Market Update for Destin October 2010

Average price per square foot for Destin FL was $181, an increase of 16.8% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Destin FL for Jul 10 to Sep 10 was $240,000 based on 161 home sales. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price decreased 11.1%, or $30,000, and the number of home sales decreased 30.3%. There are currently 1,700 resale and new homes in Destin on Trulia, including 481 homes in the pre-foreclosure, auction, or bank-owned stages of the foreclosure process. The average listing price for homes for sale in Destin FL was $642,615 for the week ending Oct 27, which represents a decrease of 0.2%, or $1,067, compared to the prior week.
Information provided by Trulia.com.  For more information, contact http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/

BP & Causes of the Oil Spill

Dina Cappiello


AP WASHINGTON (Oct. 28) -- Tests performed before the deadly blowout of BP's oil well in the Gulf of Mexico should have raised doubts about the cement used to seal the well, but the company and its cementing contractor used it anyway, investigators with the president's oil spill commission said Thursday.

It's the first finding from the commission looking into the causes of the April 20 explosion that killed 11 workers and led to the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history. And it appears to conflict with statements made by Halliburton Co., which has said its tests showed the cement mix was stable. The company instead has said BP's well design and operations are responsible for the disaster.

The cement mix's failure to prevent oil and gas from entering the well has been identified by BP and others as one of the causes of the accident.

BP and Halliburton decided to use a foam slurry created by injecting nitrogen into cement to secure the bottom of the well, a decision outside experts have criticized.

The panel says that of four tests done in February and April by Halliburton, only one - the last - showed the mix would hold. But the results of that single successful test were not shared with BP, and may not have reached Halliburton, before the cement was pumped, according to a letter sent to commissioners Thursday by chief investigative counsel Fred H. Bartlit, Jr.
follow on http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ for latest info and links.

Destin Oil Spill Update: Gulf Oil Information

Destin Oil Spill Update: Gulf Oil Information

Gulf Oil Information

Today the British Petroleum Commission charged with exploring what happened that lead to the explosion of the Macondo well deep in the Gulf of Mexico, released its preliminary report. The important conclusion of the report is that the federal government could have done a better job of informing the american public about exactly what was happening and how much oil was being leaked at the outset of the oil leak. Also, the idea that 75% of the oil had disappeared by the end of August was ridiculous. Most people knew right away that this was crazy--it doesn't just disappear!



Let's hope that we get a straight report that we can all believe and that tells us the truth going forward.

Navarre, FL Property Values

I cover the Navarre/FortWaltonBeach/Destin/Santa Rosa Beach area, and no one has a crystal ball. With the arrival of more military as part of the Base Realignment, as well as more contract workers to support this growth, I would expect that prices will probably not continue to drop. I showed two homes this morning in Navarre in Holley by the Sea that were priced at 76/sq ft and 85/sq ft. One is under contract and the other one has an offer on it. If it is in decent shape in a decent neighborhood, in this price range, they don't stay on the market very long!! Other than beach property, Holley by the Sea is the most popular location in Navarre, due to the amenities available at a nominal price.

Latest Information on Gulf Oil Spill

Approximately 112 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline is currently experiencing moderate to heavy oil impacts—approximately 101 miles in Louisiana, 9 miles in Mississippi and 2 miles in Florida. Approximately 497 miles of shoreline are experiencing light to trace oil impacts—approximately 231 miles in Louisiana, 90 miles in Mississippi, 62 miles in Alabama, and 114 miles in Florida. These numbers reflect a daily snapshot so that planning and field operations can more quickly respond to new impacts; they do not include cumulative impacts to date, or shoreline that has already been cleared.

Latest Update on BP Oil Leak In Gulf of Mexico

Subsea operational update:

The MC252 well has been shut-in since July 15; there is currently no oil flowing into the Gulf.

The DDII continues to conduct diagnostic tests on the MC252 well, and plans are being developed for final plugging and abandonment procedures as overseen by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

A lock down sleeve to secure the well MC252 well casing hangar and the annulus was successfully installed and tested Saturday, Sept. 11.

The DD III relief well drilling operations re-started today at 1:40 p.m. CDT.

