Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 23, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Message of the day: Sea Turtle Protection
To ensure that sea turtle hatchlings on Florida beaches do not encounter oil from the Deepwater Horizon incident, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service will be relocating nests today in Franklin, Okaloosa, Gulf and Bay counties. Nest excavations have been occurring on Northwest Florida and Alabama Gulf coasts this past month and will continue throughout the summer. … Continue Reading

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 22, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Message of the day: Camp Beyond the Horizon
To help children cope with stress caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Lutheran Services Florida (LSF), in partnership with the Florida Department of Children and Families and other local sponsors, will provide a therapeutic camp experience. Camp Beyond the Horizon will address the educational and emotional needs of children affected by the disaster. Camp Beyond the Horizon is specifically designed for children in grades kindergarten through six. The camp allows children to process their experiences and their grief in a safe, supportive, caring atmosphere that also offers fun and recreation. The week-long camps will be held in churches and community centers in the affected areas. There is no cost to families for children to participate. The first four camps are scheduled as follows: … Continue Reading

MEMORANDUM: Executive Order 10-169, Authorizing Interim Property Assessments

DATE: July 21, 2010

TO: Interested Media

FROM: Sterling Ivey, Governor’s Press Secretary

RE: Executive Order 10-169, Authorizing Interim Property Assessments

Please see the attached Executive Order 10-169, authorizing property appraisers to provide interim assessments of properties affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. Property appraisers in the 26 counties under the current state of emergency are granted authorization to provide an interim assessment of any property that may have declined in value due to the oil spill. Property owners can then use the interim assessments to substantiate claims against BP or other responsible parties.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call Governor Crist’s press office at (850) 488-5394.

2010.7.21 EO Interim Property Assessment

Florida Emergency Response Officials Announce Temporary Removal Of Supplemental Boom Due To Potential Tropical Activity In The Gulf

TALLAHASSEE – The State Emergency Response Team, in coordination with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), today announced the removal of supplemental Tier 3 boom within the next 72 to 96 hours in the Panhandle counties. The removal is in light of the potential tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

“During a tropical storm boom can cause additional damage to the natural resources that we are trying to protect from oil spill impacts,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Given the current oil spill trajectories and the tropical activity in the Gulf of Mexico we think this is the best decision for Florida’s communities.” … Continue Reading

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 21, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Message of the day: Florida Seafood is Safe
Although a portion of Florida’s coastal waters offshore of Escambia County are temporarily closed to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp, Florida seafood products remain safe and plentiful and have not been affected by the oil spill. Most of the Gulf of Mexico is untouched by oil, and Florida’s commercial fishermen continue to harvest products from these clean waters. In addition, Florida government agencies continue to monitor water samples off Florida’s coast for any potential impacts by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. … Continue Reading

House Democrats: In Case You Missed It: The Do-Nothing Republican Legislature

For video published by the Palm Beach Post, FOLLOW THIS LINK:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid104530979001?bclid=0&bctid=180412973001

TRANSCRIPT:
GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST, Tuesday, July 20, 2010, Press Conference: Good afternoon. To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement. I am significantly disappointed for the people. I really am. I can’t believe that this Legislature has shirked its duty so badly. They had an opportunity to put a referendum before the people, to allow the people the right to vote on this important issue, and they wouldn’t even trust them.

In the House, they didn’t even trust their own members. They wouldn’t even let them speak. They limited their speech. Even among their colleagues. How arrogant can a Legislature be? … Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party: You vs. Jeff Atwater and Oil Lobbyists

The special session to ban drilling off Florida’s beaches just began a few minutes ago. But, the Republicans like Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Larry Cretul are simply playing partisan games rather than providing the leadership and help Floridians need.

Floridians demand action now – yet Senate President Atwater refuses to even do his job and we need your help.

Loranne Ausley, our Democratic nominee for CFO, is demanding that the drilling ban and relief to Floridians affected by the spill be voted on now so that it is on the ballot for Floridians to vote in November. Join her by signing her petition and let your voice be heard. … Continue Reading

Gelber to House Republican’s: Gavel and Go a “childish temper tantrum”

Tallahassee, Fla. – State Senator Dan Gelber issued the following statement on the Florida House Republican leadership’s decision to “gavel and go” without delivering solutions to coastal residents facing growing challenges from the oil spill and denying Floridians an opportunity to have the final say on near-shore drilling:

“In what could be best called a childish temper tantrum, House Republicans today grabbed their ball and stormed off the field allowing petty political battles to trump the best interests of Floridians. They permitted their contempt for the Governor to overwhelm discussion of a fair and timely policy issue. They succumbed to their basest political instincts at the expense of the interests of those that elected them. … Continue Reading

Statement by Majority Leader Adam Hasner in Support of Speaker Cretul’s Announcement of House Workplan

“Rather than simply banning something that is already banned, we are appropriately responding by preparing a meaningful agenda that will provide real solutions on the critical issues impacting those Floridians who have been affected the most by this disaster.

“Floridians deserve strong leadership and meaningful solutions in a time of crisis. Right now it’s more important for us to focus on doing what’s right for Floridians to help create jobs and start the recovery in the Panhandle.”

House Work Groups for Deepwater Horizon Response Plan

To:
All House Members
From:
Speaker Larry Cretul
Date:
07/20/2010
Re:
HOUSE WORK GROUPS FOR DEEPWATER HORIZON RESPONSE PLAN

Dear Members:

After reviewing the status of the Deepwater Horizon well blowout, meeting with affected citizens, and talking with my colleagues in the Florida House and Senate, I am establishing six workgroups with specific assignments. These workgroups are expected to uncover problems and offer meaningful legislative solutions to the issues created by the oil spill and submit their recommendations to me by August 31st .

