Destin Area and the Oil Spill Update

This is part of an email I received from Representative Matt Gaetz regarding the Destin Area and the oil spill:

Current Forecast

• Mother Nature has been kind. No landfall is expected through Thursday, May 6. On Thursday the sheen plume is likely to be 30 to 45 miles off of the coast of Pensacola.
• Florida is expected to experience oil sheen, tar balls and tar mats at this time. Florida is not expected to see the large product of emulsified oil similar to images of Louisiana.
• Currents will play a key role. Currently the “loop current” is considerably south of the sheen plume.

Incident Site

• Flow remains the same – roughly 5,000 barrels per day.
• 5 of 6 pistons remain open.
• The “dome” is expected to be deployed either this weekend or early next week.
• If successful, the dome will divert about 85% of the oil flow out of the Gulf.
• Previously dispersants were only being deployed at the surface. Now, dispersants are activated through a submerged hose directly at the well site. This has yielded far greater success in breaking up the oil product.

Military Involvement

• Many of you have asked why tactical military solutions are not being coordinated with the Dept of Homeland Security to close the well site. I have been assured that the Navy and Air Force are directly involved in developing creative solutions to close the well.
• Governor Crist has indicated that the Florida National Guard will be activated immanently to assist with mitigation.

Funding from BP

• BP has issued Florida a “block grant” in the amount of $25 million to fund mitigation efforts by the state.
• I have asked Governor Crist to direct these funds directly to the local emergency operation centers so that we can contract directly with vendors for more swift action.

Limitation on Liability

• News outlets have reported that BP’s liability is capped at $75 million.
• BP executives have stated “on the record” that they will fund all cleanup costs and will pay all legitimate economic loss claims.
• Today I will meet with Attorney General McCollum to discuss how the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 likely renders the $75 million cap moot.

Booming

• Many are frustrated with the slow booming progress. Please keep in mind the lesson we learned from Alabama. Booming too soon renders the booms porous and useless. Boom is expected to be laid in Okaloosa and Santa Rosa starting tomorrow.
• Booming the Destin Pass remains the most significant challenge. Engineers at the highest level are working out scenarios and local fishermen who know the Pass best have offered their local knowledge.

How Does This Affect Destin Area Real Estate?

If you own Destin Real Estate and you want to know what the current value of your condo, house or land is simply call or text me at 850-217-7618, or send me an email at JohnMoran@AtTheBeachTeam.com and we will do a complete analysis to determine where the value is for your property today.  From there you will know where you stand and we can discuss your options to determine what is best for you.

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