Updated Sept. 13 at 2:30 p.m. CDT --for up to the minute information, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send email to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

EFFECTS OF BP OIL IN DESTIN FLORIDA SEPT 5

Unfortunately this was the appearance of the water at Henderson Beach in Destin Florida on Sunday, Sept 5 2010.  It is apparent that the problems created by the oil leak of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster has not faded away, despite stories from BP and the Federal Government trying to convince us that all is well and that nature has taken care of the oil.  Thousands of Dead Sea Slugs, creating a horrible stench, also appeared today were also observed.  For more links and live information, continue to go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/

Oil Rig Explosion In Gulf

There has been an explosion of an oil rig off the Louisana coast this morning, September 2.  No one was killed, and all are accounted for.  This is not a deep well--340 Feet deep, which will make it much easier to deal with than the Deepwater Horizon  Explosion that released a huge amount of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.  The exploded rig is still on fire, but Coast Guard is on scene.  The workers were doing maintenance activities at the time.

For updated information, you can connect with live links through http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/.

Oil Spill Information for August 27, 2010

British Petroleum is conducting yet another pressure test on the blow-out preventer. This time they have filled the blow-out preventer with seawater to match the conditions outside so they can get an idea of what will happen when they remove the preventer. They are looking for leaking gases and hydrocarbons. The test, which began Thursday morning, will take 48 hours to complete.  For more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/.

Oil Spill Not "Gone!"

Some scientists are now saying that there is an oil slick the size of Manhattan Island sitting below the surface in the Gulf of Mexico. When the government and other organizations are saying the oil is 75% gone, we who live here are hard pressed to believe that all that oil has disappeared. I know everyone else would love to believe that the work is done and everyone can go home and save BP a whole lot of money. In Pensacola Beach, if you dig down in the sand a foot or more, there is a layer of black oil! I was told this by someone didn't believe it but saw it for herself!! Everyone needs to stay on BP until there is clear scientific evidence that the oil is cleaned up.  For up to the minute information, visit the links on http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or contact MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Gulf Oil Spill for August 15

The crippled undersea well has not spewed oil since July 15, when it was sealed with a temporary cap. In the coming days, BP will intersect the original well deep underground with a relief well, injecting mud and concrete to ensure the well is dead. Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, the federal spill response chief, said Saturday he was ordering BP to conduct more tests and offer more-detailed plans for dealing with potential complications before giving the go-ahead to complete the relief well.

For more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.myketriebold.com/ or contact MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Rock the Beach Concert August 15

Tonight, August 15, there will be a "rock the beach" free concert, featuring Lynryd Skynyrd and Josh Thompson at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island. It's being sponsored by the Tourism Development Council with money from BP--in an attempt to boost tourism in the area and bring some people into local hotels and restaurants.




Also in the news from the tourism council--there is a search underway for a new "brand" for the area that aptly describes the Destin/Okaloosa/Fort Walton Beach area. Since there are other "emerald coast" places, an effort to re-identify the area appropriately. If you have ideas, feel free to contact the tourism council or me and I would be happy to pass the suggestion along.

Well, it looks as though the beautiful Gulf Coast has escaped what could have been the economic death of the area.  We have a lot of ground to make up for all the losses suffered this summer by all the businesses in Destin and Santa Rosa Beach, but at least we still have our white sand and beautiful water.  For links and live information, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/

Oil by the Numbers--CNN

To see exactly what the numbers are and the effect of the BP Gulf Oil Disaster, go to this link:


http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/gulf.coast.oil.spill/interactive/numbers.interactive/index.html

For more information and other live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or email MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Gulf Oil Spill Comment

Well, well, there is how many millions of gallons of oil leaked into the gulf of Mexico, and how many gallons of corexant to break it up and turn it into orange goo instead of black goo?


Now people would have us believe that it has all disappeared magically almost seemingly overnight. I don't believe it. Just because we can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't still with us. My question is, how come the "junegrass" that normally comes for a week or maybe two in June is still with us in August? I don't see oil in the water here in Destin, but I sure see more seaweed than ever before. Has the oil warmed the Gulf? I don't have the answers.

I hope just because the deepwater horizon tragedy is not as volatile at the moment as it was a few short weeks ago, that we don't forget what has happened here in the Gulf. A tragedy has occured, and our Gulf is changed probably for my lifetime. Only time will tell what the effect is on the entire ecological system in the Gulf of Mexico. For now, I just hope that people who have vacationed here and loved the area return here again and again to support the local economy!

The catastrophe could still be worse if the static kill doesn't work, but we will count on the "kill" working. We can't imagine anything else. Just remember that because the "emergency" has passed, the tragedy and long term problems caused by the leak has not.

