Ft. Morgan Oil Spill update, 05/23/10

Hello Everyone,

It is another really hot steamy day on the Ft. Morgan shore.  We have been keeping an eye on our beautiful beach and it is still as amazing as ever.  We are watching the plan that our state government has put in action come to life before our eyes.  The National Guard has been busy the last week installing special netting that can trap and solidify anything just in case it comes our way.  This special netting is being placed at the edge of the bay where all of our delicate nurseries for both sea life and birds is located.  We will be posting a video a bit later of just what things look like here today!!! Hope to see you all soon.            

To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and according to NOAA, none is expected for at least the next 72 hours. At its closest point, the slick is still approximately 40-50 miles from the western end of our island. See the current NOAA map and forecast here.

The Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Department of Environmental Management have stated that there is no foreseeable need to close beaches and, short of a drastic change, they have no plans to do so.

An erroneous e-mail has been circulated stating that Governor Riley had ordered the beaches closed. That e-mail is false. A press release from the Governor’s office verifying that the beaches ARE open was issued Monday, May 17th. Click here to read the release.

Although NOAA has closed commercial fishing in a limited area of the gulf between the Mississippi River and Pensacola Bay, there is a large area of the gulf still open. Charter boats are leaving Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan every day to fish areas up to 25-30 miles out and in our inshore waters. To view a map of the closed area, go to https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

All appropriate protective measures, including oil-absorbing booms, are being placed along beaches, bays, inlets, and sensitive areas in an effort to keep oil from reaching Alabama’s shoreline. National, state and local response teams are deployed at sites along the coast to deal with local effects.

We will continue to monitor the situation and post information pertinent to our local area here as they become available.

Ft. Morgan Oil Spill Update 05/22/10

To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and according to NOAA, none is expected for at least the next 72 hours. At its closest point, the slick is still approximately 40-50 miles from the western end of our island. See the current NOAA map and forecast here.

The Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Department of Environmental Management have stated that there is no foreseeable need to close beaches and, short of a drastic change, they have no plans to do so.

An erroneous e-mail has been circulated stating that Governor Riley had ordered the beaches closed. That e-mail is false. A press release from the Governor’s office verifying that the beaches ARE open was issued Monday, May 17th. Click here to read the release.

Although NOAA has closed commercial fishing in a limited area of the gulf between the Mississippi River and Pensacola Bay, there is a large area of the gulf still open. Charter boats are leaving Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan every day to fish areas up to 25-30 miles out and in our inshore waters. To view a map of the closed area, go to https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

All appropriate protective measures, including oil-absorbing booms, are being placed along beaches, bays, inlets, and sensitive areas in an effort to keep oil from reaching Alabama’s shoreline. National, state and local response teams are deployed at sites along the coast to deal with local effects.

  • We will continue to monitor the situation and post information pertinent to our local area here as they become available.
  • For detailed information about the entire incident, visit the NOAA (https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/) or Deepwater Horizon (www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com) response sites.
  • Ft. Morgan Oil Spill Update 05/22/10

    I spent some time at the beach today with my super fun nephews, they are 2 and 4!  We had a great time in the sun and probably got a little too much sun.   Splashing and romping, enjoying every second of our time watching the helicoptors and planes fly over, seeing the beach through their little eyes.  Hope you all can make it down to the coast, and have a great time making memories with the ones you love, this summer.  

    To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and according to NOAA, none is expected for at least the next 72 hours. At its closest point, the slick is still approximately 40-50 miles from the western end of our island. See the current NOAA map and forecast here.

    The incident team at the spill performed a controlled burn earlier this week, and with winds blowing from the south, odor from the burn was reported in Orange Beach and Fort Morgan Wednesday afternoon and evening. However, the winds have changed direction and the odor should be a temporary and hopefully isolated incident.

    The Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Department of Environmental Management have stated that there is no foreseeable need to close beaches and, short of a drastic change, they have no plans to do so.

    An erroneous e-mail has been circulated stating that Governor Riley had ordered the beaches closed. That e-mail is false. A press release from the Governor’s office verifying that the beaches ARE open was issued Monday, May 17th. Click here to read the release.

    Although NOAA has closed commercial fishing in a limited area of the gulf between the Mississippi River and Pensacola Bay, there is a large area of the gulf still open. Charter boats are leaving Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan every day to fish areas up to 25-30 miles out and in our inshore waters. To view a map of the closed area, go to https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

    All appropriate protective measures, including oil-absorbing booms, are being placed along beaches, bays, inlets, and sensitive areas in an effort to keep oil from reaching Alabama’s shoreline. National, state and local response teams are deployed at sites along the coast to deal with local effects.

