Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Florida Photos from June 29, 2010
Cleanup crews were out in full force in Perdido Key, Fla., on Tuesday with a few tar balls and tar patties in sight. However, the small tar balls weren't stopping a few tourists from walking the beaches and at Perdido Key State Park only one red flag was flying, which means the water was clear for swimmers.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tourists Are Still Coming To Northwest Florida
The Pensacola News Journal ran an article today that reported many visitors are "sticking around" despite the oil that's being washed ashore on Pensacola Beach:
Instead of dipping in the Gulf, the Turner family went to the Pensacola Naval Air Station, saw the lighthouse and shopped at Cordova Mall.
"My wife and two children have taken it all in stride," Turner said. "We knew there was oil here, but we came anyway, and I'm glad we did."
To read more, check out the article here.
Like the Turner family in Pensacola, tourists are finding other off-beach activities to enjoy. Our upcoming summer issue of Condo Owner will feature more off-beach activities that you and your renters can enjoy.
Also, Panama City Beach is showcasing its distinctive on-shore offerings by launching SUMMER OF FUN, a season-long, city-wide beach celebration.
According to PCBDaily.com, from July 1 through Labor Day weekend (Sept. 6, 2010), Panama City Beach is hosting a series of street festivals, outdoor movies, fireworks displays and more.
Panama City Beach is rolling out the red carpet for its visitors with REAL.FUN.RANDOM ACTS OF APPRECIATION., a program thanking visitors for choosing the destination in various ways, whether it is picking up the tab for dinner or paying for a round of mini-golf.
“We strongly encourage visitors to continue with their plans to enjoy their vacation here in Panama City Beach and support those whose livelihoods are directly connected to our tourism industry,” said Dan Rowe, president/CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are, quite simply, one of the most fun destinations in the world and our focus is ensuring that when visitors come they have a truly great time.”
You can find out more information about the program here.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Photos from June 24, 2010
Today the oil washed ashore leaving little of the Gulf Shores Public Beach untouched. Crews tried desperately to put boom back into the water in order to soak up the oil that kept rolling in with the changing tide.
Rough Day On Pensacola Beach, Charlie Crist Responds
AS 8 MILES OF BEACH WERE IMPACTED WITH THE STICKY, OILY BP MESS, GOV. CHARLIE CRIST TAKES A LOOK AT THE IMPACT
PENSACOLA—Governor Charlie Crist, continuing his commitment to recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, joined oceanography experts in Pensacola for an aerial and shoreline tour of the oil spill. The Governor’s visit included a meeting with Philippe Cousteau, a leading environmental advocate, and Dennis Takahashai-Kelso, who was the Alaska Commissioner of Environmental Conservation at the time of the Exxon Valdez spill.
“We must use every opportunity and every resource to confront the oil spill and its potentially devastating impact on our shores and families,” said Governor Crist. “I am grateful for all of the people who have contributed to response efforts, but we must remain dedicated to improving on our successes and exhausting every tool to ensure the best possible outcome for Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.”
During the meeting with Philippe Cousteau and Dennis Takahashai-Kelso, Governor Crist heard ideas on how to protect Florida’s waters and coastline. Following the meeting, they joined Governor Crist as he led a shoreline beach inspection with Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole, Major General Douglas Burnett and Major General Emmett R. Titshaw of the Florida National Guard, and Admiral Robert Papp and Commander Joe Boudrow of the United States Coast Guard.
"In the past five weeks, I've seen the Deepwater Horizon disaster unfold beneath the surface and across the shorelines and the communities of the gulf states," said Cousteau. "It's critically important that we focus resources and attention both on the areas that have already seen the impact of the spill and those in its path. Every area we protect now becomes a critical foothold in the restoration and recovery of these vital ecosystems and people who depend on them."
"As the BP Deepwater Horizon oil slick continues to make landfall in Florida – nearly a generation after the Exxon Valdez – we need to focus on the most important steps to reduce harm to coastal ecosystems and the people who depend on them,” added Dr. Takahashai-Kelso. “First, it is essential to remove as much oil from the water as possible. That needs to be a continuing, relentless effort. Second, we need to listen closely to local people; their expertise is crucial to understanding where vulnerability is greatest and how best to proceed. Finally, we need to continue to build the baseline of scientific information in areas not yet touched by the oil. This information is necessary in order to respond more effectively if oil comes ashore in these areas and to understand the extent of damage.”
"We would also like to thank Governor Crist for taking the time to meet with us today,” Dr. Takahashai-Kelso continued. “It is important in this time of crisis to share all information and expertise that can be brought to bear in dealing with this emergency. Ocean Conservancy has been involved in Gulf of Mexico conservation issues for decades, and this situation has only made us more committed to the Gulf and its people."