For more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or email MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Gulf Oil Spill--More Lies

The  US Coast Guard has routinely approved BP's requests to override a federal directive to ban the use of toxic dispersant to break up the spill. The coastguard granted 74 exemptions over 48 days, according to documents obtained by Rep Ed Markey, chairman of the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee.  Rep. Markey was instrumental in leading the fight to have cameras on the leak made public.  According to BP, 1.8m gallons of dispersant have been pumped into the Gulf. Scientists say that the resulting high toxicity levels could harm marine life for years to come.  On Friday night, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would block BP from winning future drilling permits in the US because of its safety record.
For more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or email MykeSaysSold@aol.com

For more information and Live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or contact MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Destin Oil Conditions--News Organizations Don't Tell Truth!

"About 60,000 square miles of gulf waters remain closed to fishing, and more than 600 miles of coastline across four U.S. states have been smeared with oil." This is a quote taken from this mornings news report on the internet and exactly what's wrong with the news!!  Looking for sensationalism.  The facts are these--from Pensacola on the western end of the Florida panhandle to the rest of the Florida coastline touched by the Gulf of Mexico, the beaches are white, clean, and the water is beautiful.  Business is down about 50% and many people are missing out on their summer vacation in Destin because the news organizations have frightened them--people have visions of beaches covered with black oil.  Nothing could be further from the truth!  If you were planning a visit to the Gulf Coast, come ahead, conditions are great as usual.  Go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ for a live web cam and many other live feeds and factual reports.  If you have any other doubts, feel free to send a question to MykeSaysSold@aol.com.

Gulf Oil Spill Latest Location

The NOAA Oil Spill Trajectory shows the oil plume 60 miles from Pensacola, and 140
miles from Panama City. While NOAA oil trajectories forecast oil patches to remain well
south and west of Florida, with no direct oil impacts through at least Friday, scattered
tarball fields already nearshore may continue to be carried onshore along the Panhandle
coast. Winds and currents may also push pockets of light sheen or tarmats eastward and
the uncertainty line for possible oil extends east to around 25 miles south of Perdido Key
by Friday. Offshore, no oil has been observed within or moving towards Eddy Franklin for
over 4 weeks and there is no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits.
For more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send question to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

.I have checked the Reconnaisance reports for July 25, 2010, and the three county area is an all clear for any evidence of any oil product. On the ERMA map, there is also no indication of oil product present. Beaches are open, vacationers are enjoying a VERY warm Gulf of Mexico free of any contaminants. I was at the beach on Sunday, and there was some "seaweed" present, but otherwise the beaches were beautiful. The waves were rough, and there were double red flags on Sunday from Tropical Storm Bonnie, which is now passed. So, if you were thinking about coming to Destin or Santa Rosa Beach or Navarre on vacation, don't change your plans, because you will be looking forward to a wonderful time.

For more information, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Aircraft are having difficulty finding oil sheen from the air, however there is little known about where or when the oil and damage will show up. For now, the weather is great, the water is great, and the beaches are white as they have always been, so do not hesitate to come for a visit or a vacation. For more information and live links, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com or www.OilSlickDestin.com or send any questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Tony Hayward Moved Aside in BP

BP’s chief executive, Tony Hayward, is stepping aside to be replaced by Robert Dudley, the company’s most senior American executive, who is currently in charge of BP’s operations in the Gulf of Mexico, according to someone close to the company’s board of directors. The change in leadership will be taken up by the board on Monday.  An official announcement could come on Tuesday if the board ratifies the plan. Mr. Hayward has been running BP since 2007.

For other information and news, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/, or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com.

Florida Gulf Coast Free from Oil

News is good for the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida through July 25. This picture illustrates that there is no oil near the coast, so vacationers are pretty well assured a good week of clean water, clean beaches and good fun. For updated information and live links, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com or www.OilSlickDestin.com or send any questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com.

Destin Oil Spill thru July 22 2010

Don't miss a great summer vacation here in Destin, Florida.  The weather is great, the beach is white, and the water is clear and its usual beautiful blue green color.  There is no oil and there are no tarballs and swimming is perfectly enjoyable.  Fishing is active, and the harbor is a bustle of activity.

for live links and updated information, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Destin Oil Conditions

These are the current conditions in Destin--there are no signs of oil or tarballs on the Florida Gulf Coast, so come on down and enjoy your vacation as planned.  For more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Destin Oil Spill Update for July 19 2010

The coast is clear in Destin Florida through July 19, 2010, so come on down and enjoy your vacation with us.  The sand is white, water is blue, and warm and ready for your enjoyment.  For live links and reports, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Santa Rosa Beach Water Quality Report

For more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Destin Water Quality Report

For more information and live links to oil information, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

DestinOilSpill All Clear thru July 12

Outlook is bright for Destin Oil Spill thru July 12. If you are planning a vacation in the area, don't change your plans, as there is no tropical weather in the Gulf of Mexico and the winds and currents are favorable for a great vacation. For updated information and live links, please visit www.DestinHomeRealtor.com or www.OilSlickDestin.com or send question to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

DestinOilSpill Trajectory thru July 10

Oil Trajectory forecast thru July 10.  For updated information and live links to websites, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send an inquiry to MykeSaysSold@aol.com and I'll try to find you an answer.

