Let me preface this question by saying that I am totally sensitive and empathetic to this oil disaster and what's going on...I feel sick that people died in the original blast and that now there are good, hard-working folks in the mariner line of work whose businesses are failing and/or have failed because of the oil, and of course saddened by the marine life swimming and drowing in oil. It's an awful, awful situation and one that needs a remedy very very quickly.
Here's what I need assistance with: We reserved a condo in Destin for our annual beach trip this summer. I'm thinking about the waters on that side of the Florida coastline and will the oil reach Destin by August (when we're supposed to go). Our cancelation deadline is July 10, but I'd really not like to wait until then to decide so that I can plan a different location.
What do you think? Should we chance it, go to Destin, if the waters are oily, just plan on sticking close to the pool and lazy river (they have one at the condo we're staying), and also disappoint my sons (2 and 4) because we're not taking them to the sand and beach 10 steps away?
Or should we find another beach (lake or something not off the Gulf)(if any of you have ideas for locations, please share)?
Or should we cancel this year's vacation altogether? Thanks for any advice you may have.
I would recommend another vacation destination. I was just watching the news this afternoon and they were saying that the current could take the oil slick up the east coast by July. So I would think FOR CERTAIN that Destin would be succumbed to oil well before then (and your August vacation). Sorry. But everyone is being effected by this disaster!
I wouldn't do it. We were going to Gulf Shores, but now we're headed to St. Augustine (which I equally love). Look at the news today -oil is starting to wash up on Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and Pensacola. It all makes me want to puke, and I wish so badly I had the money to just give our condo place because they're going to lose their shirts over this.
If I were you I would plan for an Atlantic-side beach or go to a mountain lake where you could use water parks, tubing on rivers and the lake -look in the Great Smokey Mountains, N. Georgia Blueridge area, Western N. Carolina, etc. You may be closer to some places I've heard were gorgeous in the Ozarks of Arkansas.
Unfortunately due to the smell and dead sea life and birds that can possibly occur from the oil, you really don't want to be anywhere near it.
It's so horribly sad.
I personally wouldn't go. My family also vacations in Destin and I am not about to spend that much money and not even be able to go in the water. You could go to a nearby hotel with a pool and accomplish the 'lazy river'
My suggestion is maybe the Smokey mountains? Or how about the grand canyon? Or a national forest. Everyone says these are great family vacations spots.
My family is opting for a weekend trip tp the mountains and alot of days by the pool for this vacation season and hopefully our beloved beach will be all better by next year. =)
*******NEW INFO*********
Well, a co-worker of mine just sent me this article. This article along with what was posted on the city of Destin's website just now don't look too good. Here's the article link:
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/jun2010/gulf-j04.shtml
And here's what the city of Destin's website said as of 4:30pm yesterday (Update #33):
LOCAL UPDATE #33 - OIL SPILL
June 3, 2010 - 4:30 p.m.
(From the City of Destin)
The City of Destin is expecting oil sheen in the area within the next 72 hours. Okaloosa contractors have been deploying boom to various locations today. The approved boom plan calls for the protection of East Pass and the bay areas only. Booms have not been extended into place and East Pass is open to marine traffic.
US Commerce Secretary Declares "Fishery Failure" in Florida. Http://www.thedestinlog.com/news/secretary-14028-commerce-washin...
VOLUNTEER INQUIRIES:
Here are several volunteer opportunities. The State is encouraging residents and visitors to become a Coast Watch Volunteer. Sign up at www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org. You can also call Okaloosa County’s Citizens Information hotline at 3-1-1 and ask to be put on a volunteer list. And BP, of course, has established a volunteer program and set up a toll-free number for you to register at 1-866-448-5816.
BEACH CLOSURES:
Right now, it is our understanding that beach closures will be made by the county with input from the health dept. It is possible that all our beaches may be closed at one time, but is more likely that sections of beach, where oil has washed ashore, will be closed, cleaned and reopened, as soon as possible. It all depends upon what kind of oil products wash ashore and how much of it there is. We won’t know that answer until it comes. Please stay posted to our website as updates are made a quickly as we can verify the information.
VISITOR INQUIRIES:
If you are concerned about your stay, we recommend that you contact your hotel/resort/rental company, as many of them have relaxed their policies to better meet your travel needs during this time.
(From Okaloosa County & State Emergency Management Officials)
Oil sheen is now in the Navarre area, which is just about 30 miles away from Destin. The sheen was reported by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approximately six miles from Navarre Pier early this morning, June 3.
Gosh, I'm in the same boat. It's our first family vacation to the beach. Destin, Florida July 3-10th. So far, they assure us that their beaches will be fine and they are taking the matter very seriously and have a plan of action. I frequent http://www.cityofdestin.com/ everyday because they have daily updates on the spill and their beaches. My whole extended family is going as well and we have a large condo rented. I think it's still just too early to tell. Our trip is still 1 whole month away. We have until two weeks before to cancel, however, if the city shuts down the beaches, we will still be able to get our money back. Most places have an "oil spill cancellation" clause going on right now b/c they know it's just too soon to predict what will happen. It will all depend on weather and hurricanes, etc. There's just no way to know for sure. I'm hoping their plan works and they are able to keep the oil away from their beaches. Summer vacations are how Florida makes their money. This spill just has so many horrible ramifications. It breaks my heart.
I'm also very concerned about this oil disaster, and pray for the people and wildlife affected by it.
I would cancel your current plans, and make other arrangements. Maybe you can go to the atlantic coast of FL.