About Philippe Cousteau
Philippe Cousteau is a leading environmental advocate and entrepreneur and is CEO of the non-profit environmental education organization EarthEcho International. In addition, Cousteau is the Chief Ocean Correspondent for Planet Green, a Discovery Network, where he hosts television series, as well as hosting Blue August 2010, an entire month of programming on Planet Green that celebrates the oceans. He is Chief Spokesperson for Environmental Education for Discovery Education, the #1 provider of K-12 broadband delivered educational content to United States schools. Cousteau serves on the Board of Directors of The Ocean Conservancy, Marine Conservation Biology Institute and the National Environmental Education Foundation.
About Dennis Takahashai-Kelso
Dennis Takahashai-Kelso leads the science and policy direction for Ocean Conservancy. He was Alaska Commissioner of Environmental Conservation at the time of the Exxon Valdez spill. When the tanker Exxon Valdez went aground in 1989, spilling nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, Dr. Takahashi-Kelso was on board within hours to begin enforcing clean-up standards. For the next two years, he worked in the spill area, in the state legislature, and in Congress to strengthen Alaska’s environmental laws and to advocate passage of the federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990. He also served as Chair of the Alaska Emergency Response Commission and a member of the Alaska Coastal Policy Council, the Alaska Land Use Council, and the Alaska Water Resources Board.
For more information on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon, follow www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert or call the Florida Oil Spill Information Line at 888-337-3569.
PENSACOLA—Governor Charlie Crist, continuing his commitment to recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, joined oceanography experts in Pensacola for an aerial and shoreline tour of the oil spill. The Governor’s visit included a meeting with Philippe Cousteau, a leading environmental advocate, and Dennis Takahashai-Kelso, who was the Alaska Commissioner of Environmental Conservation at the time of the Exxon Valdez spill.
“We must use every opportunity and every resource to confront the oil spill and its potentially devastating impact on our shores and families,” said Governor Crist. “I am grateful for all of the people who have contributed to response efforts, but we must remain dedicated to improving on our successes and exhausting every tool to ensure the best possible outcome for Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.”
During the meeting with Philippe Cousteau and Dennis Takahashai-Kelso, Governor Crist heard ideas on how to protect Florida’s waters and coastline. Following the meeting, they joined Governor Crist as he led a shoreline beach inspection with Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Sole, Major General Douglas Burnett and Major General Emmett R. Titshaw of the Florida National Guard, and Admiral Robert Papp and Commander Joe Boudrow of the United States Coast Guard.
"In the past five weeks, I've seen the Deepwater Horizon disaster unfold beneath the surface and across the shorelines and the communities of the gulf states," said Cousteau. "It's critically important that we focus resources and attention both on the areas that have already seen the impact of the spill and those in its path. Every area we protect now becomes a critical foothold in the restoration and recovery of these vital ecosystems and people who depend on them."
"As the BP Deepwater Horizon oil slick continues to make landfall in Florida – nearly a generation after the Exxon Valdez – we need to focus on the most important steps to reduce harm to coastal ecosystems and the people who depend on them,” added Dr. Takahashai-Kelso. “First, it is essential to remove as much oil from the water as possible. That needs to be a continuing, relentless effort. Second, we need to listen closely to local people; their expertise is crucial to understanding where vulnerability is greatest and how best to proceed. Finally, we need to continue to build the baseline of scientific information in areas not yet touched by the oil. This information is necessary in order to respond more effectively if oil comes ashore in these areas and to understand the extent of damage.”
"We would also like to thank Governor Crist for taking the time to meet with us today,” Dr. Takahashai-Kelso continued. “It is important in this time of crisis to share all information and expertise that can be brought to bear in dealing with this emergency. Ocean Conservancy has been involved in Gulf of Mexico conservation issues for decades, and this situation has only made us more committed to the Gulf and its people."
About Philippe Cousteau
Philippe Cousteau is a leading environmental advocate and entrepreneur and is CEO of the non-profit environmental education organization EarthEcho International. In addition, Cousteau is the Chief Ocean Correspondent for Planet Green, a Discovery Network, where he hosts television series, as well as hosting Blue August 2010, an entire month of programming on Planet Green that celebrates the oceans. He is Chief Spokesperson for Environmental Education for Discovery Education, the #1 provider of K-12 broadband delivered educational content to United States schools. Cousteau serves on the Board of Directors of The Ocean Conservancy, Marine Conservation Biology Institute and the National Environmental Education Foundation.
About Dennis Takahashai-Kelso
Dennis Takahashai-Kelso leads the science and policy direction for Ocean Conservancy. He was Alaska Commissioner of Environmental Conservation at the time of the Exxon Valdez spill. When the tanker Exxon Valdez went aground in 1989, spilling nearly 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, Dr. Takahashi-Kelso was on board within hours to begin enforcing clean-up standards. For the next two years, he worked in the spill area, in the state legislature, and in Congress to strengthen Alaska’s environmental laws and to advocate passage of the federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990. He also served as Chair of the Alaska Emergency Response Commission and a member of the Alaska Coastal Policy Council, the Alaska Land Use Council, and the Alaska Water Resources Board.