DestinOilSpill All clear thru July 9

For more updated information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send inquiry to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

This is the trajectoty map for July 7 2010.  There is no expectation of oil on these beaches during this week.  For live links go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or MykeSaysSold@aol.com

DestinOilSpill All Clear thru July 6

Destin gets an all clear thru July 6 2010.  Oil is well away from the area, centered mainly closer to Biloxi MS and Louisiana.  for more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send a question to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

DestinOilSpill All Clear for July 5

All clear weather and oil forecast for July 5 2010.  This map from NOAA gives the expected trajectory for the Oil Slick in the Gulf of Mexico.  Plans are continuing for normal July 4 celebration in Destin, Florida, with fireworks and boat rides leaving from Harborwalk Village.  For more live links and updated information, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

DestinOilSpill All Clear for July 4

we have an all clear for July 4 for oil.  I was out at the beach today (July 2), and there were swimmers, paddle boarders, and many beach goers.  Water was beautiful and beach was clean.  I was working, but it looked like everyone was enjoying the warm water and sun.  For more updated information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send me a question to MykeSaysSold@aol.com and I will try to find your answers.  Have a wonderful Independence Day!

Fishing Closures for July 4 weekend Destin

Here is the newest fishing closure map for the July 4 weekend in Destin Florida.  Points below the red line are closed to fishing, above the red line is open.  So, the charter boats leaving Destin Harbor should be in good shape for a fun holiday weekend.  For more live links and updated information, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com and I will try to find your answers.

Destin Oil Spill Update for july 3

For more information and livelinks, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send a question to MykeSaysSold@aol.com and I will try and find an answer.

Oil Spill--What the Heck--Bring on the Whale!

This Taiwanese super-skimmer might help. It's more than three football fields long and 10 stories high. BP told CBS News it has no plans to use it, but the Coast Guard wants to test it. GET THIS BOAT OUT THERE AND PUT IT TO WORK!!


Bob Dudley would decide. Who appointed Bob Dudley God of the Coastal Oil Slick?  On YouTube, BP's new point man on the spill answered questions about the spill. Shelly Landry owns Grand Isle's only grocery store. She watched, unimpressed.

"They're not answering our calls. They're not answering our cries for help that we need to stop this," Landry said.

for more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send any questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com and I'll try to find you an answer and share it with everyone!

Help has arrived for Oil Slick!

.The "Whale", a super carrier from Taiwan has arrived in the Gulf of Mexico to assist in the cleanup effort. It can process 500,000 barrels of contaminated water per day. Here's hoping that all goes well, and the mess can begin to be mitigated. It is called the Whale because of its size as well as the fact that a huge whale is painted on it's side. Go Taiwan, and Go USA! Let's get the show on the road and clean up as much of this mess as we can.




Thank you Taiwan! Cut the red tape, and let's see every boat on the face of the globe make a difference. No doubt this is the worst environmental catastrophe we have seen, but it isn't the first and it won't be the last, so we better learn how to do this right.
For more information and links to live sites and videos and cameras, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com and I'll try to find the answers!!

Near shore DestinOilSpill Trajectory for July 1.  For more information and live links, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Destin Oil Spill Update Map June 30

For more updated information and live links go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or ask a question to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Destin Oil Spill Update for June 29 2010

According to the NOAA oil plume model, the oil plume is 57 miles from Mexico Beach, and 244 miles from St. Petersburg. Wind and currents will prevent a further eastward movement of the oil plume along the northwestern Florida coastline. Areas already impacted, west of Choctawhatchee Bay, will continue to receive impacts as the oil plume moves slightly northwest and closer to the shoreline. No significant amounts of oil are within or moving toward the loop current ring and there is no clear path for oil to enter the Florida Straits within the next five days.
For more live information, cameras, webcams, weather reports, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send questions to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Oil Spill Beach Conditions for Florida June 28

For more live updates and links go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ or send a question to MykeSaysSold@aol.com and I will try to find the answer

DestinOilSpill Trajectory for June 27

Oil Spill Tropical Weather Map for June 25

For more updated information and live links, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com or www.OilSlickDestin.com or just drop an email with your question to MykeSaysSold@aol.com and I will try to find an answer for you.

