Underground Journal

Oil Spill Affecting Florida Beach Vacations?

Since April the coverage of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has been a constant backdrop to an otherwise great spring and summer travel season. As of early July oil had washed up on the beaches and marshlands of Mississippi, Louisana, Texas, and Florida. Of the affected states, Florida has caught the attention of the population because of its standing as a top tourist spot. But just which Florida beaches are affected by the spill, and which ones are likely to be affected in the future?

Currently, only a small piece of Florida coastline is affected by oil in the water, or tar balls or tar patties. As of early July 2010, that area is in the toe of Florida’s boot, between Fort Walton and Pensacola. Again, this is an incredibly small portion of the coast-less than 10%.

Because of the way the ocean waters circulate in the Gulf of Mexico, the spill is unlikely to be felt along the west coast of Florida’s Penninsula. That means popular tourist destinations like Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach and Naples Fl will be unaffected. However, the effects may be felt all the way down south in the Florida Keys, and even on the East Side of Florida near Miami and Fort Lauderdale. If you are planning a vacation in these areas this summer, its best to check out the Visit Florida website and call the hotel or resort that you’ll be staying at.

The X factor for Florida is, as always, hurricanes. Currently, experts can’t seem to agree on the likely outcome of a hurricane in the Gulf. There is no doubt that a powerful hurricane could disrupt and delay the drilling of the relief wells. but if the hurricane will help by breaking up the oil slicks, or make the situation worse by blowing the oil into the land, nobody seems to know.

So whats a vacationing Family to do? Stick to Southwest Florida-I hear there are some great deals on Naples FL Homes anyhow.

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