    We will continue to monitor the situation and post information pertinent to our local area here as they become available.

    Ft. Morgan Oil Spill Update 05/21/10

    It is another beautiful day at the beach!!! We wish you were here.  We have great reports for the weekend.  Come fill your lungs with some fresh salt air and work on your tan while you rest on our sugar white beaches.  Below I have posted the most recent update from the visitors bureau and some photos Tara took today, the water is amazing today. It is so clear you just want to jump in.  See you soon!!!

    To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and according to NOAA, none is expected for at least the next 72 hours. At its closest point, the slick is still approximately 40-50 miles from the western end of our island. See the current NOAA map and forecast here. The Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Department of Environmental Management have stated that there is no foreseeable need to close beaches and, short of a drastic change, they have no plans to do so.

    • An erroneous e-mail has been circulated stating that Governor Riley had ordered the beaches closed. That e-mail is false. A press release from the Governor’s office verifying that the beaches ARE open was issued Monday, May 17th. Click here to read the release.
    • Although NOAA has closed commercial fishing in a limited area of the gulf between the Mississippi River and Pensacola Bay, there is a large area of the gulf still open. Charter boats are leaving Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan every day to fish areas up to 25-30 miles out and in our inshore waters. To view a map of the closed area, go to https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.
    • All appropriate protective measures, including oil-absorbing booms, are being placed along beaches, bays, inlets, and sensitive areas in an effort to keep oil from reaching Alabama’s shoreline. National, state and local response teams are deployed at sites along the coast to deal with local effects.
    • We will continue to monitor the situation and post information pertinent to our local area at gulfshores.com and orangebeach.com as they become available. (Click the yellow link at the top of the page.)

    Ft. Morgan Oil Spill Update 05/20/10

    We are continuing to have calls about the status of the beach here locally.  I can tell you what it is like today and what we expect through the next 72 hours.  As of right now it is warm in the mid to high 80’s during the days and 60’s at night.  There is hardly a cloud in the sky but we have had a few overnight showers here and there.  The beach is as beautiful as it has always been, and we expect it to stay that way for the next 72 hours.  Beyond that we really do not have a forecast.  The winds seem to moving everything a little closer but we still have no definitive information that it will be hitting our beach at all, and as the currents and winds change daily everything changes with the shape of the spill.  Right now there are orange protective booms just off of our beach and actually covering basically the entire coastline of Alabama.  I will continue to post photos, videos, and blogs daily to keep everyone informed.  We are looking forward to a full house Memorial Day Weekend.  The information from our local convention and visitors bureau is below.  Let us know if you have any questions or concerns, we are happy to help!!!            

    To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and according to NOAA, none is expected for at least the next 72 hours. See the current NOAA map and forecast here.

  • There have been no reports of odor along the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. At its closest point, the slick is approximately 50-60 miles away from the western tip of our island.
  • The Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Department of Environmental Management have stated that there is no foreseeable need to close beaches and, short of a drastic change, they have no plans to do so.
  • An erroneous e-mail has been circulated stating that Governor Riley had ordered the beaches closed. That e-mail is false. A press release from the Governor’s office verifying that the beaches ARE open was issued Monday, May 17th. Click here to read the release.
  • Although NOAA has closed commercial fishing in a limited area of the gulf between the Mississippi River and Pensacola Bay, there is a large area of the gulf still open. Charter boats are leaving Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan every day to fish areas up to 25-30 miles out and in our inshore waters. To view a map of the closed area, go to https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.
  • A few dozen tarballs were found washed up on the beach last week in areas between Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores west to Fort Morgan. This was an isolated incident and contracted crews immediately cleaned the affected areas. According to NOAA, tarballs DO NOT pose a health risk to the average person. However, beachgoers are advised not to pick them up and asked to report any sightings by calling 866-448-5816. To read NOAA’s information about tarballs, click here.
  • All appropriate protective measures, including oil-absorbing booms, are being placed along beaches, bays, inlets, and sensitive areas in an effort to keep oil from reaching Alabama’s shoreline. National, state and local response teams are deployed at sites along the coast to deal with local effects.
  • We will continue to monitor the situation and post information pertinent to our local area at gulfshores.com and orangebeach.com as they become available. (Click the yellow link at the top of the page.)
  • For detailed information about the entire incident, visit the NOAA (https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/) or Deepwater Horizon (www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com) response sites.
  • Ft. Morgan, Oil Spill Update 05/18/10

    Another beautiful week at the beach.  We are still offering some great deals to come in this week.  We just have a couple of spots left for the Memorial Day weekend so book today if you are planing to come down coast.  We look forward to seeing you all soon.

