USCG: "Florida's still open for business"
The Bay County Emergency Operations Center hosted a press conference Wednesday afternoon featuring U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Steven Poulin, commander of the Coast Guard Sector Mobile, and Phil Wieczynski, chief of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Emergency Response Bureau. John Putnam, BP's incident commander, was also on hand to answer questions about the Deepwater Horizon oil release. "What we're seeing gives us reason to be very optimistic," Poulin said, noting that he has recently took part in a flyover of the affected areas of the Gulf. "Things look very good for Florida." "Right now the scenario looks pretty good for us," Wieczynski said. The trajectories currently keep the oil well off Florida's coastline, he said. Putnam said BP continues to work at the source to contain the oil and will be deploying another effort to cap the well in coming days. He said the drilling of a relief well is already under way, though he said it could take two to three months to complete. Bay County continues to monitor the release and work with the U.S. Coast Guard in the ongoing effort to prepare for any effects of the oil release that may be realized here. For more information about the release and efforts being made to contain it, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com. |
Visit Bay County Web site for most up-to-date information
The Bay County government Web site is updated daily with the most current and up-to-date information available concerning the Deepwater Horizon oil release. Click on "Deepwater Horizon Incident - Emergency Operations Center Incident Action Plan" to view information contained in the EOC's daily briefing. The IAP contains the newest information in red so that it is easily discernable from more dated information. The IAP is the best way for the general public to keep abreast of all the latest news concerning the oil release. You may also call the EOC information hotline at (850) 248-6030. Click here to visit the Bay County Web site: |
USCG begins staging effort at PC Marina
 Bay County was selected as a staging area for the deployment of boom for several Panhandle counties. The U.S. Coast Guard is utilizing the new Bay County Emergency Operations Center to assist in the logistics and planning involved in this effort. Thus far, som 25,900 feet of boom has been deployed in Bay County. As of May 10, 2010, Bay County remains well outside the "area of concern" for any immediate effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil release, though Bay County officials continue to prepare for any potential impacts. Visit www.noaa.gov to view trajectory maps of the oil release. |
