Prison inmates to do beach clean-up: Florida oil spill update

The Gulf oil spill reached Freemason Island in Louisiana earlier  today, but there are currently no impacts to Florida’s 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and 663 miles of beaches reports Visit Florida, the official authority for Canadian travelers. Florida's shorelines continue to be clear and open for business.   

However, the state continues to prepare for potential impact from the massive oil spill and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is coordinating recovery and rehabilitation efforts for wildlife from a variety of sources -- including citizen volunteers and prison inmates. Early this week, the Florida Department of Corrections issued an Emergency Order allowing inmates be utilized in response/ clean-up activities
 

For visitors planning a vacation in Florida, authorities are advising that all wildlife rescue efforts must
be coordinated in a safe manner by trained personnel. Rescued wildlife are to be taken to approved zoological facilities for rehabilitation so they have the best chance of survival. Also, handling oiled wildlife may pose a serious health and safety risk to rescuers and the animals they are trying to rescue. The chemicals in oil are toxic and only trained personnel with appropriate protective gear and equipment should handle and treat oiled animals.

Interested in volunteering? Even though opportunities for untrained volunteers are limited, the public may call Volunteer Florida at 866-448-5816.

Florida is one of the top US destinations for vacation getaways for travelers from Toronto. Flights leave daily on several airlines such as Air Canada, Westjet and American Airlines.
 

For more info: www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/