For more information on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon, follow www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert or call the Florida Oil Spill Information Line at 888-337-3569.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Jimmy Buffett To Give Free Concert In Gulf Shores July 1
GULF SHORES, Ala. – Jimmy Buffett and a few of his friends plan to give a free concert on the Alabama coast to show support for the Gulf region.
Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell says show will be July 1 on the beach at Gulf Shores.
Buffett's website says the concert is meant to demonstrate support for the people, businesses and culture of the Gulf Coast. It will be broadcast live on CMT.
Buffett and his Coral Reefer Band will be joined in Gulf Shores by Sonny Landreth, Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Jesse Winchester and Allen Toussaint.
A special souvenir T-shirt will be designed for the concert. It will be available online and at the show.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Photos from June 18, 2010
Photos taken at the Gulf State Pier in Gulf Shores, AL. Clean-up crews were hard at work picking up oil-soaked boom from the water and hauling them away in trash bags.
Visit Florida Weekly Update
Visit Florida, the state's tourism marketing arm, has been keeping up with the latest on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and getting the word out to potential visitors that the beach is still open for business. As condo owners keep up with the latest news on the oil spill, I thought it would also be useful for owners to know what the state's tourism branch is doing to attract more visitors to the area to fill your rentals.
Visit Florida also hosted a webinar last week on what the agency is doing in response to the spill. You can check out the recorded version here. Other webinars will be scheduled as more information to share comes along.
Visit Florida is hosting a free webinar on Monday, June 21 at 10 a.m. EDT/9 a.m. CDT to hear from environmental and financial experts and attorneys concerning the latest updates about the Deepwater Horizon spill with topics including what has happened so far with the spill; how it is likely to affect tourism, fishing and related industries; potential claims and types of damages you may be able to recover; and how to document damages and claims.
To reserve a spot, click here.
To reserve a spot, click here.
Visit Florida also hosted a webinar last week on what the agency is doing in response to the spill. You can check out the recorded version here. Other webinars will be scheduled as more information to share comes along.
This week's update included the announcement that Sunshine Matters—the corporate blog for Visit Florida—will now include two daily reports—a media coverage overview of the oil spill nationally and a marketing response update. You can check out the blog here.
The organization has also launched two new TV spots airing in nearly 100 domestic markets—"Need To Know" focuses on Northwest Florida, where "More Than Enough" focuses on beach and water images throughout Florida.
Visit Florida is planning to research and measure the effects of the additional advertising in the marketplace, and have received 15 proposals from the Gulf Oil Spill Advertising Research Request for Proposals that closed this week. The agency has now begun the selection and contracting process.
Visit Florida is planning to research and measure the effects of the additional advertising in the marketplace, and have received 15 proposals from the Gulf Oil Spill Advertising Research Request for Proposals that closed this week. The agency has now begun the selection and contracting process.
Visit Florida has worked with the Florida Fish Wildlife Conservation Commission to send an e-mail promoting this weekend's no saltwater license required and the early opening of scallop season. Typically opening July 1, the scallop season is now opening Saturday, June 19. Also, beginning July 1, Florida residents will qualify for a no-cost shoreline fishing license.
Florida Live is also a great resource hosted by Visit Florida that allows those living the Florida lifestyle "live" to post photos to share with potential visitors and allows them to view webcams from across the state, including numerous cams hosted throughout Northwest Florida.
Visit Florida has also added a consumer question and answer page to its usual Travel Update Page of VISITFLORIDA.com to address any travel questions they may have regarding the spill.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Business Support Center Opening Next Week
The Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, and the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance have created a partnership to open a Business Support Center (BSC) in direct response to businesses in need due to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill. Faulkner State Community College will both host and manage the Center. The Center will be staffed by a number of agencies including the Small Business Development Center, Alabama Career Center, Women’s Business Center of South Alabama, SCORE and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The BSC will be a single place where businesses may access a broad selection of resources for information, education and assistance. Experienced business counselors will be available to discuss business strategies needed to survive the impact of the oil spill. Counselors will be trained in the BP claims process and will be available to help businesses prepare to file their claim before they go to the Claims Center. The SBA staff will be available to provide information on the low-interest economic injury disaster loans to small businesses impacted by the BP Oil Spill.
In addition, the BSC will host a series of business survival seminars to aid businesses in advertising, marketing, financing, writing new business plans, finding new products to offer and new customers to serve. Customized programs can be designed for business and industry upon request.
The Center will also work with local businesses and organizations to provide the workforce and business development programs that support a healthy local economy. The Center will work with employers to create customized programs that upgrade the skills of employees, help individuals transition to new positions, train workers in new and emerging fields, and assist small businesses with new business development and growth issues.
