Paradise - Threatened

By now most of the world is aware of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Hundred of thousands gallons of oil have spewed forth and continue to do so unabated. There is no doubt that BP is trying. Its just that they are not any closer to stopping the flow than they were the first week. As a resident of the Florida Panhandle less than a third of a mile from the water I am concerned. The area is noted for the miles of white sandy beaches with clear water of the gulf. Our local economy is driven by tourist. Snow birds, spring breakers, the bikers for Thunder Beach and the Ironman competition along with family vacationers. The local beach rentals are receiving cancellations for the Memorial weekend. The summer season is also bleak. All this is occurring even though the oil has yet to threaten the local beaches of Florida.

I have been swimming everyday lately and the water is clean. It is sad to see the beaches so deserted. I only hope that these beaches will escape harm and if not, that the cleanup will be successful. I feel for the local business people, the fishermen and charter captains. No matter where the oil lands, the environment, the wildlife and the Gulf will suffer for many years.

I was dismayed that the BP CEO was interviewed in England and said that in comparison to the size of the ocean, its a small leak. Well its not his ocean, its our ocean and its not a small leak. He also stated that he is concerned how Americans are viewing this spill. You see the largest sales area for BP is in the United States. There are two BP stations close by my Florida home. One is priced at the local level - $2.96 gallon while the other is $2.79 gallon. Such a large disparity. I have seen a chain email urging the readers to boycott BP gas. Probably started by another oil company in my opinion.