefing this morning at the Bay County EOC (emergency operations center) it was confirmed that no oil, sheen or tar balls have reached our shores.   As of right now, we have no documented cases of oil odors in our area that are stemmed from the Deep Horizon oil spill.

There have been some shoreline impacts to areas to the west in Louisiana.  Over the weekend there were reports of oil impact as far east as Dauphin Island, however, talking to several folks that have friends who live at the Island--they have said they haven't seen any tar balls or even oil sheen.

As far as Panama City Beach is concerned, we still have no oil here, and our waters are looking absolutely gorgeous!

Florida beaches are open.
• The 72-hour NOAA trajectory shows no oil landfall in Florida.
• According to the NOAA oil plume model, the oil spill is 100 miles southwest of Pensacola, 179 miles from Port St. Joe, and 340 miles from St. Petersburg.

Even though we are not in the trajectory path, we are making preparations just in case.  Panama City has stage 5,600 feet of oil containment boom with another 10,000 ordered.

________________________________________________________________________________

Please do not cancel vacations for no reason.  Believe me, we don't want you coming here if we have oil threatening our shoreline---We'll be busy trying to save our beaches.  So please check with your particular city in Florida if you have made reservations. 

Mexico Beach had a gorgeous Mother's Day weekend---the weather was beautiful, the beaches were beautiful and there were loads of families having a great time!

Please don't hesitate to call me anytime if you have questions or concerns about the oil spill.  I'll do my best to answer them!

Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
sundance realty

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Update On BP oil spill

Below is the information disseminated TODAY!   I just cut and pasted a few of what I consider the most important statements in relationship to Mexico Beach.   I highlighted some statements in red just to give emphasis.

Please check out the website as it gives great information daily: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/default.htm

FLORIDA DEEPWATER HORIZON RESPONSE MAY 7, 2010
TALLAHASSEE – The State Emergency Response Team, in support of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the lead response agency for the state of Florida, is actively participating in the Deepwater Horizon response.
The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.
Landfall Predictions:
• Deepwater Horizon continues to discharge an estimated 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day.
• BP has completed construction of a dome, expected to be in place as early as this weekend, which will be used in an attempt to contain the oil discharge. BP has also begun drilling a relief well to eliminate the discharge. The dome is roughly 125 offshore, southwest of Pensacola.
• Currently, there are no impacts to the state projected in the next 72 hours. The loop current is far south of the oil and there is no imminent threat that the oil will be picked up by the loop current. However, Florida continues to make preparations to safeguard the state’s shoreline.
• The state of Florida reminds its residents and visitors that the state’s coastline has not been impacted at this time and remains open for public enjoyment.
• Should any impacts to Florida’s coastline occur, these could potentially include tarballs – fragments or lumps of oil weathered into a solid consistency – oil sheen or tar mats –sheets of oil that are thicker than a sheen. Should individuals observe any evidence of oil on Florida’s coastline, they should leave the area and report the incident to 1-866-448-5816.

Boom Placement:
• Approximately 160,400 feet of boom has been placed out of the Pensacola and Panama City staging areas.
• An additional 16,700 feet is expected to be placed today.
• Currently 11,300 feet of boom is staged in Pensacola with an additional 20,000 booms on order. In Panama City, there is 6,000 feet staged and an additional 53,000 feet of boom on order.

o If the oil washes on the beach, the sand can be cleaned.

Health Effects:
• At this time, there are no indications of any health risks to Floridians due to the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Department of Health (DOH) and DEP are closely monitoring health and environmental impacts to Florida’s beaches and will notice an advisory if conditions become unsafe.

Closures:
• Currently there are no Florida State Park or beach closures. For more information about Florida State Parks, visit: www.floridastateparks.org.
Tourism:
• Florida’s pristine beaches and famed fishing grounds remain open to residents and visitors. Currently, there are no impacts to Florida’s 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and 663 miles of beaches. Florida’s shores are clear and open for business.
•
• Florida State Parks are seeing no impacts at this time from the Deepwater Horizon incident and remain great destinations for families to enjoy.
• The Florida State Park website will be updated daily and will list any parks that may be impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Incident: http://www.floridastateparks.org/.