The Center will also work to provide the following service to business and industry: Connect employers with potential employees; provide meaningful job-site training; support clients as they pursue career and employment goals; assist in asset management and procurement during the oil spill crisis; and expand markets and consider alternative enterprises within the industry.
The Center is funded by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development; there will be no charge for services, however there may be a minimal charge for training and workshops.
The BSC is located at Faulkner State Community College at the Gulf Shores Campus. The Center will be open from 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday beginning on Monday, June 21, 2010. To contact the Center for an appointment, please call 251-968-3118.
Additional information may be found at www.gulfcoastbsc.com.
The BSC will be a single place where businesses may access a broad selection of resources for information, education and assistance. Experienced business counselors will be available to discuss business strategies needed to survive the impact of the oil spill. Counselors will be trained in the BP claims process and will be available to help businesses prepare to file their claim before they go to the Claims Center. The SBA staff will be available to provide information on the low-interest economic injury disaster loans to small businesses impacted by the BP Oil Spill.
In addition, the BSC will host a series of business survival seminars to aid businesses in advertising, marketing, financing, writing new business plans, finding new products to offer and new customers to serve. Customized programs can be designed for business and industry upon request.
The Center will also work with local businesses and organizations to provide the workforce and business development programs that support a healthy local economy. The Center will work with employers to create customized programs that upgrade the skills of employees, help individuals transition to new positions, train workers in new and emerging fields, and assist small businesses with new business development and growth issues.
The Center will also work to provide the following service to business and industry: Connect employers with potential employees; provide meaningful job-site training; support clients as they pursue career and employment goals; assist in asset management and procurement during the oil spill crisis; and expand markets and consider alternative enterprises within the industry.
The Center is funded by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development; there will be no charge for services, however there may be a minimal charge for training and workshops.
The BSC is located at Faulkner State Community College at the Gulf Shores Campus. The Center will be open from 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday beginning on Monday, June 21, 2010. To contact the Center for an appointment, please call 251-968-3118.
Additional information may be found at www.gulfcoastbsc.com.
CITIMORTGAGE ANNOUNCES FORECLOSURE SUSPENSION PROGRAM TO HELP DISTRESSED HOMEOWNERS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO REGION
NEW YORK (June 16, 2010) – Citi Chief Executive Officer Vikram Pandit today announced a foreclosure suspension program for CitiMortgage-owned mortgages in coastal areas hard-hit by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The aim of this program is to allow distressed homeowners to remain in their homes during these uncertain times as the Gulf communities respond to the oil spill and its economic repercussions. During the three-month suspension, effective June 17 through September 17, 2010, borrowers with first mortgage loans owned by CitiMortgage and who meet certain other criteria will not be subject to foreclosure sales or foreclosure notifications. While CitiMortgage does not own all of the loans it services, the company hopes to help as many borrowers as possible with this initiative.
Vikram Pandit, Chief Executive Officer of Citi said, "By putting CitiMortgage foreclosures on hold, we aim to ease the burden on residents of the Gulf states so they can concentrate on the most urgent matters facing them. In the midst of this crisis, we will continue to explore ways to help people avoid foreclosure so they and their families can remain in their homes and have one less thing to worry about.”
“We hope that with this suspension we can help ease some of the financial stress for our customers in the affected Gulf region,” said Sanjiv Das, President and Chief Executive Officer of CitiMortgage. “Many of them are facing financial hardship as a result of the spill, and we want to help support them during this very unsettling time,” Mr. Das added.
CitiMortgage’s Gulf region foreclosure suspension affects only those loans it owns in the region. Under the program, CitiMortgage will halt all foreclosure sales on first mortgage accounts in highly impacted coastal areas through September 17th. In addition, evictions on real estate owned properties (REO) will cease during this time. CitiMortgage borrowers occupying residences in zip codes within approximately 25 miles of affected coastal areas will be eligible for the program.
Speaking for Citi’s community-based consumer finance business, Mary McDowell, President and Chief Executive Officer of CitiFinancial North of America said, “CitiFinancial remains committed to working closely with customers, community leaders, business partners, the government and other stakeholders to address the national housing situation. We are also especially concerned about our customers in the Gulf region that are affected by the oil spill, and we want to do what we can to help them. Because we have an on-the-ground presence in the Gulf communities where we operate, we can work closely with customers individually to help provide solutions if they are having difficulty making their mortgage payments.”
Citi has a number of programs in place to help homeowners in financial distress. Citi’s existing Homeowner Assistance Program is a multi-faceted foreclosure prevention initiative that has helped more than 900,000 homeowners in their efforts to avoid potential foreclosure and remain in their homes since the housing crisis began in 2007. Citi currently makes strenuous attempts to establish contact with distressed borrowers and help them avoid foreclosure. The company does not initiate or complete a foreclosure sale on any eligible borrower when the following criteria are met: CitiMortgage owns the mortgage; the borrower is seeking to stay in the home, which is his or her primary residence; the borrower is working in good faith with Citi; and, the borrower has sufficient income for affordable mortgage payments.