Fishing Closure for June 24 2010

For more information go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com or www.OilSlickDestin.com or send a note to MykeSaysSold@aol.com

Florida Fishing Closures

For more information and links, stay tuned to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ or http://www.oilslickdestin.com/ These sites are updated at least once a day and more if there is additional information to share.

NOAA Oil Spill Trajectory Estimate June 20

For more information on the Oil Spill or Oil Slick, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

Destin Oil Spill Trajectory for June 19 2010

For more information, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

Destin Oil Spill Trajectory for June 18

For more up to the minute information, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

Destin Oil Spill trajectory for June 17

For more oil spill information, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

Destin OIl Spill Update June 17

On June 16, Ft Walton Beach – In response to oil mousse, tar mats, and extensive tar balls, the Okaloosa County Health Department in coordination with Okaloosa County Public Safety issued a health advisory for the following beach waters in Okaloosa County: Okaloosa Island from the Eglin property line (by the El Matador Condominiums on Santa Rosa Blvd), through the eastern boundary of Beasley Park. For more information and links, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

gulf oil spill & Google

BP has forked over a healthy chunk of change to control the way Web users view the company. According to BP reps, the company has purchased a range of popular search terms – including “oil spill” – from Google, the most popular search engine in the US.
So what does it mean to “purchase” a search term? Well, it certainly doesn’t make all the negative results go away. Today, for instance, a Google search for “oil spill” returned a range of results, including a Huffington Post article and a Wikipedia entry on oil spills.
But the very top result is a shaded advertisement from BP, trumpeting the company’s clean-up efforts. “Learn More about How BP is Helping,” the advertisement reads.

Gulf Oil Spill Boating Instructions

Because of the large number of oil containment booms and cleanup equipment being deployed around the state in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Boating and Waterways Section is asking boaters to slow down where oil cleanup is under way.
The FWC encourages all boaters to operate at slow speed within 300 feet of all authorized booms. Boaters operating near any oil-containment booms or cleanup equipment should exercise extreme caution and comply with all applicable navigational rules. Oil-skimming equipment is large and cumbersome, and it is restricted in its ability to maneuver. As a result, boaters should be prepared to stay clear of these vessels when operating near them.
Failure to operate at slow speed in these areas could result in injury, damage to vessels and damage to the containment booms. Additionally, the wake that results from a vessel operating above slow speed in areas where a boom has been deployed can reduce the effectiveness of the boom, resulting in further environmental damage. For updated gulf oil spill information, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

Gulf Oil Spill Frustration

It is very hard to understand the paralysis of our government at every level in dealing with catastrophic situations. We saw Katrina coming, and did nothing until 3 days after when pictures were all over the television of people dying on the sidewalk. Appalling in the "most powerful" nation on earth! Now, we see the Oil Catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. We didn't see it coming until the night the rig exploded, (although knowing what we NOW know about MMS, we should have seen this coming), but that was 50+ days ago. What ineptitude! As David Gergen put it on CNN, if we had fought WW II with the same level of energy and organization, we would all be speaking German today. As someone else put it, this is the equivalent of putting our Apollo Astronauts on the moon, and then deciding we better make a plan to bring them back to earth!!
I don't want to point fingers--enough blame to go around, and blame doesn't fix the problem. As I watch economic lives go down the "drain" in oil and I worry about those still standing waiting for the catastrophe to hit them, I have to wonder what will become of us as a nation--what will we do when "the big" earthquake hits the west Coast, and we know it will? Nature has lots of catastrophes for humankind, and nature always wins--the question is how we deal with it. So far, the human race, for thinking it is so smart, has been terribly stupid!
Come on, folks--let's really be patriots, stop blaming, get down and dirty and clean up this man made disaster with whatever "elbow grease" and money it takes! To be really patriotic means to look out for your neighbor, your community, and your country--don't place blame--be a part of the solution. We will worry about "responsibility" for the catastrophe after we have cleaned up what we all played a roll in creating--the need for MORE OIL! Go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com for links and other information affecting life here on the Gulf Coast.

