Florida’s Gulf Coast Still Beautiful
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It has been over 100 days since the oil drilling platform explosion in the Gulf of Mexico and despite what you may have heard, Florida beaches are still open! Additionally, as of 8/10/10, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reopened 5, 144 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico for finfish fishing. Flights over the area in the last 30 days and NOAA data show no oil in the area reopened for fishing. Although crab and shrimp fishing remains closed, visitors and commercial fisherman can catch renowned grouper, snapper, tuna and mahi mahi.
The eastern edge this recent closure affected Cape San Blas on Florida Panhandle’s Forgotten Coast. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection(DEP) confirmed reports of tar balls near Pensacola, FL, however local Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring the air and water quality closely in Cape San Blas, and so far the beaches remain beautiful and open. According to a statement by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 
Commission Chairman, Rodney Barreto, “Both the water and fish have been thoroughly tested and Florida’s seafood is certified good to eat and great tasting.”
Still hesitant about booking a Florida vacation?
I recommend finding a reputable company that is offering options to its guests in the event of beach closures. Pristine Properties is one of those reputable Cape San Blas vacation rental companies. Their recent newsletter announced options for their guests to relocate to open beaches, reschedule to a future date, or refund reservations in the event of a closure. Owners, Alyson and Justin Gerlach, are making all attempts to keep their visitors happy and coming back year after year. “We understand this situation has created a great deal of uncertainty for you as well as us. We’re planning to handle this to the best of our ability and our main concern is not having our guests feeling like they’re going at it alone.”
A meaningful vacation
For those of you looking to do more than just relax on your Florida vacation, check out one of these webpages for volunteer opportunities: www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/deephorizonsoilspill.cfm or www.gulfcounty-fl.gov/forms.cfm?id=619.
Welcome back!