To see a comprehensive report about Citi’s foreclosure prevention efforts, please go to:http://www.citigroup.com/citi/fin/data/1q10_datareport.pdf?ieNocache=11
To reach CitiMortgage’s dedicated team of representatives assisting with the Gulf foreclosure suspension program, call 866-219-8155 beginning Friday, June 18th. CitiFinancial customers should contact their local CitiFinancial branch or the number listed on their monthly mortgage statement.
Vikram Pandit, Chief Executive Officer of Citi said, "By putting CitiMortgage foreclosures on hold, we aim to ease the burden on residents of the Gulf states so they can concentrate on the most urgent matters facing them. In the midst of this crisis, we will continue to explore ways to help people avoid foreclosure so they and their families can remain in their homes and have one less thing to worry about.”
“We hope that with this suspension we can help ease some of the financial stress for our customers in the affected Gulf region,” said Sanjiv Das, President and Chief Executive Officer of CitiMortgage. “Many of them are facing financial hardship as a result of the spill, and we want to help support them during this very unsettling time,” Mr. Das added.
CitiMortgage’s Gulf region foreclosure suspension affects only those loans it owns in the region. Under the program, CitiMortgage will halt all foreclosure sales on first mortgage accounts in highly impacted coastal areas through September 17th. In addition, evictions on real estate owned properties (REO) will cease during this time. CitiMortgage borrowers occupying residences in zip codes within approximately 25 miles of affected coastal areas will be eligible for the program.
Speaking for Citi’s community-based consumer finance business, Mary McDowell, President and Chief Executive Officer of CitiFinancial North of America said, “CitiFinancial remains committed to working closely with customers, community leaders, business partners, the government and other stakeholders to address the national housing situation. We are also especially concerned about our customers in the Gulf region that are affected by the oil spill, and we want to do what we can to help them. Because we have an on-the-ground presence in the Gulf communities where we operate, we can work closely with customers individually to help provide solutions if they are having difficulty making their mortgage payments.”
Citi has a number of programs in place to help homeowners in financial distress. Citi’s existing Homeowner Assistance Program is a multi-faceted foreclosure prevention initiative that has helped more than 900,000 homeowners in their efforts to avoid potential foreclosure and remain in their homes since the housing crisis began in 2007. Citi currently makes strenuous attempts to establish contact with distressed borrowers and help them avoid foreclosure. The company does not initiate or complete a foreclosure sale on any eligible borrower when the following criteria are met: CitiMortgage owns the mortgage; the borrower is seeking to stay in the home, which is his or her primary residence; the borrower is working in good faith with Citi; and, the borrower has sufficient income for affordable mortgage payments.
To see a comprehensive report about Citi’s foreclosure prevention efforts, please go to:http://www.citigroup.com/citi/fin/data/1q10_datareport.pdf?ieNocache=11
To reach CitiMortgage’s dedicated team of representatives assisting with the Gulf foreclosure suspension program, call 866-219-8155 beginning Friday, June 18th. CitiFinancial customers should contact their local CitiFinancial branch or the number listed on their monthly mortgage statement.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Photos from June 16, 2010
Photos taken at the Public Beach in Gulf Shores, AL. The oil can now be seen on the surface of the water washing up on shore but that hasn't stopped anyone from enjoying the sun and sand! Volleyball players, families, and cleanup crews are still very much present on the beaches along the gulf region.
President Obama Visits Gulf Coast, Accuses BP Of Recklessness
Gulf Coast residents have known for 58 days now the dire impact that the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill will have on not only the coast, but the nation. On Tuesday, President Barack Obama ventured to the Gulf Coast for a two-day whirlwind tour of the affected areas from Gulfport, Miss., to Pensacola, Fla., to join residents in pressing a deeper sense of urgency to recovery and compensation efforts from BP.
His trip came the same day the grim news was announced that estimates have now reached toward 60,000 barrels of oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico per day.
During his speech at Pensacola Naval Air Station on Tuesday, President Obama called the oil spill the worst environmental disaster in the nation's history.
17,500 National Guardsmen have been authorized for deployment in response to the crisis, with about 1,600 activated. I saw firsthand a few of the guardsmen assisting recovery efforts a few days ago at the Perdido Pass Bridge.
Pensacola's beaches have largely been spared from oil contamination so far, but oil looming off the coast has brought up legitimate concerns about what the future may hold. Obama promised, however, that the coast will get the resources it needs to protect the beaches and revitalize the area in a physical and economic sense. "Because this isn't just an environmental disaster. For many families and communities, it's an economic disaster," he said.
To read more about the president's speech at NAS Pensacola, his national address from the Oval Office last night and to see photos of his two-day visit to the coast, check out the Pensacola News Journal's front page here.