Destin Oil Spill Udpae June 10, 2010

Sporadic reports of tarballs and/or areas of light sheen have been confirmed byreconnaissance teams from Escambia to Bay County. Oil sheen and mousse confirmed in Perdido Pass. As of June 9, 2010, Perdido Pass, a navigable waterway, is restricted during incoming
tides and is open during outgoing tides. Oil Containment Boom (in feet) total: 311,780 deployed in Florida. Tier 1: 152,000 / Tier 2: 123,500 Tier 3: 42,180 (Deployed by Florida contractors)
In accordance with established plans, protective booming and boom maintenance is being conducted in the coastal areas of Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties. According to the NOAA oil plume model, the oil plume remains 100 miles from Gulf County, and 295 miles from St. Petersburg, with non contiguous sheens and scattered tarballs closer. NOAA trajectories show direct on-shore impacts of scattered tarballs and light sheen through the weekend, for coastal regions near and west of Pensacola. For moreinformation and related links, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com .

Destin Oil Spill Boom Plan for East Pass

Destin Oil Spill Booms Planned for East Pass

Okaloosa County and the U.S. Coast Guard have developed a boom plan for the Destin Pass that could be the best oil deflection strategy on the Gulf Coast.

It will be later in the week at best before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues the permit required for the booms to be deployed. The new plan was devised this weekend after the Coast Guard ordered the removal of booms set in its navigable waters.

The most recent plan calls for permanent pilings fitted with flashing lights to be constructed at strategic points within the Destin Pass and boom to be extended 400 feet from the shoreline to the piling. It is hoped any Deepwater Horizon oil residue carried into the pass will be pushed by the prevailing currents into the catch basins formed by the chevron shaped booming.

Gulf Oil Spill Update June 7

STATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (SERT) RECONNAISSANCE: Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reports that tarballs and tar patties have reached the shore in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Okaloosa counties.
"Tarmats" (tabletop size or larger) have been spotted offshore, and recon teams are relaying locations to skimming teams to collect that product before it reaches shore. Recon teams are working from Escambia through Gulf.
Contract clean up teams are on site and working to clean the oil as it comes ashore. Current oiling is light and scattered, sheen and tarballs will continue to come onshore in a weathered condition at least through Thursday due to weather conditions.
Impact will be on the western panhandle counties (Escambia, Santa Rosa, Walton and Okaloosa) with possible impacts farther east (Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor) through Thursday.
Sheen has been spotted less than 4 miles offshore of Pensacola. DEP and FWC continue reconnaissance by air, sea, and land. Recon activities will be increased as the oil continues to move toward the east, and continues to move closer to shore.
Recon teams are now "patrolling" the beaches in the affected counties. There are two overflights (weather permitting) at 5 and 10 miles offshore each day. In addition, vessels are in the water to confirm sightings, and DEP has established a mobile command post at Henderson Beach State Park in Destin for deployment of 25 ATVs which are patrolling the shorelines. Recon information is being relayed back immediately to the SEOC and local EOCs for action.
For more up to date links, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com the website for Myke Triebold

Gulf Oil Spill Trajectory 6-7-2010

Destin Oil Booms Deployed

State officials ordered Okaloosa County to begin deploying booms Thursday as oil sheen was spotted six miles from Navarre Beach.
Northwest Florida could see scattered patches of sheen or tar balls wash up over the next few days. Santa Rosa County began laying protective booms from west to east, while Okaloosa hauled piles of booms to the shore by the East Pass. Those booms will hit the waterway Friday morning and could become a fixture for months.For latest updates, go to http://www.destinhomerealtor.com/ and click on the many links.

Destin Oil Spill Activity Planned

Wednesday afternoon Florida approved the boom contractor to begin laying the final tier of booms in Santa Rosa County. The additional boom deployment, which starts today, includes 10 sites above and beyond those in the plan approved by the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command.
Okaloosa County will “probably” start deploying booms Friday, said county Public Safety Director Dino Villani. Okaloosa County plans to do a practice deployment Friday morning in Destin’s East Pass to test its swift water boom system. Boat traffic will remain open. For more information, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

