Oil-Free Florida Keys - 5/30/10

Keys waters are oil-free.

The tragic, devastating BP oil spill that is damaging parts of the Gulf Coast has not impacted the environment of the Florida Keys. The economic impact is being felt nonetheless, as erroneous assumptions that the Keys have been struck abound.

Scientific predictions are that, if any impact in the Keys should occur, it will not be in the form of liquid oil, but will have evaporated and become weathered, decreasing in mass to 30% to 40% of its original size. The result would be "tar balls" that will be much less damaging to the environment and much easier to remove. Many believe that the Keys may be spared such impact entirely.

Amid the media coverage of this catastrophe, it's important to recall geography. The Florida Keys are over 400 miles from the leading edge of the spill, and currents are, so far, steering all oil away from the Keys. Many Keys hotels are offering "oil free guarantees" so that visitors can plan a vacation without worry.

These images were taken on Sunday, May 30, 2010. Similar footage was filmed by a freelancer working for Good Morning America, but the aerial images of clear Keys waters did not make it to the air. Enjoy -- and come visit the beautiful Florida Keys!

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Key West
• Florida Keys
• Oil Spill

[HeatherCarruthers]

So far, the loop current is not expected to attach to the Eddy Franklin or any other current that may carry oil southward. Last year, the loop current remained detached all summer long. Oil would have to get into the loop current first and then it might be possible that the Keys and the east coast of Florida would see some weathered oil (tarballs). As of my meeting this morning with the Coast Guard, Marine Sanctuary, DEP, Emergency Management and BP, oil is not forecasted to hit the Keys.

[HeatherCarruthers]

Actually, NOAA has 36 bouys, four sentry boats and four daily aircraft flyovers monitoring not only what can be seen visually but also what can be detected through laboratory analysis of samples in the water column. To date, neither oil from Deepwater Horizon nor dispersants associated with the clean-up have been identified anywhere near the Florida Keys. Key West is 600 miles away from the well-head and oil is moving away from us. The loop current is 200 miles away from any oil.

[DrLeroyGreen]

Not very responsible. I mean; I know that down there you need to keep tourism up for as long as possible but you can't see the dispersant.

[xandramas]

Why not show the oil free beaches of hawaii or panau ? Its about as relevant as this video

[mighty58]

Not for much longer my friends!!

[whiteravenfire99]

Wonderful video! Thanks for taking the time to make it. That's a lot of work! =o) This is Derek @ The Grand, I'll share it on our Blog & Facebook Page!

[gregandcady]

B-E-A-U- tiful video.

Thanks for sharing it.