The Green Party!!!

Dean Covey represented the Green Awareness Taskforce at The Green Party. We received a thank-you letter from Pastor Shaw:

Good Evening,

Thank you again for your outstanding presentation yesterday. You inspired children and adults to safeguard the environment. Our Men's Ministry has already planned a series of clean-up efforts in the community--including the beaches.

Thank you for the handouts--very informative. Our Green Games were AWESOME--educational and entertaining!!

Have a wonderfully Blessed week!
Pastor Shaw

Odors from Burn Operations at the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill Are Not a Health Hazard

Okaloosa County News Release

Florida Department of Environment Protection (DEP) and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) are taking sand, water and air samples in the area periodically for environmental monitoring purposes. We have not received any notification that the burn odors are harmful.

Due to winds being out of the south, Okaloosa County Public Safety is reporting that the odors we are experiencing are from burn operations conducted yesterday. Winds are currently from the south and southeast and are favorable for bringing some of the odors into the area. There are no reports of oil offshore of Okaloosa County.

Feel free to call the 311 Citizens Information Line (850-423-4894 outside area,) selecting 8 for a recording or 0 for an operator. Additionally, you can email the CIL online at www.okaloosafl.com. Follow us on Twitter at OKALOOSAEOC.

May 17 Oil Spill Update from Matt Gaetz

God has given Northwest Florida a great blessing of time as the oil sheen plume remains well off of our beautiful coast. That said, it is our obligation to ensure that we utilize this time to best prepare for the impacts which we will likely be unable to avoid.

Below is the most recent update from my office that tracks many of the priorities I set forth in a letter to Governor Crist dated May 5, 2010. Thank you to everyone who has added their input and advice to this process. Please keep the feedback coming.

Situation Update
• Though the sheen plume is closer today than during my last update, Florida is still not expected to see impact within the next 72 hours. Below is a map of the current trajectory.
• Though BP indicates that roughly 5,000 barrels of oil continue to flow from the Deepwater Horizon site, other academics have stated that the flow may be far greater.
• BP has slid a smaller flow pipe within the main pipe. The smaller pipe is diverting about 1,000 barrels per day out of Gulf waters.
• If you observe any evidence of oil, please call (1-866-448-5816).

County Responses
• Many residents have contacted my office frustrated that booms are not being deployed on a wide-scale basis at this time. Please remember that booms weather (in Louisiana pre-deployed boom is actually being stolen). Counties are being advised to deploy the boom at the last possible moment before impacts are anticipated to ensure maximum effectiveness. In many areas, boom is being “staged” now for deployment at a moment’s notice.
• The Santa Rosa protection plan has been approved. For question regarding Santa Rosa protection strategies please call (983-4636).
• The Okaloosa protection plan was initially met with skepticism by FDEP due to the extensive booming of inlet waterways. Due to the diligent work of county officials, particularly Chairman Wayne Harris, FDEP accepted the Okaloosa protection plan for inlets.
• For Okaloosa questions please call (311).

Tourism Promotion Funds
• On May 5th I called on Governor Crist to request funds from BP to immediately begin promoting Northwest Florida as a destination for the summer season.
• On May 13th Governor Crist requested $25 million from BP to fund this program.
• Today, BP agreed to fully fund this $25 million advertising campaign.
• Local businesspeople from Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County are working with Visit Florida to ensure that funds are spent promoting Northwest Florida specifically.

SBA Disaster Loans
• Finally, the federal government has declared Northwest Florida an Economic Disaster Area. Thank you to all who have filled out the surveys we sent out to make this a reality.
• The SBA has set up an office in Northwest Florida to process loan claims. The location is 401 E. Chase Street, Suite 100, Pensacola. The office is open M-F 8:00am – 5:00pm. For additional information call (800) 659-2955.
• SBA representatives will open a disaster loan office on Tuesday, May 18 at the Navarre Visitor Information Center located at 8543 Navarre Parkway (U.S. Hwy 98) in Navarre. Hours of operations will be 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday- Saturday until further notice.


Local Claims Offices for Economic Loss
• Santa Rosa – 5668 Gulf Breeze Pkwy Unit B-9, Gulf Breeze
• Okaloosa – 348 SW Miracle Strip Pkwy, Suite 13, Fort Walton Beach
• Walton – 5008 US Hwy 98W, Unit 6&7, Santa Rosa Beach
• The BP claims number is (800) 440-0858 and we are working to get more lines open for claims intake.