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

The Oil spill is on everyone's mind right now.  So far we here at Mexico Beach have not seen any signs of it.   We are praying they contain it before we do!

Below is a map that shows where the oil spill is having an effect.

I'll continue to keep you posted as I get information.

Keep this matter in your prayers!

Thank you!

Mary

850-896-5222

http://www.maryblackburn.com/

April coming to an end in Mexico Beach Florida

Quite a bit of real estate activity last week in the Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach area.

Three properties (probably 4 by tomorrow) put under contract.

Five properties actually closed last week.

Out at the Cape, it wasn't quite as busy, as two properties were put under contract and zero closings.

In the town of Port St. Joe, four properties were put under contract and one closed.

Just to clarify:  When I say 'UNDER CONTRACT', that means there is an accepted offer on the property, 'CLOSED' means the property has sold and transferred ownership.  The typical time frame between putting a property under contract and closing is 30-45 days, unless its a short sale.  

Short sales can take anywhere from 2 months to a year to actually close out!!!
_______________________________________________________________

I'll be putting out my newsletter next week to give specific stats but.....2010 so far has been booming!    Many more sales and now less inventory than a year ago----and of course sales prices down as well.    It's a matter of supply and demand that determines pricing.   With less inventory, sellers can hold out for a little more.  I'm talking residential right now.   As for vacant land--the inventory is still huge and prices are still dropping to attract attention from buyers. 

It is such a great time to build if you have the time/patience/ability to do so.  Land prices are down as well as construction costs!

If you are not yet receiving my newsletter, you can sign up on my website, www.maryblackburn.com or just send me an email.
_____________________________________________________________

Please check out the calendar of events on my website---lots of great things to do!   If you know of any event that I neglected PLEASE, send me an email with the information and I'll be more than happy to add it!!

Mexico Beach just had its annual beach triathalon----I'll be posting some information and pictures when I get them!   Always a huge and much anticipated event here!   There will be another one this fall----so start training!
_____________________________________________________________

The fishing report!  
The spanish are hit and miss!    There is a reported school of Cobia (ling) out there but their a little picky and are proving hard to catch!   

Of course, there are tons of snappers but you still can't keep them---the season opens in June!     You still need to go out pretty deep for grouper and good luck getting past the snapper!!!

If you want more detailed information call my husband (I really know very little, I just report what I overhear all the fisherman talking about.
www.charterboat-missmary.com
_____________________________________________________________

Have a great week!   
Please don't hesitate to call me anytime as I pretty much work 24/7!!
Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Sundance Realty

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Tax Day in Mexico Beach Florida

The dreaded April 15th is coming---However, this year many people are not dreading it quite as much.  Many buyers, young and older, took advantage of the First time homebuyer credit ($8,000) as well as the repeat buyer credit ($6,500).  These are both set to expire at the end of this month.

In order to qualify for an $8,000 tax credit (full rebate if you don't owe any taxes) you must be fully contracted to purchase a home by April 30th--you have until the end of June to close on it.   A first time home buyer is someone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years.   You must be buying this house as your primary homestead.

Repeat buyers are folks who have owned their primary home for the last 5 years and are either moving and buying elsewhere, downsizing, upgrading.   They too must be buying the new home to use as their primary home.   They can qualify for up to $6,500. 

Pretty good incentives for someone who was on the fence about buying!   Add that in with the low interest rates and the plummeting home prices and it has been a great year for those able to buy!!

You still have a couple of weeks to find that house if you want to qualify for the tax credits!!
__________________________________________________________________

The weather here has been absolutely beautiful!     We had tons of beach goers this past week.  The water must be warming up as I saw more and more families in the water!!

Our lazy little lifestyle here in Mexico Beach will now take on a slightly busier one as summer vacationers and weekend visitors take advantage of our beautiful and uncrowded beaches.   I know the businesses around town are ready for them! 

