Oil Spill Updates

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BP's blown-out oil well is very close to being permanently sealed. The well was capped on July 15th and on August 5th, BP crews finished cementing the top of the well in a process known as a "static kill." The final step is the completion of a relief well which will allow BP to pump more mud and cement to seal the well closer to the underground source of the crude oil.

More good news was released in a federal report which indicates that only about a quarter of the spilled crude remains in the Gulf and is degrading quickly.

Carol Browner, Director of the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy, was at Schooners in Panama City Beach on August 5th to discuss the environmental and economic impacts of the oil spill with local business leaders. (see photos)

As of August 5th, no oil is projected to affect Panama City Beach or Destin anytime soon. The vast majority of the beaches in our area remain untouched by oil. Easterly winds and currents have pushed the oil west toward Louisiana. The small patches of tarballs that approached our shores a few weeks ago were very light and weathered oil (no odor) and were quickly cleaned up off the beach. Crews are still monitoring the beaches, but no oil is expected to affect us anytime soon. Grab your beach chairs and head down to the beach! The water is beautiful right now. If you want to see for yourself, check out our recently upgraded Schooners Sunset Cam and Destin Beach Cam.

For more info, please see the Oil Spill Updates from PCBDaily.com.

Oil Spill Map - Lists individual reports and descriptions of oil or oil-product found along the Florida shoreline.

If you want to see how beautiful our beaches are right now, take a look at these live web cams:

We understand our visitors' concerns about their upcoming beach vacations and want to help keep you informed. The websites listed below have the latest information regarding the oil spill. You may also sign up for our newsletter and we'll let our subscribers know if the spill is forecast to affect our beaches.

Oil Spill Updates from PCBDaily.com
The News Herald
www.noaa.gov
ocgweb.marine.usf.edu
www.epa.gov/bpspill
baycountyfl.gov
www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/about/gulf-of-mexico
www.geoplatform.gov/gulfresponse

Map of Where the Oil Has Made Landfall (NY Times)

Response & Trajectory Map of the Oil Spill in the Gulf

Several hotels and resorts have partnered with the Panama City Beach Tourist and Development Council to offer a "Real.Fun.Guarantee" which allows you to reschedule your vacation if the oil spill impacts our beaches at the time of your reservation.

Discuss the Oil Spill in our Forums - Ask Questions, Get Answers

We hope everyone enjoys their Florida vacation. Locals and officials are optimistic that the situation seems to finally be under control and the impact to entire Gulf Coast will be minimized. We'll do our best to help keep the public informed as we enjoy a fun, sunny and, hopefully, OIL-FREE summer.