Innovative Solutions
• Thank you to everyone who has sent in their innovative solutions for consideration. The new email address serving as the clearing house for these ideas is: innovative.technology@dep.state.fl.us.
• Please copy me on your emails to this address so that I can track progress and ensure that ideas are given due consideration.

Extension of Snapper Season
• Following much negotiation, a compromise has been reached to lay the predicate for a possible 2 week extension of Red Snapper Season.
• Florida FWC will use federal funds to institute a monitoring program for Gulf charter boat captains to record each week’s catch during the regular season to see if catch rates are lower than previously anticipated (due to charter cancellations).
• If the catch is lower (as is expected), state and federal fisheries managers can use the data to determine if a season extension is warranted.
• With hope, this data-driven decision making can spill over to other advocacy on behalf of local charter boat captains.

Consumer Info
• Attorney General McCollum has set up a fraud hotline (1-866-966-7226).
• Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Bronson has set up a hotline for gas price gouging (1-800-435-7352).

Thank you again to everyone who has called, emailed or otherwise contributed to the progress set forth above. Candidly, more still needs to be done, but I can sense momentum shifting to our side.

As always, it is an honor to serve you.

Best wishes,

Matt

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Matt Gaetz, Republican, for State Representative District 4.
©2010 All Rights Reserved

Representative Matt Gaetz
PO Box 88
Fort Walton Beach FL, 32549

Oiled Wildlife - Emerald Coast Wildlife REfuge (ECWR)

Oiled Wildlife

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge (ECWR) has been named as the official Point of Contact for our area for oiled wildlife. Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge is equipped and prepared to respond to oiled wildlife found on local beaches. If you find a suspected oiled animal please call us immediately 850-650-1880. We will provide rescue and supportive care until the animal is ready for transport. The Oiled Wildlife Hotline is not manned and will be checked for messages hourly, thus delaying response time. Calling us directly at 850-650-1880 will save valuable time.

Donations Needed at ECWR

In preparation for the oil slick, ECWR needs the following. Please drop items at 406 Mountain Dr, Destin FL 32541 between 9am-3pm. Thank you!

• Baby blankets
• Towels
• Heating pads (w/o auto shut off if possible)
• Large Rubbermaid containers with lids
• Heating lamps
• Rubbermaid troughs (can be purchased at Tractor Supply in Crestview or on-line)
• Large backyard portable pools like found at Wal-Mart

Volunteers Needed at ECWR

We realize that information about volunteering has been confused and at times inaccurate, for our part we are logging everyone who calls and will forward any solid information as we get it. As our response duties and needs become clearer, we will of course contact you with those needs.

Our biggest need at this time is for people who are willing to answer the phone at the refuge. You will respond to callers' frequently asked questions and add names to the volunteer list. Remember, every effort is important and valuable. Please contact Susan at 650-1880 if you are able to come in to answer the phone.

Now more than ever, the ECWR also needs the assistance of our trained volunteers in day-to-day operations. Please check your calendars and give Susan a call if you have some extra time to lend a hand.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Briefing Friday with Congressman Miller

Okaloosa County News Release

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Briefing Friday with Congressman Miller

Okaloosa County Emergency Management will brief Congressman Jeff Miller on Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill efforts, and Congressman Miller will provide an update on recent meetings held in Washington D.C. The briefing will be held in the Fort Walton Beach City Council Meeting Room at City Hall, 107 Miracle Strip Parkway, SW, on Friday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m.

Oil Spill Constituant Advisory from Matt Gaetz 05/06/10

Yesterday I called on Governor Crist to activate and expand the Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program and to active the ESF 18 program. These loan programs can infuse local businesses with cash to meet payroll and stay afloat during this disaster. Our long term viability is dependent on how we act in the short term.

Locally, economic development councils have assured me that they have the infrastructure in place to work with local banks to get these loan funds in the hands of our businesspeople.

Following his visit to Northwest Florida yesterday, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp worked with Governor Crist to take steps to authorize approval pursuant to my request. To get the job done, I need every impacted local business to fill out the informational survey at this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LJL23ZJ. Please fill out the survey right away so that the funds can get here as soon as possible.

I will have a more comprehensive update later today, but I wanted to get this survey out ASAP. Please forward this email to all of your contacts.

Thank you for your patience. Please continue to pray for our area in these trying times.