I received an email this morning from John Campbell from the Okaloosa (County, Fla.) Oil Response Team with Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc. that had a few key points for local residents and visitors in helping local and federal agencies trying to lay out boom and protect local waterways. A few key things he mentioned:
Ashley Wright
Assistant Editor, Condo Owner Magazine
www.condo-owner.com
awright@coveypubs.com
His trip came the same day the grim news was announced that estimates have now reached toward 60,000 barrels of oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico per day.
During his speech at Pensacola Naval Air Station on Tuesday, President Obama called the oil spill the worst environmental disaster in the nation's history.
17,500 National Guardsmen have been authorized for deployment in response to the crisis, with about 1,600 activated. I saw firsthand a few of the guardsmen assisting recovery efforts a few days ago at the Perdido Pass Bridge.
Pensacola's beaches have largely been spared from oil contamination so far, but oil looming off the coast has brought up legitimate concerns about what the future may hold. Obama promised, however, that the coast will get the resources it needs to protect the beaches and revitalize the area in a physical and economic sense. "Because this isn't just an environmental disaster. For many families and communities, it's an economic disaster," he said.
To read more about the president's speech at NAS Pensacola, his national address from the Oval Office last night and to see photos of his two-day visit to the coast, check out the Pensacola News Journal's front page here.
I received an email this morning from John Campbell from the Okaloosa (County, Fla.) Oil Response Team with Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc. that had a few key points for local residents and visitors in helping local and federal agencies trying to lay out boom and protect local waterways. A few key things he mentioned:
- Yellow oil-containment boom can be dangerous to swimmers and boaters. Boom can be damaged or destroyed by a collision with boats or jet skis.
- Boom can also be made ineffective by boat wake. When operating your boat near boom use slow speeds to create minimum wake. Also, stay in the navigation channel to reduce the effects of wake on the boom system.
- If you get close to the boom, currents can sweep you into the boom before you know it, damaging the boom and your boat.
- Avoid boating or swimming near boom.
Ashley Wright
Assistant Editor, Condo Owner Magazine
www.condo-owner.com
awright@coveypubs.com
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Here’s How You Can Help Clean Up Our Gulf Coast
Here’s a way for you to get involved in the much-needed Gulf Coast cleanup. All you need is a little training, and the City of Orange Beach is offering training for free.
The City of Orange Beach will be hosting volunteer training sessions in the Public Works Training Room on 4500 Public Works Road/William Silvers Parkway in Orange Beach.
The class will take approximately four hours and allow volunteers to assist in picking up and cleaning oil off of the beach. This training will not be geared toward or allow assistance for oiled wildlife.
Please RSVP to Nicole Woerner with the class time you prefer, your name, and phone number and she will respond as soon as possible. Each class is open to the first 25 people who register.
LOCATION
Shoreline Level 3 Yellow Card Certification Classes in the Public Works Building: 4500 William Silvers Pkwy., Orange Beach, AL 36561.
CLASS TIMES
Thurs. June, 17th: 12:30 pm; 5:30 pm
Fri. June, 18th: 8:00 am; 12:30 pm; 5:30 pm
Sat. June, 19th: 12:30 pm
Tues. June, 22nd: 8:00 am; 12:30 pm
Wed. June, 23rd: 12: 30 pm
Thurs. June, 24th: 8:00 am; 12:30 pm
Sat. June, 26th: 8:30 am
Mon. June, 28th: 8:00 am; 12:30 pm
Tues. June, 29th: 8:00 am; 12:30 pm
CONTACT
Nicole Woerner
Coastal Resources Planner
Engineering and Environmental Services
City of Orange Beach
nwoerner@cityoforangebeach.com
P.O. Box 2432
Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-1063
(251) 981-1139 fax
Monday, June 14, 2010
Photos from June 14, 2010
Gulf Shores Public Beach next to the Hangout - Today parking fees were waived.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Heavy Hearts Today
It is with a heavy heart today that I report that some oil has slipped through Perdido Pass and made it into Wolf Bay.
Local municipal officials reported that strong currents coupled with not having enough containment boom allowed the oil seep into the highly ecologically sensitive area.
From The Mobile Press-Register via al.com:
From shrimp nets in the Mississippi Sound to the back bays and bayous around Orange Beach, brown globs of oil stained previously pristine areas Wednesday.
And more oil is likely on the way.
The latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls for oil contamination along beaches from Mississippi's barrier islands in the west to Pensacola in the east during the next few days.
Orange Beach residents watched Wednesday as oil moved through Perdido Pass and washed into sensitive back bays and bayous.
There's plenty of finger pointing going on as to whose fault it is or is not, but here's what I know for sure: we've got to get the oil out of the back bays and do everything possible to keep it out down the road. Our ecological system back there is just too fragile for us not to act and act quickly.
On a positive note, there's work being done to create a better oil containment system that would be designed to do a better job of protecting Perdido Pass, but it'll take two weeks to get it in place. A lot of hope is riding on this project.
