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
Facebook page
Monday, June 28, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
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
Monday, June 21, 2010
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
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.
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.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
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
Facebook Page
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
Facebook Page
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
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
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
Monday, June 14, 2010
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.
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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Thursday, June 10, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, June 07, 2010
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).
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
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).
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).
Sunday, June 06, 2010
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.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
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
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!!!
850-896-5222
http://www.maryblackburn.com/
Sundance Realty
Mexico Beach FL real estate on Facebook
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