All the best,

Matt

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Matt Gaetz, Republican, for State Representative District 4.
©2010 All Rights Reserved

Representative Matt Gaetz
PO Box 88
Fort Walton Beach FL, 32549

CFO SINK OPENS HELPLINE FOR BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY OIL SPILL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2010
CONTACT: Kevin Cate, 850-413-2842

CFO SINK OPENS HELPLINE FOR BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY OIL SPILL

TALLAHASSEE - Florida CFO Alex Sink today announced that her Department of Financial Services' toll-free Consumer HelpLine, at 1-877-My-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236), is prepared to assist business owners impacted by the growing oil spill in the Gulf. Specialists are available from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and information is also available at www.MyFloridaCFO.com.

"I've activated my consumer helpline to assist Florida business owners with questions about how this spill will impact their businesses," said CFO Sink. "Florida businesses can take steps now to help expedite delivering their claim to BP, as well as help themselves be ready to take advantage of federal and state aid that may become available for recovery."

Insurance specialists on the Helpline can answers questions about the claim filing process as it becomes available, but claims for damage or lost income should be filed with British Petroleum (BP) at 1-800-440-0858.

The two primary damage concerns for businesses will be property damage and losses to earnings due to business interruption. Unfortunately, this is a peril not listed in most insurance policies, but affected consumers should sit down with their agent to review their particular policy. More information regarding disaster-related insurance topics is available on the Department’s Disaster Response page at www.MyFloridaCFO.com. Out of state callers can reach the Helpline at 850-413-3089.

# # #

As a statewide elected officer of the Florida Cabinet, CFO Alex Sink oversees the Department of Financial Services. A successful business leader with nearly three decades of experience in the private sector, Sink is serving her first term as Florida's CFO. CFO Sink's priorities include using her business experience to cut wasteful spending, holding government accountable to Florida's taxpayers, and cracking down on financial and insurance fraud.

FLORIDA DEEPWATER HORIZON RESPONSE MAY 3, 2010

TALLAHASSEE – The State Emergency Response Team, in support of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the lead response agency for the state of Florida, is actively monitoring the Deepwater Horizon response.

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 Predictions:

• Deepwater Horizon continues to discharge an estimated 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day.
• Currently, there are no impacts to the state projected through Thursday; however, Florida continues to make preparations to safeguard the state’s shoreline.

State Actions:

• The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a Level 2 or Partial activation.
• On April 30, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency (Emergency Order 10-99) for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf Counties.
• On May 3, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist extended a state of emergency declaration (Emergency Order 10-100) for the coastal counties of Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota.
• Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Congressman Allen Boyd, Attorney General Bill McCollum and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink were briefed today at the Emergency Operations Center on the state’s Deepwater Horizon response efforts.
• DEP has conducted water and sediment sampling to use as a baseline for ongoing monitoring.
• DEP is continuously monitoring air quality data. The current air quality is considered to be good statewide. The public is encouraged to monitor this data at http://www.airnow.gov/ or http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.
• DEP, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), county governments, water management districts and several federal agencies continue to conduct pre-impact assessments, including sampling of water, fish, shellfish and habitats along the Florida coastline and into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Statewide monitoring is ongoing in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Panhandle-specific data is expected to be completed early this week. To view Florida’s air quality data, visit http://www.airnow.gov/ or http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.
• The State Emergency Response Team has representatives at the Unified Command at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector Mobile, helping to coordinate the efforts to protect Florida’s shoreline.
• Emergency Support Function 15, Volunteers and Donations, successfully spearheaded pre-impact beach cleanups over the weekend of May 1-2. More than 1,200 volunteers participated in cleanups in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Wakulla counties to minimize the effect of the Deepwater Horizon incident. Volunteer Florida offers guidance for conducting safe pre-impact beach cleanups at www.volunteerflorida.org.
• Attorney General Bill McCollum cautions all Florida residents not to sign any documents provided to them in return for money from BP or anyone else until they know the extent of their loss, which may be significantly higher than the money being paid. These may be fraudulent or premature.
• The Attorney General’s fraud hotline is also open to receive any reports of fraud or price gouging. The hotline is 1-866-966-7226.

Boom Placement:

• There is approximately 87,800 feet of boom placed along Florida’s panhandle.
• An additional 19,000 feet are expected to be placed today and currently 58,400 feet staged and an additional 60,000 feet on order.
• Placement will be based on tides and where the oil is threatening and according to the Coast Guard Sector Mobile Area Contingency Plan. To view the plan visit Plan, visit http://ocean.floridamarine.org/ACP/MOBACP/StartHere.html.
• The booming strategy focuses on identified environmentally sensitive areas.
• Estuaries and inlets are at the top of the list, not the beach areas.
• This is to protect sensitive habitat that support wildlife and fish.
• If the oil washes on the beach, the sand can be cleaned.
• Note that booms are not a failsafe solution.
• They can become ineffective in high seas, strong winds, or currents over one knot.
• Resources are currently staged throughout the Panhandle in preparation for a response for our area.
• Florida’s counties are working through the State Emergency Operations Center. Each county provides input, but the operational decisions are made through the Unified Command. The State Emergency Response Team is working with the counties, BP as well as the federal agencies to maximize protection and minimize impacts.
  