  • To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and according to NOAA, none is expected for at least the next 72 hours. See the current NOAA map and forecast here.
  • There have been no reports of odor along the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. At its closest point, the slick is approximately 50-60 miles away from the western tip of our island.
  • The Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Department of Environmental Management have stated that there is no foreseeable need to close beaches and, short of a drastic change, they have no plans to do so.
  • An erroneous e-mail has been circulated stating that Governor Riley had ordered the beaches closed. That e-mail is false. A press release from the Governor’s office verifying that the beaches ARE open was issued today. Click here to read the release.
  • Although NOAA has closed commercial fishing in a limited area of the gulf between the Mississippi River and Pensacola Bay, there is a large area of the gulf still open. Charter boats are leaving Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan every day to fish areas up to 25-30 miles out and in our inshore waters. To view a map of the closed area, go to https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.
  • A few dozen tarballs were found washed up on the beach last week in areas between Lagoon Pass in Gulf Shores west to Fort Morgan. This was an isolated incident and contracted crews immediately cleaned the affected areas. According to NOAA, tarballs DO NOT pose a health risk to the average person. However, beachgoers are advised not to pick them up and asked to report any sightings by calling 866-448-5816. To read NOAA’s information about tarballs, click here.
  • All appropriate protective measures, including oil-absorbing booms, are being placed along beaches, bays, inlets, and sensitive areas in an effort to keep oil from reaching Alabama’s shoreline. National, state and local response teams are deployed at sites along the coast to deal with local effects.
  • We will continue to monitor the situation and post information pertinent to our local area at gulfshores.com and orangebeach.com as they become available. (Click the yellow link at the top of the page.)
  • For detailed information about the entire incident, visit the NOAA (https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/) or Deepwater Horizon (www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com) response sites.
  • Oil Spill Update 05/17/10

    After a rainy Sunday the beaches are again beautiful and ready for you to visit!  Don’t forget your sunscreen!  This week is going to be really sunny and in the mid to high 80’s.  Below is the most recent update from the Gulf Shores.com website.   

  • To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and according to NOAA, none is expected for at least the next 72 hours. See the current NOAA map and forecast here.
  • There have been no reports of odor along the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. At its closest point, the slick is approximately 50-60 miles away from the western tip of our island.
  • The Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Department of Environmental Management have stated that there is no foreseeable need to close beaches and, short of a drastic change, they have no plans to do so.
  • An erroneous e-mail has been circulated stating that Governor Riley had ordered the beaches closed. That e-mail is false. A press release from the Governor’s office verifying that the beaches ARE open was issued today. Click here to read the release.
  • Ft. Morgan Oil Spill Update 05/14/10

    Imagine it with me friends.  A cool breeze blowing from the southeast off of the water.  The salty mist blowing in on it with the clean ocean smell.  Blues sky for as far as you can see, and that same breeze is keeping you at the perfect temperature while you enjoy the sunny day on the sand.  Can you hear the waves, and see the clear water with that hint of aqua.  You go and stick your feet in  the surf and the cool water surprises you as it washes over your feet and ankles. The water is always a little higher on your leg that you predict and you watch  the wave pulls the sand from under your feet, as it goes back out to join the rest of the gulf.  In the sand you notice every color of coquina clam digging themselves back in the sand to continue on with their quiet life on the shore.  This is what the beach is like today!!!  Hope you can come down soon and enjoy these lovely Spring days in Ft. Morgan. 

  • There have been no reports of oil odor along the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. At its closest point, the slick is approximately 50-60 miles away from the most western tip of our island.
  • The Alabama Department of Public Health and Alabama Department of Environmental Management stated that there is no foreseeable need to close beaches and, short of a drastic change, they have no plans to do so.
  • Tarballs travel independently of an oil slick and are not an indication that the slick itself will travel in the same direction or to the same area. The oil slick still has not reached the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and, according to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) forecasts, is not expected to for at least 72 hours. Forecasts beyond 72 hours are not available.
  • Ft. Morgan, Oil Spill Update 5/14/10

    It’s going to be a beautiful weekend everyone!  Great weather is in the forecast and as you can see below we are clear of oil for the weekend as well!  Tara and I made a video this morning with the dogs on the beach.  It is pretty cheesy but so am I!!! 

     

    Thank you to everyone for the encouragement and for waiting this out with us.  We know it’s a little scary, it is to us too.  We have faith it will all be great in the end and our beautiful beaches will still be here for all to enjoy.   

    The oil slick still has not reached the beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and, according to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) forecasts, is not expected to for at least 72 hours. Forecasts beyond 72 hours are not available.