News

Below is Representative Matt Gaetz's most recent report regarding the Deep Water Horizon Spill. Our beaches have yet to be affected and are being enjoyed as usual on this sunny day. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Current Forecast

• Weather conditions remain favorable. Yet again, no landfall is expected within the next 72 hours in Florida.
• Florida is eventually expected to experience oil sheen, tar balls and tar mats. Florida is not expected to see the large product of emulsified oil similar to images of Louisiana.
• The "loop current" remains considerably south of the sheen plume.

Incident Site

• The "Dome" has been lowered and engineers are working to affix the dome to the well.
• If successful, the dome will divert about 85% of the oil flow out of the Gulf.
• Flow remains the same - roughly 5,000 barrels per day.
  BP has begun drilling relief wells which will ultimately be the solution to permanently cap the Deepwater Horizon site. This process will take 8-12 weeks.
• The Loop Current remains well south of the sheen plume.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

• County EOC directors have assured that more training will be in the area soon.
• Some training is occurring now at the Sandestin Hilton Resort. For information call 267-2000.
• Some training is occurring now in Milton. For information call 983-4636.

Financial Relief

• Attorney General McCollum has received a commitment that BP would immediately make payments to fishermen and perhaps others out of work directly as a result of this spill in amounts up to $5,000. Call 1-800-440-0858.
• The first steps of opening the ESF 18 loan program have begun. It is anticipated that local economic development councils will be working with local banks to set up these bridge loans for businesses to meet payroll.
• Please be cautious about signing any release of liability forms.

Tourism Promotion

• Governor Crist has agreed to immediately provide and develop a "Visit Florida" plan to counteract the media’s portrayal of the Gulf Coast.
• BP is being asked to fund the lion’s share of this plan.
• Local marketing professionals from Santa Rosa and Okaloosa have volunteered to coordinate with this effort to ensure that the advertising occurs in key markets for Northwest Florida.