Oil Spill 2010

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No oil here!
All Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg/Clearwater beaches are open for enjoyment and untouched by Deepwater Horizon oil. The future threat of oil reaching Tampa Bay is essentially zero, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Summary:
On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil drilling platform exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, and an oil spill ensued. The oil leak has been stopped and the well capped. Pinellas County emergency planners and officials continue to work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies to monitor the situation.

Main websites:

• Deepwater Horizon Response
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

Pinellas County information:

• FAQs:  Frequently Asked Questions from Pinellas County Residents.
• Visitors and Tourists:  View our pristine beaches and clean Gulf waters with photos, live beach cams and underwater videos.
• Volunteers: Volunteer opportunities in Pinellas County
• News: Pinellas County press releases
• Booming and environmental protection: Area Contingency Plan for Pinellas County
• Business assistance: Visit Pinellas County Economic Development’s website or call (727) 453-7200.
• Claims: All claims by individuals and businesses are now being processed by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) administered by Ken Feinberg. To file a new claim or check on the status of an existing claim, call (800) 916-4893, visit the Gulf Coast Claims website or e-mail info@gccf-claims.com. There is a local claims office at 2551 Drew St., Clearwater.
• Boats: The Vessels of Opportunity program is not activated in Pinellas. Click here for updates
• Jobs: No training or jobs related to the oil spill are available in Pinellas. For jobs in the Florida Panhandle area, call (877) 362-5034 or visit Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs.
• Suggestions: To submit alternative response technology, services or products, call (281) 366-5511 or complete a web form.

Important phone numbers:

• BP community information line
  (866) 448-5816
  
• Florida seafood update
  (800) 357-4273
• Report oiled wildlife
  (866) 557-1401
• Report oil on the shoreline
  (877) 424-8802 or #DEP on a cell phone

Useful links:

• Fact sheets
• BP
• U.S. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)