Oil Spill – Florida and Gulf Beaches

The Deepwater Horizon oil platform tragedy on 20 April 2010 devastated the families and friends who lost loved ones.  The resulting oil spill has devastated the livelihoods of many residents along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. 

The scale of the disaster is mind-boggling.  The devastation extends to the heartbreaking damage to wildlife - and is likely to impact tourism.  Efforts by BP to stop the leak and minimise damage are ongoing. 

To our knowledge, at the time of writing, Florida Gulf beaches are reported to be open and tour operators are going ahead as normal with booked holidays.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed that it stays that way.  

A website has been set up to provide information, links, and help lines regarding the oil spill.  It includes ways to report incidents, check volunteering opportunities, report oiled or injured wildlife, and file claims.  Visit the website here:  www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection website also has updates and advisories on the condition of Florida beaches - click here.

Visit our Travel Guide to the United States and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) for updated and important travel advice.  Their website also contains state-specific links to various agencies handling the oil spill threat to beaches in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.   

Just a reminder:  Those travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain authorisation to enter the U.S. under the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) a minimum of 72 hours prior to travel.  Visitors should also have an electronic passport (e-Passport) or obtain the appropriate visa (see the FCO website for details).

Note:  For British nationals travelling to the U.S. there are no special or free medical care provisions.  The Foreign Office recommends that visitors take out travel insurance with a minimum £1,000,000 medical cover (check that it includes medical evacuation to the U.K.)   Also, check that the travel insurance covers all planned activities.  For a travel insurance quote click here.

Flickr cc Image:  souravdas (oil platform, California)