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Status update as of June 22, 2010
photo taken on Pensacola Beach, June 20, 2010
photo taken at Pensacola Beach, June 20, 2010
The beaches of Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key are open for swimming.
Visit Pensacola is closely monitoring official sources related to the oil spill, and we will share information as it comes in.
Field monitors report that Pensacola Beach looks clean and clear. Monitors on Perdido Key report several areas with five percent or less tar ball coverage. According to NOAA, tar balls do not pose a health risk to the average person, but visitors are advised not to pick them up. To read NOAA’s information about tar balls, click here. County officials are closely patrolling the beaches from Perdido Key to Park East on Pensacola Beach, and skimmer vessels respond to reports of oil sightings as needed.
Originally posted by GuiltyByDesign
I'm from Pensacola, and I have in-laws that work for emergency services in Escambia County there... and a couple of those are in fairly high places, so I get some good information from them.
From what they have told me, trying to do anything at this point is for naught, thanks to all the red tape and beauracracy. There are small portions of the beaches in Esc. county that are still white and pristine, but those are disappearing little by little each day.
Unfortunately for Pensacola's economy, the people there are heavily dependent on a combination of tourism and military training facilities. With the Oil Spill, the economy is already being dragged down mightily. Without July and August tourism revenue, it wouldn't be surprising to see Pensacola's unemployment rate rise from 9% to somewhere near the 15% mark.
I pray for my family and hometown, and all the others in the Gulf Coast.
GBD
Originally posted by GuiltyByDesign
reply to post by OurskiesRpoisoned
Thanks for your concern, it is appreciated.
From what my sources tell me, the command center in Mobile is stonewalling many requests for manpower and what not. Unofficially, however, the County Commisioners and EMS personell of Escambia County have been using "local" help (IE, off the books, volunteers, good Samaritans, etc) to get a better grasp on the situation.
As far as what you can do to help, I honestly don't know. I'd head back home right now to help, but I am currently unable to do so, thanks to my job (military). Pray for us if you are of a spiritual sort... if not, just keep us in your thoughts.
Speaking of which... I just realized I'd better come up with a good argument to get my family to evacuate if a hurricane comes in... crud.
GBD
Originally posted by Teahupoo
The oil washing in on Pensacola Beach this morning is VERY heavy. The YouTube video I am posting is from 6am this morning showing the blobs of oil washing up on my feet and coming in by the dump truck load in the surf.