The oil spill and continuing leakage from the well near Venice, Louisiana has truly become an economic and environmental disaster FOR THAT AREA - not anywhere close to Clearwater Beach or Sand Key. Despite the media’s never ending spewing of mis-information, hypothetical situations and doom and gloom for Florida beaches, the fact is we are clean, the water is clear and the quality of the Gulf was evident when we recently were fishing in forty feet of water where we could see the bottom.
The imapact has been evident in other economic circumstances such as seafood. While the prices for local domestic shrimp has increased slightly, demand has been less, therefore there have been little supply shortages. People are questioning the safety of the local species such as grouper, snapper and mackeral. The fact is seafood may be safer than ever with new sampling and safety measures put in place to make certain there are no oil contaminates.
Tourism in this area down. How much? It is hard to determine. We know that European visitors are cancelling vacations in significant numbers fearing our beaches are in eminent danger as portrayed by the media. Restaurants, hotels and retail operations in tourist areas were encouraged with a great April when the oil spill occurred late in the month. Now after a record cold first quarter of the year and weak June sales, many businesses are fearing the summer will spell financial disaster.
Real estate sales were beginning to see some positive signs. Now, hesitant buyers are staying away from waterfront properties in a wait and see posture. This slow down may lead to further decline in values.
The good news is that are island is still pristine. June is still a great month to watch dolphins, manatee and tarpon as they roam close to shorelines and shallow water. Our summer waterfowl are here and putting on their show. Sand Key is still a great place to be!
Tags: oil spill
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Larry,
Thanks for keeping us snowbirds informed…see you in January.
Bob