• Report tar or oiled debris on the beach 1-877-389-8932 or #DEP from a cell phone.
• DO NOT TOUCH oiled or injured wildlife. Report your finding to 1-866-557-1401.
• Oil Impact Notice

Operational Developments

• Escambia County is continuing to work with Unified Command and the State of Florida for the best strategy to protect the inland waterways with the passing of Tropical Depression/Storm Bonnie.  Discussions continue on appropriate actions relating to boom deployment and skimmer operations. 
• Currently, booming operations are on hold until plans are finalized with Unified Command and the State of Florida.  Crews are working to reset approximately 3,000 feet of boom from the storms over the weekend.  Surveys are being done of all boom in the inland waterways of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
• Presently, the state of Florida reported there was 42,461 feet of oil containment boom deployed in Florida waterways. 
• The State of Florida is reporting sporadic tar ball sightings and crews are continuing to work day and night shifts to support the cleanup effort.  A total of 400 workers were assigned to Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.
• There are five state leased skimmers on standby in Northwest Florida to protect inland waterways. 
• BP claims in Florida now total 34,085 with approximately $46,819,015.92 reimbursements paid.

Governor Crist announces a meeting of the Gulf Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force

• Governor Charlie Crist has announced that the Gulf Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force will meet on Wednesday, July 28 in Destin.  The public is invited to attend.  The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. CST at the Emerald Grande at Harbor Walk Village, 10 Harbor Blvd., Destin.  You may also listen live to the meeting via conference call.  The number is 1-888-249-0314 and the passcode is 90688841.  Additional task for information is available at www.flgov.com/gulfrecoverytaskforce.

Water Sampling Results

• The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is conducting water sampling.  There is approximately a four day turn around for results.  The results posted through Friday, July 23 indicate no petroleum related contaminates were found in Escambia County samples.  Click here to view the full report. 

Small Business Administration Issues Disaster Loans

• The Small Business Administration has opened outreach centers in eight Florida counties, including Escambia County.  Businesses are encouraged to apply for the disaster loans while waiting for their BP claim to be processed.  The Pensacola office is located at 401 E. Chase Street, Suite 100. For more information on Economic Injury Disaster Loans visit the SBA website.
  Escambia County beaches are open. 

Escambia County staff continues to monitor the oil spill situation.

• BP claims in Florida now total 33,553 with approximately $46,259,148.94 reimbursements paid.
• Escambia County beaches are open.
• Escambia County staff continues to monitor the oil spill situation.

• Governor Crist requests extension of Florida’s Red Snapper season
  • Governor Charlie Crist sent a letter to Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, requesting expedited action regarding the extension of Florida’s red snapper fishing season. (Letter)
• NOAA to Re-open One-Third of Closed Gulf Fishing Area
  • NOAA will re-open 26,388 square miles of the Gulf waters to commercial and recreational fishing at 5:00 p.m. today. The reopening of a third of the overall closed area was announced after consultation with FDA and under a re-opening protocol agreed to by NOAA, the FDA and the Gulf states.  Since mid-June, NOAA data has shown no oil in the area, and United States Coast Guard observers flying over the area in last 30 days have not observed any oil. Additionally, trajectory models show the area is at a low risk for future exposure to oil, and fish caught in the area and tested by NOAA experts have shown no signs of contamination. (More information).

• If you see a tar ball on the beach, DO NOT PICK IT UP. Report it to 1-877-389-8932.
• The Escambia County Health Department offers advice to residents experiencing symptoms from odors associated with the oil spill. (See details at www.escambiahealth.com.)
• Florida Department of Health Deepwater Horizon Health Information FAQs.
• Seafood Consumption FAQs.

Wildlife

• Do not attempt to rescue oiled or injured birds or wildlife as this may cause additional injuries.
• If oiled, injured or dead wildlife are found, call 1-866-557-1401. Provide location where the wildlife was sighted.

Boats

• Boats should keep a safe distance from the booms. Do not drive boats over booms.
• Do not drive boats through slicks or sheens.

Personal Safety

• Gulf coast residents may detect an odor because of the oil spill. Some are more sensitive to these odors and may experience nasal irritation and feelings of nausea. In combination with seasonal allergies or pre-existing respiratory conditions, some may experience more severe symptoms. For Air Quality Reports, see http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/air.html.
• Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness should contact their health care provider if feeling symptomatic.
• If you see or smell oil, leave immediately. Avoid skin contact with oil or oil-contaminated water. Do not swim or ski in areas affected by oil, and if you travel through the area by boat, take care when hoisting the anchor. Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas. If you get oil on your skin, wash it off with soap and water. Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.      
• Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters. Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.

Important Phone Numbers For Citizens

• Report oil on the beach or shoreline: 1-877-389-8932 or #DEP from a cell phone
• To report oiled wildlife: 1-866-557-1401
• BP Claims: 1-800-440-0858
• To report damaged, vandalized, adrift or stolen boom: 1-866-448-5816 or 1-800-320-0519
• Escambia County Citizen's Information Line: 471-6600
• Florida Oil Spill Information Line: 1-888-337-3569