We have some great little places to shop---Beachwalk, Emerald Coast Jewelry, Tropical Breeze, and The Grove---For lunch try the Fish House Restaurant, Regan's Oyster Bar, Killer Seafood, and of course Toucan's for gulf front dining!
____________________________________________________________

As for real estate:  The hot real estate item in Mexico Beach has been the Waterside Village condos.  Selling in the mid 300's to 500's in the DAY, they are now at the affordable prices of $132,000-$185,000.    There are currently 10 under contract, all but 2 are short sales, the other 2 are foreclosures!!!

We've already closed out 8 of them!   

It's a nice development!  Well built, gated, the pool and grounds are well kept.   The 3 bedrooms are really well laid out with lots of room and closet space!

There are just a few left, so if interested, let me know!
____________________________________________________________

Other than Waterside, there were 4 residential properties put under contract this past week in Mexico Beach.  There were 2 residential closings.

The interesting thing this past week was the vacant land closings!   Two closings in Windmark beach and another lot put under contract just the other day.

Bay front lots in Windmark now selling at $150,000  (originally purchased at $850,000) with interior lots at $45,000---both foreclosures.
___________________________________________________________

No real activity out at the Cape this past week.

_____________________________________________________________

Have a great week and if you are interested in buying or selling in Mexico Beach, St. Joe Beach, Port St Joe, or Cape San Blas----Give me a call, I'd love to help you!

Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Sunance Realty
Mexico Beach, Fl real estate on Facebook

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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL

Happy April from the Beach!

Wow, what a gorgeous Resurrection Weekend we had at the beach!    The weather could not have been more beautiful!!

It was a little chilly and foggy for the Sunrise Easter Service held every year right on the beach by First Baptist Church in Mexico Beach.  However, there was a great crowd that brought beach chairs and blankets to listen to the preacher declare He has risen!!!
___________________________________________________________

Lots of people at the beach over the weekend---sunbathing, swimming, fishing, sailing-----it was great!

As I had a little bit of a chance to ride my bike around, it was also great to see lots of people working in their yards, cutting back all the dead stuff and planting flowers!!    I love this time of year!!!

__________________________________________________________

I'll begin the weekly fishing report today!!!   Chip's had several charters in the last couple weeks, unfortunately, its pretty much been catch and release of the ever abundant (yet government reported endangered) Snapper!!!       Snapper season doesn't begin this year until June, reportedly because there has been overfishing of this species and we must protect them----however, you can't catch anything else except snapper there are so many of them!!!!
Doesn't make any sense to me!!!

The spanish mackeral are starting to show up and there have been 1-2 reports of cobia sightings!!

I'll keep you updated as his calendar is filling up for the weekends. 

Chip has updated his website, check it out:   www.charterboat-missmary.com
_________________________________________________________________

As I am 2 days late in posting this today and I'm running out of time again today, I'm just posting links to the properties that were put under contract in the last week as well as solds.   See links below.

I did want to point out a couple of interesting properties though.

A bank owned house right on Hwy 98, listed at $499,999 went under contract in less than a week.  Newer home, 2700 sq feet.  a little bit of an odd layout but beautiful finishes, with gulf view.    It all boils down to Pricing, Condition, Location!!!!     Good price, great condition, gulf view---this property had it all and under contract in less than a week.

Another property went under contract this past week:  4 vacant lots on Hwy 98 zoned commercial.  It is a short sale.  Listed at $636,000, at $159,000 a lot for commercial property--that is a deal and they may get it for less than that!
What is the most interesting thing is that commercial property has been selling in this down market!!!    Several businesses have changed hands in Mexico Beach, a commercial property at the Markets of Mexico Beach is under contract and now this vacant piece of commercial land.

I think this is the time to buy and open businesses here----the people that are buying properties now are end users--they are buying it to use.  They are the ones who come every weekend bringing family and friends.   I anticipate a great spring and summer for the businesses here at the beach!!!

If you are interested in starting a business here, let me know and I'll send you some great information---not only about buying but leasing commercial property!
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Mexico Beach to St. Joe Beach:  Properties under contract in the last week.  Properties Sold in the last week.

Cape San Blas:  Properties under contract in the last week.   Properties sold in the last week.

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Have a great week!!!   Please let me know if I can be of any service to you!!!

Mary
850-896-5222
www.maryblackburn.com
Sundance Realty
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Posted via email from Mary Blackburn in Mexico Beach, FL