My life will change very soon

[love]

I have lived at Panama City Beach for 30 years. To me it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has sand the color and texture of powdered sugar. The waters are emerald green. There is an abundance of local seafood. It is located in Bay County, Fl. in the NW Panhandle. I think it was named Bay County because there is more inland saltwater bays than land. I have been blessed.
I am afraid this may not be true for my three grandsons ages 3, 5, and 7.
I was standing outside last night with a southwesterly wind blowing and the smell reminded me of a truck stop. It seems it is only a matter of days before the oil will reach our beautiful shores and possibly ruin them for many, many years to come.
:sad4:

 

[Noaidi]

I've been following the story over here in the UK. You truly have my sympathies. BP should be prosecuted to the highest level your government can manage.

 

[Sunstone]

This is heartbreaking.

 

[*Anne*]

I'm so sorry. ((hug))

Hang on to hope. Maybe the damage won't be as bad as predicted.

 

[.lava]

i am very sorry, love

.

 

[Rainbow Mage]

I know how you feel. This BP deal effects me just as much living on the Gulf Coast. My sympathies. It is beautiful, and it's a shame the oil companies still operate.

 

[Revoltingest]

I know how you feel. This BP deal effects me just as much living on the Gulf Coast. My sympathies. It is beautiful, and it's a shame the oil companies still operate.

People are justifiably upset at the spill & those responsible. But if the oil companies stopped operating, the hue & cry over dead cars would be far more deafening.
The gov't also dropped the ball in regulating their operation - who'da thunk they'd hear me call for tighter regulation?

 

[MysticSang'ha]

I visited Panama City Beach a few times right around graduating from college in '95 and a little after that. It's a fantastic place to visit, and we always had fun (sleeping in the car/beach after being up all night , LOL).

My heart goes out to you, love. :flower:

 

[Kathryn]

I love me some Panama City Beach. Growing up in south Georgia, it was a favorite destination of mine and my family for many years.

I am sickened by this whole series of events. How much more tragedy can our Gulf States tolerate? First Katrina, then Ivan, now this? It's very sad.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Hopefully this even will cause a public outcry for a lessened oil dependency.
I haven't been to Panama City, but I have been to Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg a few times. Such a shame that greed has destroyed so much.

 

[dust1n]

Yup.. we are 6 miles away over here at Pensacola Beach from the oil... goodbye last economy this place had...

 

[MysticSang'ha]

Reading this is so depressing.....I always preferred the Gulf beaches over the Atlantic beaches.

 

[Kathryn]

Apparently the Atlantic beaches may get some of this before it's all said and done.

Maybe if the oil reaches the Chesapeake Bay and New Jersey, it might get the administration's full attention.

 

[angellous_evangellous]

*pees on BP*

 

[Shadow Wolf]

*pees on BP*

I hope those ******* go bankrupt from this.

 

[.lava]

The Saudi's, Chevron, Shell and a whole host of others have offered their help since the very beginning of this catastrophe.

They weren't allowed to because of a law called "The Jones Act" of 1920. It forbids Non-USA ships or crews from operating within US waterways. This law can be waived by the President at any time.

Unfortunately, this apparently isn't that big of an emergency to Mr. Obama, because he has yet to waive the law.

hi i am just curious. this is quote from a stranger. i wonder if what he is saying is true or not. did they have to refuse getting help?

.

 

[love]

hi i am just curious. this is quote from a stranger. i wonder if what he is saying is true or not. did they have to refuse getting help?

.

This is the first I have heard of this Jones Act but it wouldn't surprise me. Just another example of political feet dragging. It makes me think of when I go snorkeling for scallopes. I wear a canvas type shoe with a rubber sole and shuffle my feet along the bottom instead of picking my feet up to step. I do this in case there is a string ray on the bottom. If you are shuffling and touch them they will just swim away. If you step on them their tail will whip up and sting you.
Sadly, my snorkeling days may soon be over for a long time.
We have a pontoon boat (poor mans yacht) and we like to go out to Shell Island (a deserted barrier island) and swim and play with the dolphins. The dolphins and scallopes and other sea life will not survive if oil and dispersants reach here.
I think they should quit dragging their feet and if they step on some big time corporate toes so be it. They should enlist any help available and get this nightmare stopped.

 

[dust1n]

hi i am just curious. this is quote from a stranger. i wonder if what he is saying is true or not. did they have to refuse getting help?

.

I'm trying to fine more info, but the law only prevents ships from other countries that are trying to trade from entering US ports (From what I understand).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Marine_Act_of_1920