The goals and guiding principles for these workgroups are: … Continue Reading

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 20, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Message of the day:
There are currently no plans to use dispersants in Florida. If dispersants are ever considered in state waters, the determination to use the chemical would be evaluated by DEP with input from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Florida Wildlife Research Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dispersants are a chemical used to break up oil into small droplets so that they are more easily degraded. This chemical is most effective against fresh oil, unlike the weathered oil impacts Florida has seen in its waters. … Continue Reading

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 19, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Message of the day:
A myth is circulating regarding a methane gas bubble that could cause a tsunami, impacting Florida. Tsunamis are unlikely to occur as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident. These rumors involve the naturally occurring methane beneath the seafloor in the Macondo Discovery, which is the petroleum reservoir into which the Deepwater Horizon production well was drilled. Scientists and engineers are aware of the physical and chemical behavior of methane in the earth and ocean, as well as during production of petroleum. Science does not support the notion of a methane-induced tsunami resulting from Deepwater Horizon activities. However, while the possibility of an induced tsunami is extremely remote, DEP continues to take all concerns seriously and is consulting with experts in all related scientific fields. View the following DEP fact sheet with more information about methane gas and the Deepwater Horizon incident: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/methane_fact_sheet.pdf. … Continue Reading

US Coast Guard Deputy Incident Commander for Florida to Hold Media Briefing on Oil Spill Response Efforts

U.S. Coast Guard Commander Joe Boudrow to discuss oil spill, preparedness and response efforts in Florida

Tallahassee, Fla. – U.S. Coast Guard Commander Joe Boudrow, the Deputy Incident Commander for Florida, will host a media briefing conference call on Monday, July 19, at 11 am, about current oil spill response efforts in the state.

Commander Boudrow will offer an overview of the spill response efforts in Florida to date, provide operational details of the U.S. Coast Guard’s current activities, and highlight any new planned response activity.

This will be the start of regular and ongoing media briefings by Commander Boudrow to discuss the state of the oil spill response in Florida. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole will also participate in the call.

What: Media briefing by U.S. Coast Guard Commander Joe Boudrow, Deputy Incident Commander for Florida for oil spill response and DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole.

When: Monday, 11 am EST, July 19

Call-in information: 1-866-304-5784

Conference ID: 89095825

Statement by Governor Charlie Crist Regarding the Cap on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Well

“While I am pleased that oil is no longer freely flowing in the Gulf of Mexico, there is more work to do to help families, businesses and communities on the Gulf Coast as they recover from this disaster. Though relieved by today’s progress, I join Floridians and all who love the Gulf Coast in remaining focused on the permanent end to the oil spill and cleaning up Florida’s beautiful beaches and famous fishing grounds. Our state’s economy, environment and future depend on our success in these efforts.”

CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 15, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall. … Continue Reading

Continuing his commitment to recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, Governor Charlie Crist will attend a briefing with U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus tomorrow, Thursday, July 15, 2010

Details for the event are as follows:

Date:   Thursday, July 15, 2010
Time:   12:00 p.m.
Location:       Miami International Airport, Signature Aviation
Address:        5700 NW 36th Street

Miami, FL 33122

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 14, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.

Landfall Reports and Predictions:
•         Tar balls, tar mats and light sheen continue to be reported in Northwest Florida. View the latest reconnaissance reports here.
•         Continued impacts will be possible in Northwest Florida over the next 72 hours.
•         Nearly 90 percent of Florida’s more than 1,260 miles of coastline remains unimpacted.
•         If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.
•         Pensacola Pass as well as Perdido Pass will continue to be closed with the tide to reduce the amount of oil entering inland waters. These waterways are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic and are open for vessel traffic during low tide. See NOAA tide predictions. … Continue Reading

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 13, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.

Landfall Reports and Predictions:
•        Tar balls, tar mats and light sheen continue to be reported in Northwest Florida. View the latest reconnaissance reports here.
•        Continued impacts will be possible in Northwest Florida over the next 72 hours.
•        Nearly 90 percent of Florida’s more than 1,260 miles of coastline remains unimpacted.
•        If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.
•        Pensacola Pass as well as Perdido Pass will continue to be closed with the tide to reduce the amount of oil entering inland waters. These waterways are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic and are open for vessel traffic during low tide. See NOAA tide predictions.
•        Observations by NOAA continue to indicate no significant amounts of oil moving toward the Loop Current. The Loop Current Ring, a circular current which was formerly part of the Loop Current provides no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits.
•        There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon oil spill-related products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours. … Continue Reading

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 12, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall. … Continue Reading

Florida Deepwater Horizon Response July 11, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident.

The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.

Landfall Reports and Predictions:

• Tar balls, tar patties and light sheen continue to be reported in Northwest Florida. View the latest reconnaissance reports here.
• Continued impacts will be possible in Northwest Florida over the next 72 hours.
• Nearly 90 percent of Florida’s more than 1,260 miles of coastline remains unimpacted.
• If oil is sighted on Florida’s coastline report it to the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335) or by dialing #DEP from most cell phones.
• Pensacola Pass as well as Perdido Pass will continue to be closed with the tide to reduce the amount of oil entering inland waters. These waterways are manned to allow access to necessary vessel traffic and are open for vessel traffic during low tide. See NOAA tide predictions.
• Observations by NOAA continue to indicate no significant amounts of oil moving toward the Loop Current. The Loop Current Ring, a circular current which was formerly part of the Loop Current provides no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits.
• There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon oil spill-related products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours.
• No significant tropical activity is expected in the next 48 hours.

… Continue Reading