Health Effects:

• At this time, there are no indications of any health risks to Floridians due to the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Department of Health (DOH) and DEP are closely monitoring health and environmental impacts to Florida’s beaches and will notice an advisory if conditions become unsafe.
• Consider the following tips for avoiding negative health impacts from an oiled shoreline:
• Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled.
• Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
• Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if traveling through the area by boat, take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If oil makes contact with skin, wash it off with soap and water.
• Do not fish in oil spill-affected waters.
• Do not harvest or eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
• Avoid boating through oil slicks or sheens.
• Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
• Prevent pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.
• Impacts to Florida’s coastline could include tarballs – fragments or lumps of oil weathered to a semi-solid or solid consistency. Tarballs feel sticky, and are difficult to remove from contaminated surfaces. Should individuals observe tarballs or other evidence of oil on Florida’s coastline, they should leave the area and report the incident to (866) 448-5816.
• Those near Florida’s Gulf Coast may detect an odor because of the oil spill. Some people are more sensitive to these odors and may experience nasal irritation and feelings of nausea. In combination with seasonal allergies, such as sensitivity to pollen or pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, some people may experience more severe symptoms.
• Individuals experiencing symptoms that are aggravated by the odors from the oil spill should consider:


• Staying indoors, in air conditioning, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activity.
• If symptoms do not improve, contact a primary care physician or other health care provider for medical advice.
• Individuals who have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness should contact their health care provider if feeling symptomatic.

Fisheries & Seafood:

• On May 3, 2010 NOAA restricted fishing for a minimum of ten days in federal waters most affected by the BP oil spill, largely between Louisiana state waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River to waters off Florida’s Pensacola Bay. Details can be found here: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/
• FWC continues to coordinate closely with DEP and other partners to determine when and where closures should be executed for fishing activities in state waters.
• Fishermen who wish to contact BP about a claim should call (800) 440-0858.
• There are currently no seafood alerts at this time.

Closures:

• Currently there are no Florida State park or beach closures. For more information about Florida State Parks visit: www.floridastateparks.org.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is encouraging residents along the Florida Panhandle to participate in local beach cleanup events this weekend. For information on scheduled beach cleanups and other volunteer opportunities in your area, please visit www.VolunteerFlorida.org.
• BP has established a volunteer program and set up a toll-free number for those interested in volunteering. When calling, interested parties should communicate what activities they are volunteering and locations in which they are available to work. In addition, potential volunteers may call this line to learn about the training that is required to work in oil spill clean-up operations. For information on assisting with the response efforts, please contact BP’s community information line at (866) 448-5816.

Learn More:

• Today, the Florida Emergency Information Line was activated in response to deepwater horizon incident. The hotline, which provides Floridians information regarding the Deepwater Horizon Response, will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until further notice. The number for residents to call is: (800) 342-3557
• For more information DEP established an email sign-up for information alerts on its website as well as a resources page containing fact sheets and tips pertaining to health, safety, wildlife, and pre and post-landfall preparations. To view tips and sign up for email updates, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon.
• The following is a link to the State Emergency Response Team Situation Report for Monday, May 3, 2010: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/situation_report5_050310.pdf.
• Joint Information Center Public Information Resources and Hotlines:
• Environment/community hotline: to report oil on the beach or shoreline or other environment or community impacts and access the Rapid Response Team – (866) 448-5816
• Wildlife: to report and access care for impacted, i.e., oiled, wildlife (866) 557-1401
• Volunteers: to request volunteer information (866) 448-5816
• Services – to register as consultant, contractor, vendor, or submit information on alternative response technology, services, products or suggestions (281) 366-5511
• Vessels of Opportunity – to report and register boats available to assist with response (281) 366-5511
• Claims - All claims regardless of amount should be routed through the Claims line for assignment of Claim Number. Claims will be tracked so status can be provided. (800) 440-0858
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/RobertLAJIC
• Facebook: Deepwater Horizon Response
• Joint Incident Command website: www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com

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