Gulf Oil Spill Coast Guard Activity 6-2-2010

"We are moving critical response assets across all the Gulf Coast states in preparation for potential near- and long-term oil impacts. In Alabama, the Coast Guard Cutter Cypress arrived in Mobile Bay today to protect Dauphin Island from the north and west. Tomorrow, we will commence a surge of boom to Alabama's Katrina Pass that will be positioned to create a funnel to collect oil that comes in with the tide. Additionally, we have deployed four coastal patrol boats to coordinate response in Alabama's coastal waters.Four helicopters are being deployed to the Alabama, Mississippi and Florida coast to provide surveillance information to help skimmers position their efforts strategically to collect the most oil threatening the shore possible. The Coast Guard Cutter Tampa has a flight deck that will allow for these helicopters to refuel offshore, and the Coast Guard Cutter Elm is currently in the area off the coast of Pensacola, Fla., working around the clock to skim oil from the surface." source: USCG website update
For more real time information, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com, Myke Triebold, Destin Realtor

Oil Spill Beach Conditions for Florida

Oil Spill Water Quality Information for Florida

If you are interested in the most up to date information regarding the quality of a beach in Florida, you can go to this site to check the latest report from the oil spill.
http://esetappsdoh.doh.state.fl.us/irm00beachwater/default.aspx

For more information, you can go to my website at www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

NOAA Oil Spill Trajectory June 2 2010

For more live information, you can go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com.

Oil Spill Survey

If you have some thoughts or ideas, please go to the oil spill survey at the following location and make your thoughts known. For other up to date information, go to my website at www.DestinHomeRealtor.com for links on all the updated information.

http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/survey/2931/3879/

Please participate and let your thoughts be known.

Destin Oil Spill Update June 1

According to the NOAA oil plume model, the oil spill is 80 miles southwest of Pensacola, 125 miles from Mexico Beach, and 300 miles from St. Petersburg. The non contiguous sheens and scattered tarballs are within 210 miles of St. Petersburg.
• No direct oil impacts are expected across any part of the state within the next 3 days. Southerly winds of 5-10knots and fairly calm seas are expected across the northern-central Gulf today, but a 30-40% chance of rain and thunderstorms may hamper some surface recovery operations. Winds will begin to shift to the southwest by Tuesday and will increase slightly through the week before turning west Friday. This wind flow pattern may push areas of light sheen and tarballs closer to the Gulf Coast this week. For more up to the minute information, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com. You will find live camera feed and up to the minute info from all sites.

Unified Command Oil Spill

Spill monitoring has increased through the use of vessels of opportunity, other vessels have been deployed to verify aerial observations, and skimming vessels are responding to confirmed reports of oil. Additional beach support teams have been mobilized on shore to respond as well.
“We are working around the clock to keep the oil off the shoreline and have had the gift of time to plan for its arrival,” said Capt. Steven Poulin, incident commander for the Coast Guard. “The projections are of concern. This is a dynamic situation influenced by a wide variety of environmental factors, so while we’re not certain where or what the impact will be, but we’re prepared.”
More than 6,000 people are participating in this aggressive response effort both in open water and on the shoreline of Miss., Ala., and Fla. Panhandle.

Gulf Oil Spill Resources 5-31-10

Below are the resources surged to date to mitigate the impacts of the spill:
Approximately 1,300 vessels are responding on site, including skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels to assist in containment and cleanup efforts—in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles, and multiple mobile offshore drilling units.
More than 1.85 million feet of containment boom and 1.25 million feet of sorbent boom have been deployed to contain the spill—and approximately 300,000 feet of containment boom and 1 million feet of sorbent boom are available.
Approximately 11 million gallons of an oil-water mix have been recovered.
Approximately 840,000 gallons of total dispersant have been deployed—700,000 on the surface and 140,000 subsea. More than 380,000 gallons are available.
17 staging areas are in place and ready to protect sensitive shorelines, including: Dauphin Island, Ala., Orange Beach, Ala., Theodore, Ala., Panama City, Fla., Pensacola, Fla., Port St. Joe, Fla., St. Marks, Fla., Amelia, La., Cocodrie, La., Grand Isle, La., Shell Beach, La., Slidell, La., St. Mary, La.; Venice, La., Biloxi, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., and Pass Christian, Miss.
For More Up To Date Information, go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

Gulf Oil Spill--Jim Cantore

Jim Cantore was in Panama City Beach on Wednesday, and this is a quote from the master of disaster:
“What oil?” Cantore said. “Unless a hurricane comes in from the west or you have a very strong southwest front come through (the Gulf), that oil’s not coming here. Not this time of year.”It seems that with his review of currents and standard weather conditions for this area this time of year he has drawn his conclusions. If he is right, this is great news for our local economy, visitors, and everyone who enjoys the lifestyle offered in this part of the Gulf Coast! Go Jim!

