Gulf Oil Spill Update for Florida

If you are planning a vacation to the Florida Gulf Coast and are concerned about the potential impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, we encourage you to check with the local destination for the most up-to-date information.

Currently, there are no impacts to Florida beaches due to the Gulf Oil Spill. Along the Northwest Florida beaches, visitors are taking advantage of the warm weather and clear skies we're currently enjoying.

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.
On May 8, 2010 BP encountered a challenge with the dome intended to contain the oil discharge. The dome’s opening became clogged with hydrates that form when gas and water mix under certain temperatures and pressures. BP is evaluating options for successfully reinstalling the dome.
BP continues its efforts to drill a relief well to eliminate the discharge.
Winds/currents continue to keep the plume away from the Florida coast for at least 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.
Floridians and visitors are reminded that the state’s beaches and other attractions have not been impacted by the oil spill and remain 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.

State Actions:

As of Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. the Florida Oil Spill Information Line was activated to provide Floridians with response information and resources about the Deepwater Horizon oil incident. Live operators will assist callers with questions and direct them to the appropriate source of information on the oil spill from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 7 days a week. The Florida Oil Spill Information Line phone number is 1-888-337-3569.  This number replaces the Florida Emergency Information Line in order to better serve Florida’s residents and visitors.
On May 6, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist sent a letter to President Barack Obama requesting a $50 million disaster National Emergency Grant from the United States Department of Labor as a part of Florida’s response plans to the Deepwater Horizon incident.
On May 5, 2010, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector St. Petersburg, DEP, and BP set up a Unified Command (in support of the Unified Area Command) at the USCG Sector St. Petersburg offices in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg Unified Command will be largely geared toward planning and will grow if it becomes necessary. Sector Key West has also set up a virtual Unified Command that will become operational if necessary.
Governor Charlie Crist confirmed on May 4, 2010 that Florida will receive a $25-million block grant from BP for initial state and local preparation and response costs.
On May 3, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist extended a state of emergency declaration for the coastal counties of Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota.
On April 30, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf Counties.
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a Level 2 or Partial activation. Two new support cells have been established to handle supplemental boom requests and alternative technology evaluation.
The State Emergency Response Team has dozens of team members deployed throughout the anticipated impact region to assist with Deepwater Horizon preparation and response.
DEP conducted water and sediment sampling to use as a baseline for ongoing monitoring.
DEP is continuously monitoring air quality data. Statewide air quality monitoring is ongoing in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
DEP, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), county governments, water management districts and several federal agencies continue to conduct pre-impact assessments, including sampling of water, fish, shellfish and habitats along the Florida coastline and into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Boom Placement:

Approximately 175,950 feet of boom has been placed out of the Pensacola and Panama City staging areas in support of Unified Command.
An additional 12,000 feet is expected to be placed today in the Bay County area.
There is 66,000 feet of boom staged in Florida and 360,000 feet of boom on order.
On May 10, 2010, there was 5,200 feet of boom deployed in the Walton County area.  Additional boom could not be placed due to bad weather.
Placement of boom is based on tides and where the oil is threatening, as well as direction given in each region’s area contingency plan.
The booming strategy focuses on identified environmentally sensitive areas.
Estuaries and inlets are at the top of the list, not the beach areas.
This is to protect sensitive habitat that support wildlife and fish.
If the oil washes on the beach, the sand can be cleaned.
Note that booms are not a failsafe solution. They can become ineffective in high seas, strong winds, or currents over one knot.
Florida’s counties are working through the State Emergency Operations Center. Each county provides input, but the operational decisions for supplemental boom plans are made through the Florida Emergency Operations Center. The State Emergency Response Team is working with the counties, BP as well as the federal agencies to maximize protection and minimize impacts.
The Unified Command Operations Group is asking boaters to avoid damaging boom.  Boom cut or broken due to boater traffic jeopardizes the protection that has been set up for the environmentally sensitive areas across the coast.

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.
Fisheries & Seafood:

The fisheries, wildlife and seafood off of Florida’s coast in state waters are safe and there are no alerts at this time.
On May 3, 2010 NOAA restricted fishing for a minimum of ten days in federal waters most affected by the BP oil spill, largely between Louisiana state waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River to waters off Florida’s Pensacola Bay.
Fishermen who wish to contact BP about a claim should call 1-800-440-0858.
FWC is working with DEP, county governments, water management dist

Published on Wednesday, May 12, 2010