Wednesday, July 21st -- What a great summer!

We haven't had any oil since mid-June.  And even then is was "tarballs"--never any slicks.  Fort Walton Beach has remained beautiful throughout the summer!
There's still time--reserve your opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Emerald Coast (and at a discounted rate, too!)

Thursday, July 8th -- Beach and Water were Beautiful today!

My son went to the beach behind the Islander today for some skimboarding and reported that the water was incredibly beautiful.  Prevailing winds appear to have forced any remants of oil back to the west.  Despite the alluring conditions, he said the beach was sparsely occupied.

Thursday, June 24th -- Amazingly, no sign of oil at our beach!

Went to the beach this afternoon for my first attempt at surfing.  The beach was pristine!  Hard to believe considering the oil activity on both sides of us (Pensacola and Walton County).  Hope to have more of the same for as long as possible. 

Friday, June 18th -- Mostly Clear Today.

Despite some oil impact elsewhere, the beach behind the Islander was looking good.  "No Swim" advisory was also lifted, allowing for a great day of swimming.
Foot wash stations are in place at the beach walkovers, and the cleaning crews have been better equipped and increased in numbers.

Thursday, June 17th -- More of the Same

The Northwest Florida Daily News Online reports that tarballs were deposited on the beach today as well.  A "No Swim" advisory is still in effect, but the beach remains open.  I will try to get pictures of the clean-up effort this evening.
If you go to the beach, bring some Dawn Dishwashing Detergent with you in case you step on some tar.  Takes the stuff right off.

Wednesday, June 16th -- Tar Balls on the Beach

UPDATE:  7PM

A wave of tarballs hit the beach today at about 11am.  The county health department issued an advisory asking people to stay out of the water.  The beach remains open.  The Health Department will consider ending the advisory after two high-tide cycles without significant tar balls.

The following photos were taken at approx 5pm.  These two pictures show the approximate density of the stuff about 50 yards east of our condo property. 

Another 100 yards to the east the beach had very few tarballs (see photo below).  Also, the beach in front of the Islander Beach Resort was cleaned prior to our arrival and showed no signs of tarballs.

Here is the clean-up crew--armed with the tools of the trade.  Look real close and you will notice toy shovels and nets from the local beach store?!  Guess there was a run on the real stuff at the local Home Depot.

Monday, June 14th -- No Oil Impact Whatsoever!!

My daughter just returned from the beach and reported that it was quite pristine--with the exception of a little bit of seaweed here and there.  She ran along the beach then did some paddle boarding about 1/2 mile west of our condo.
Oh, it's pretty HOT out there too!