Wildlife May Not Be Getting Needed Assistance

Today I was told by an associate about an oiled bird on the sand in Gulf Shores Alabama. When they followed the directions to call the wildlife number on the website, they were told there was no one to assist them. They called the game warden and were told the same thing. They called the police and were not given assistance. They decided the bird needed saving, and proceeded to take it back to their home and wash with Dawn soap and returned it to the beach.

Everyone has been told not to interfere with wildlife and to contact those experts who know what to do. Residents are increasingly more upset by the disconnect between the directions from BP and what they feel they morally have to do. The authorities need to be more sensitive to the words, ideas, and concern of the local residents--many times the locals are much more knowledgable about their own environment than the "college educated" professionals who don't have a vested interest in the community.

Destin Oil Spill Water Quality May 26 2010

Gulf Oil Spill May 26 2010

According to the NOAA oil plume model, the oil spill is 55 miles southwest of Pensacola, 130 miles from Port St. Joe, and 290 miles from Clearwater.
• No direct oil impacts from any part of the plume are expected across the Florida coastline in the next 72 hours. Winds this morning continue to be generally light and easterly. This pattern will continue through today with easterly winds at or below 10 knots. Seas will remain 2 feet or below, and conditions will be good for deepwater operations. Tonight, winds will become light and variable, shifting to northerly and northwesterly tomorrow. Wind speeds will remain similar, however, and seas of 1-2 feet will continue through Friday. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will again be present, but will again be mostly confined to land areas.
Current Situation:
• Florida beaches are open.
for more information go to www.DestinHomeRealtor.com

President Obama signs executive order to establish commission on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

President Obama signs executive order to establish commission on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill: "President Obama announced that on Friday he signed an executive order establishing the bipartisan National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling." I suppose it's better late than never. But, what are we going to do about this one!! Shame on the Federal Government for not getting scientists and engineers involved IMMEDIATELY to solve the crisis. They act like it is not a crisis--it IS if you live here and your livelihood depends on the Gulf of Mexico. Fisherman are having to go to the homeless shelters in Fort Walton Beach--this commission isn't going to help them! Destin Florida is a vacationer's paradise, and there is tremendous fear that this is coming to an abrupt end--and along with it, an economy that has already been hit with real estate issues!

Destin Air Quality on May 21, 2010

I have seen numerous posts, particularly on skytruth.org, regarding the "smell of oil" in Destin, Florida--I was in Destin all day yesterday at the beach and at Harborwalk village. There was no noticeable smell of oil. It may be that because people are expecting to smell it that even if it is car exhaust or a gas station or someone is burning a tiki tourch, an assumption could be made that they smell oil from the oil spill. I also spoke with some people who run boating excursions, who had full boats yesterday out in the gulf, which would have been much closer to the oil than we were on land, and I heard no complaints of an "oil smell." We need to be careful not to cry wolf until the wolf is actually here!! At this point the oil is still at least 75 miles from Destin--that's a long way for an "odor" to travel. I uploaded a picture I took of the water yesterday as well, and it is clear as always.

Destin Oil Spill Update for Friday May 21, 2010

As of last night, as reported on CNN, BP is stating that the plan for a "top fill" should be taking place this weekend. With the oil now infiltrating the wetlands of Southern Louisiana, we don't have to look too far to see what could happen to the entire gulf coast if this well isn't stopped soon. If people think it will just affect the economy of gulf coast towns and our fishing industry, we only need to look to the fact that the oil has already reached the loop current that circles the Florida coastline and could take the oil right up the eastern seaboard of the United States. Since most of the population lives along the eastern seaboard, and most of the fish that we eat comes from the Gulf of Mexico, the overwhelming effect of this catastrophe is not even imaginable. Greed has done it again!! Go BP!

Conditions on May 20, 2010-Destin

I was at the beach today checking on the conditions, and the water is clear, blue, and warm. A number of people were swimming, kayaking, and out on jet skis. I checked in with the fleet at Harborwalk Village, and business was good--the snorkel trip and the sunset cruise were booked full for today.

BP's CEO is Unbelievable!!!

Wow, take a look at this-- if you live on the Gulf Coast and see your livelihood and the value of your property and even your financial viability threatened, get a load of this!!"The giant oil spill in the gulf (still gushing thousands of gallons of oil a day into the sea) and the hundreds of thousands of gallons of "dispersant" BP has pumped into the water to combat the slick are "tiny" compared to the "very big ocean."Wow!! we need to all respond to Mr Hayward in a very big way!! I wonder if all the sea life they are destroying is enjoying the "very big ocean!"