MOP Environmental Solutions (MOPN)

[King Bolaba]

Here are many contacts we should follow up on for Florida. Let's make some call and send some emails.


Florida Deepwater Horizon Response Update Day 17
Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon response.

Please see Deepwater Horizon Response Day 17 for details providing a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.

For the most up-to-date information on Florida’s Deepwater Horizon response, as well as health and safety tips, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon and see the latest State Emergency Response Team Situation Report.

Deepwater Horizon Response Day 17
Deepwater Horizon Public Information Resources and Hotlines


FWC, NOAA To Increase Data Collection On Gulf Red Snapper To Address Oil Spill Impacts
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and NOAA Fisheries Service are keeping a close eye on the BP oil spill. So far the only impacts off Florida’s coast have been in the form of fishing closures well offshore in federal waters where oil has been spotted. Fishing continues to be open in the vast majority of Gulf of Mexico waters.

With the approach of the June 1 opening of red snapper season, the FWC and NOAA Fisheries Service are working closely together to allow as much fishing as possible while being prepared for the possibility of impacts. In fact, preparations are under way to collect and analyze information on the number of fish harvested by charter boats in the Gulf more frequently.

FWC, NOAA To Increase Data Collection On Gulf Red Snapper Release


Governor Crist Announces U.S. Small Business Administration Approval of Disaster Loan Programs for Gulf Coast Businesses
Governor Charlie Crist today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved disaster loan funds for businesses along Florida’s Gulf coast that have been impacted by the Deepwater Horizon incident.

“I am extremely pleased and appreciative that the Small Business Administration quickly approved our request for a disaster declaration to help the impacted businesses along Florida’s coastline,” said Governor Crist. “Though Florida has experienced no actual environmental impacts from the Deepwater Horizon incident, tourism-dependent businesses and other industries have suffered from this disaster. Now these businesses will have access to low-interest loan programs to begin the recovery process and assist them through this rough period.”

U.S. Small Business Administration Approval of Disaster Loan Programs for Gulf Coast Businesses Release


Governor Crist Announces Activation Of Florida Oil Spill Information Line
~Information line to provide Florida residents and visitors
with information on Florida’s Deepwater Horizon Response~

Governor Charlie Crist announced today the activation of the Florida Oil Spill Information Line which will serve as another resource to provide Florida residents and visitors with up-to-date information on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“Florida’s coastlines have not yet been impacted by this oil spill,” said Governor Crist. “However, understanding the Floridians have a number of questions about the state’s ongoing response efforts, the Florida Oil Spill Information Line serves as an important resource for the latest information.”

In addition, residents and visitors may call the Florida Oil Spill Information Line for updates on the state’s response activities, information on volunteer opportunities, protective tips for homeowners and businesses, and safety and health tips.

The Florida Oil Spill Information Line will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. That number is:

1 [phone]

For more information on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon, follow www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert or call the Florida Oil Spill Information Line at 888-337-3569.

Florida Oil Spill Information Line


Volunteer Florida Encourages Floridians To Become Coast Watch Volunteers In Response To The Deepwater Horizon Incident
~Coast Watch volunteers will serve as on-the-ground observers, reporting oiled wildlife, vegetation, and shorelines to the appropriate authorities~

The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida) is encouraging individuals who live along or are visiting coastal communities to watch for oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches by becoming a Coast Watch volunteer. Similar to the Crime Watch program, Coast Watch volunteers are community members who know the daily wildlife and plants that exist on their local beach. The “Coast Watchers” will assist BP, the state of Florida and partnering organizations in identifying beaches that need attention.

Coast Watchers will work within the coastal communities where they live or visit and commit to do the following:

Report injured or oiled animals to the Wildlife Distress Hotline: [phone]
Report oiled shoreline to: 1-866-448-5816
Report a change in Air Quality to: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/
Coast Watchers are not permitted to enter off-limit areas to obtain observations and must not make contact with oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches due the health concerns associated with contact.

For up-to-date volunteer opportunities regarding the oil spill, visit
www.volunteerflorida.org.

Volunteer Florida Encourages Floridians To Become Coast Watch Volunteers In Response To The Deepwater Horizon Incident

What Is El Niño? Learn What It Means For Florida
El Niño is a global weather phenomenon that results from changes in the atmosphere and the tropical Pacific Ocean. During times of moderate to strong El Niño, higher water temperatures in the tropical Pacific region often produce a greater threat for severe weather, excessive rainfall and coastal storms in Florida during the fall, winter and spring months. The current El Niño pattern is predicted to peak during the winter months in 2009 -10. This increased severe weather threat highlights the importance of NOAA “All-Hazards” alert radios for families and businesses.

Get the latest El Niño advisory from the Climate Prediction Center.

NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.