Meanwhile, if you'd like to read the article from al.com, here's the link: http://blog.al.com/live/2010/06/oil_spill_washes_up_in_orange.html.
In reading the headlines related to the local condo industry this morning, I ran across an article in the Dempolis Times in which the reporter interviewed several local residents who own or rent condos on or near the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. The reporter sought to learn how the oil spill would affect their decision to vacation on the coast. Here's what Kayte Randall said:
"The oil would not make me change my plans. We like to go out to dinner, and Terry likes to play golf, so I can ride with him and play golf. There are plenty of things to do, even just sitting out on the beach or sitting on the balcony. That's what we enjoy doing. I usually don't get in the water anyway."
Bill Meador, another resident, said, "We share a condo, and we have it reserved for a specific weekend. We're going whether the oil is there or not, because we have a family vacation planned with my brother. We'll find other things to do. We'll lay around the pool..."
One Dempolis resident and his neighbors at his second home on the coast took it upon themselves to protect their own properties.
"We have a home on the bay, so the oil is not going to affect a thing," Dan Wilson said. "The people who live on the canal that I live on went together, and we got our own boom to put across there.…to try and make sure that no oil came into our area. We weren't waiting on the state of Alabama. We weren't waiting on the government to come and do their part. We took it into our own hands, and we are prepared to look after ourselves and not waiting on somebody else to do it."
I would encourage you to read this article at The Demopolis Times.
I hope more folks like these will remain committed to visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast, despite the oil. Continued commitment is what the area needs right now.
Until tomorrow...
Kristen McIntosh
Editor, Condo Owner Magazine
www.condo-owner.com
kmcintosh@coveypubs.com
Local municipal officials reported that strong currents coupled with not having enough containment boom allowed the oil seep into the highly ecologically sensitive area.
From The Mobile Press-Register via al.com:
From shrimp nets in the Mississippi Sound to the back bays and bayous around Orange Beach, brown globs of oil stained previously pristine areas Wednesday.
And more oil is likely on the way.
The latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls for oil contamination along beaches from Mississippi's barrier islands in the west to Pensacola in the east during the next few days.
Orange Beach residents watched Wednesday as oil moved through Perdido Pass and washed into sensitive back bays and bayous.
There's plenty of finger pointing going on as to whose fault it is or is not, but here's what I know for sure: we've got to get the oil out of the back bays and do everything possible to keep it out down the road. Our ecological system back there is just too fragile for us not to act and act quickly.
On a positive note, there's work being done to create a better oil containment system that would be designed to do a better job of protecting Perdido Pass, but it'll take two weeks to get it in place. A lot of hope is riding on this project.
Meanwhile, if you'd like to read the article from al.com, here's the link: http://blog.al.com/live/2010/06/oil_spill_washes_up_in_orange.html.
In reading the headlines related to the local condo industry this morning, I ran across an article in the Dempolis Times in which the reporter interviewed several local residents who own or rent condos on or near the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. The reporter sought to learn how the oil spill would affect their decision to vacation on the coast. Here's what Kayte Randall said:
"The oil would not make me change my plans. We like to go out to dinner, and Terry likes to play golf, so I can ride with him and play golf. There are plenty of things to do, even just sitting out on the beach or sitting on the balcony. That's what we enjoy doing. I usually don't get in the water anyway."
Bill Meador, another resident, said, "We share a condo, and we have it reserved for a specific weekend. We're going whether the oil is there or not, because we have a family vacation planned with my brother. We'll find other things to do. We'll lay around the pool..."
One Dempolis resident and his neighbors at his second home on the coast took it upon themselves to protect their own properties.
"We have a home on the bay, so the oil is not going to affect a thing," Dan Wilson said. "The people who live on the canal that I live on went together, and we got our own boom to put across there.…to try and make sure that no oil came into our area. We weren't waiting on the state of Alabama. We weren't waiting on the government to come and do their part. We took it into our own hands, and we are prepared to look after ourselves and not waiting on somebody else to do it."
I would encourage you to read this article at The Demopolis Times.
I hope more folks like these will remain committed to visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast, despite the oil. Continued commitment is what the area needs right now.
Until tomorrow...
Kristen McIntosh
Editor, Condo Owner Magazine
www.condo-owner.com
kmcintosh@coveypubs.com
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Preventative Measures & Beach Cleanup
June 9, 2010: Taken At Perdido Pass In Orange Beach, Ala.
When we experienced some tar balls washing up on the beach along the Alabama Gulf Coast last weekend, response efforts were way too slow. But crews today are definitely picking up the pace to stay on top of the cleanup efforts. You could also see boats out in the Gulf deploying more containment boom to do everything possible to protect our shores.
This is good news for visitors to the local area who continue to enjoy not only the beautiful sugar-white beaches (yep, the beaches are still sugar-white, I can assure you) but also to take full advantage of the other terrific amenities at local condos and attractions: the pools, shops, outlet mall, golf courses, state park, etc., that are located throughout the area.
