Ft. Morgan Oil Leak update 06/03/10

Good afternoon everyone!  It has been a stormy day in Ft. Morgan so much so that it has been unsafe for me to be on the beach taking photos today.  It seems like it is clearing a bit so I will try to get some photos up from the beach in a bit.  For now I wanted to post some fishing pictures from one of our friends who lives out here in Ft. Morgan, Shane.  He was determined to go fishing for the start of snapper season. These photos were taken the 1st day of snapper season which I believe was the 1st.  Don’t loose heart all of you fishermen and women we are still making some great catches of oil free fish.

Right now off of our cost we have at least 60 vessels skimming the oil that is found.  It is still so far out that we can’t see these boats.  We are thrilled and impressed with the response of the Coast Guard and our local fishermen that have been put to work in this effort to protect our beaches!

Thanks for checking in with us I will get the answers to your comments asap!!!!

  • As of this morning, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Ft. Morgan. The extent of that impact is unknown and this is only a forecast. Like the weather forecast, it is subject to change. See the current NOAA map and forecast here and check back frequently for changing conditions.
  • No health advisories or closings have been issued for our beaches or the waters off Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan at this point.
  • The City of Gulf Shores has contractors working to lay protective berm across Little Lagoon Pass, preparing in advance of any oil to preserve the waters and habitats of Little Lagoon.
  • Perdido Pass is open. At this time, there is no announcement from state officials regarding closing the pass to recreational or commercial boat traffic. Ono Island has closed its canals and harbor. Ono Island is privately owned and the decision was made by their private neighborhood association, not any government agency.
  • NOAA has extended the limit of the closed fishing area to the line where federal waters meet Alabama state 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 it 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 Leak update June 2, 2010

Hey everyone!  Sorry for the break in posting yesterday.  We had some rough storms yesterday and it made my Internet connection non existent at home.  I want to be sure an post with a video or three today.  We were having fun with the video  camera on the beach today!!!Sterling getting in the Gulf with flare!  Brian and Amy Tompkins at the beach in Ft. Morgan   Update Ft. Morgan Beaches 060210    The news is progressively getting worse according to the national news, but as I mentioned take all of that with a grain of salt.  We have been completely blessed here at Ft. Morgan, still no impact from the oil.  Thanks for praying with us an please keep it up!!!!  We are in a completely different current pattern than Dauphin Island so we do not always see the same things they see.  Today our beaches are beautiful and lots of people are having a blast out in the Gulf.  We hope to see you soon.   

To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan. According to NOAA’s projections, there is a possibility of oil near shore of Pensacola.  The extent of that impact is unknown and this is only a forecast. Like the weather forecast, it is subject to change. See the current NOAA map and forecast here and check back frequently for changing conditions.

  • No health advisories or closings have been issued for our beaches or the waters off Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Fort Morgan at this point.
  • The City of Gulf Shores has contractors working to lay protective berm across Little Lagoon Pass, preparing in advance of any oil to preserve the waters and habitats of Little Lagoon.
  • NOAA has extended the limit of the closed fishing area to the line where federal waters meet Alabama state waters. However, fishing is open in state waters and to the southeast of us. Red Snapper season opened yesterday and boats are still departing from Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan. 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.

Ft. Morgan Oil spill update, 05/31/10

Another very hot beautiful day at the beach.  Everyone is enjoying the cool water with their families, even the dolphin!!!  We’ve got some great pictures and I’ll add a video very soon.

To date, no oil has reached the beaches of Ft. Morgan.  Although there has been a report of a suspected underwater plume near the well, the Unified Command at the site has not verified that the plume is actually oil. In any case, it is far off shore and southwest of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach. Local emergency management officials do not consider it an issue for our area at this time.

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.

Although NOAA has revised the area of 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. Red Snapper season begins tomorrow and charter boats are leaving Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan every day to fish areas up to 25 miles out and in our inshore waters. To view a map of the closed area, go to https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

Ft. Morgan Oil spill upidate 05/30/10

  • 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 50-60 miles from the western end of our island. See the current NOAA map and forecast here.
  • Although there has been a report of a suspected underwater plume near the well, the Unified Command at the site has not verified that the plume is actually oil. In any case, it is far off shore and southwest of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach & Ft. Morgan. Local emergency management officials do not consider it an issue .
  • 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 was circulated stating that Governor Bob Riley had ordered the beaches closed. That e-mail was 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 it 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 05/29/10

    I hope you are having a wonderful start to your Memorial Day!  We have had a wonderful but very, very busy day!  It is beautifully sunny and everyone is enjoying the lovely clear water again today.  Today we are having a wedding  on our beach!!! We wanted to wish Melanie and Audie all of the best in the life they are starting together today.  Congratulations Guys!!!!

    • 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 50-60 miles from the western end of our island. See the current NOAA map and forecast here.
    • Although there has been a report of a suspected underwater plume near the well, the Unified Command at the site has not verified that the plume is actually oil. In any case, it is far off shore and southwest of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Ft. Morgan. Local emergency management officials do not consider it an issue for our area.
    • 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 was circulated stating that Governor Bob Riley had ordered the beaches closed. That e-mail was 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 it become available.
    • For detailed information about the entire incident, visit the NOAA (https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/) or Deepwater Horizon

    Ft. Morgan Oil spill Update 05/28/10

    Good afternoon everyone! I actually made it down to the beach myself today. The only thing that would make it better is a little bit more breeze. The water is crystal clear again and the sand is still sugar white. I unfortunately had on my work clothes, or I would have been in the water. I got to stick my feet in though. It is forecasted to stay this beautiful through the weekend so everyone will be enjoying the beach and coming back with great tans. Check out the video and I will post the update from the Convention and Visitors Bureau when they have it posted. See you soon!!!
    watch?v=M9sLIclCLZc

    Ft. Morgan Oil Spill Update 05/27/10

    Hey Everybody!  I wanted to let you know the president is right, ” the beaches are fine!”  You need to come down for your visit.  As I mentioned yesterday we are completely full but starting Tuesday we have openings again and we would love for you come take a vacation with us this summer.  we are gearing up for the crowd that start checking in this afternoon.  I will be sure to post a video of everyone enjoying the beach this weekend.  I do have a video that Gwen took yesterday morning .  It is just a gorgeous day today!!!  Can’t wait to see everyone. Ft. Morgan Beach 0527
      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 50-60 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 05/26/10

    Hey Everyone!  It’s kind of rainy now but we are expecting an amazing weekend here at Ft. Morgan. We are completely booked at Sunset Properties and still have folks calling wanting to come in. This will be the official start to the Summer and we can’t wait. 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.

    •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, 05/23/10

    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.