We all know this cleanup effort and recovery process must be taken one day at a time, but the rapid response was certainly a welcome sight today.
Our publisher and his wife traveled to Panama City Beach yesterday for a cheerleading competition for their 16-year-old, and said there was no sign of oil but plenty of signs of tourists at the condos, in the restaurants and in the shops.
While they were there, they heard a TV interview with a representative of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, who told the reporter that if and/or when the oil does make its way to the city's beaches, and leisure tourists look for other locales for their vacations, they'll seek to fill their condos and hotel rooms with sports groups and meeting groups, whose activities tend to be based off beach.
I expect the same is true for the other Gulf Coast destinations affected by this incident.
Watch for more tomorrow from the Alabama Gulf Coast...
Kristen McIntosh
Editor, Condo Owner Magazine
kmcintosh@coveypubs.com
www.condo-owner.com
When we experienced some tar balls washing up on the beach along the Alabama Gulf Coast last weekend, response efforts were way too slow. But crews today are definitely picking up the pace to stay on top of the cleanup efforts. You could also see boats out in the Gulf deploying more containment boom to do everything possible to protect our shores.
This is good news for visitors to the local area who continue to enjoy not only the beautiful sugar-white beaches (yep, the beaches are still sugar-white, I can assure you) but also to take full advantage of the other terrific amenities at local condos and attractions: the pools, shops, outlet mall, golf courses, state park, etc., that are located throughout the area.
We all know this cleanup effort and recovery process must be taken one day at a time, but the rapid response was certainly a welcome sight today.
Our publisher and his wife traveled to Panama City Beach yesterday for a cheerleading competition for their 16-year-old, and said there was no sign of oil but plenty of signs of tourists at the condos, in the restaurants and in the shops.
While they were there, they heard a TV interview with a representative of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, who told the reporter that if and/or when the oil does make its way to the city's beaches, and leisure tourists look for other locales for their vacations, they'll seek to fill their condos and hotel rooms with sports groups and meeting groups, whose activities tend to be based off beach.
I expect the same is true for the other Gulf Coast destinations affected by this incident.
Watch for more tomorrow from the Alabama Gulf Coast...
Kristen McIntosh
Editor, Condo Owner Magazine
kmcintosh@coveypubs.com
www.condo-owner.com
Photos From June 7, 2010
Photos from the public beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama and the Gulf State Park.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Our Beautiful Gulf Coast Is Still Beautiful!
Spent some time today touring condos along the Alabama Gulf Coast to select one for our upcoming Interior Design Feature.
Our Gulf Coast is absolutely gorgeous, and the units that Contributing Editor Marcia Bradford and I toured were beautiful. One was at Turquoise Place, and one was at Mediterranean in Perdido Key.
The owners of each unit, one family from Huntsville, Ala., and one from New Orleans, La., are committed to the Gulf Coast and are proud to own these units. That's apparent based on how beautifully designed they both were.
Our first visit was to the unit at Turquoise Place, and I was immediately struck by the gorgeous view from the lobby as we entered the building. I've been there before and admired the view in the past, but I think I paid extra attention to the beach and water during this visit because we're on such high alert due to the oil spill.
There was some kind of barge-looking watercraft out in the Gulf deploying quite a lot of containment boom several yards from the breaking surf. See photo above.
Not deterred in their desire to enjoy their vacations, there were many families that walked past me to happily take their kids down to the beach. The parents might not have allowed their kids to swim in the water (swim advisories were in effect today for gulf waters in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach), but everyone was frolicking on the still beautiful sugar-white sands. Maybe not as many folks on the beach, but those who were were having a great time.
Sure, beach-goers shared the sand with some cleanup crews who were picking up any of the small tar balls that were making landfall, but all in all, it seemed like a pretty normal beach day to me!
After we finished touring the unit at Turquoise, we headed just over the Florida state line to Mediterranean, where there are only 40 total units (20 per 10-story tower).
The first thing I noticed was that nearly all available parking spaces were being used. It was a tight squeeze to get into the parking lot! Once in the unit, it became apparent just how much the owners love this second home. Their family' photos were on the bureau, their laptop on the desk, the dog's bed in the corner of the bedroom, and the unit lovingly prepared for their next visit.
Oil spill or not, these owners aren't going anywhere. They've made an investment in the Gulf Coast and are committed to continuing to enjoy their little slice of paradise.
Watch for the summer issue of Condo Owner in the next couple of weeks, where we'll be featuring one of these two units in our Interior Design feature. This issue will also focus heavily on issues owners need to know as they face the oil spill crisis.
Check out our blog tomorrow for more on the upcoming oil spill coverage coming up in the summer issue.
Kristen McIntosh
Condo Owner
kmcintosh@coveypubs.com
www.condo-owner.com
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