Florida Residents...

[Juneboarder]

I'm way over in San Diego; mother in law is original from St. Pete. How is the mood in FL right now? I hear the media, and they're like "No problems here folks; move along...". But truly, what are you now experiencing from the oil catastrophe? Does the oil smell linger in your air? What are locals saying about the oil reaching or not reaching the shores of your communities? What are your thoughts on what should and shouldn't be done, based on what BP and our government is currently doing?

My heart goes out to all of you.

[glowing]

1. No, not like where its actually washing up. However, the rain that comes off the Gulf

does contain the oil and dispersant.. That is raining down on our crops.. My tomato plants are dying. Many people are complaining of "allergy" type symptoms. I'm even getting "allergy" type symptoms and I don't usually have a seasonal allergy issues. Eyes itchy, sinuses stuffy... some have a scratchy throat.. mine's phlegmy. AND of course its hot.. Its the time of year for seafood, margaritas, and beaches... This SUCKS!!! Hoping big time that it doesn't come this way or clog up the desalination plants.

On Edit: When the rig first blew up, we could smell the burning oil and platform.. That was horrible.

[Juneboarder]

2. Oh, that totally SUCKS!!

Is anyone talking about longterm effects, such as if the rain persists and you cannot grow the crops, or continued allergies for most, or...?

When the beaches and seafood are taken away, what the heck is a person supposed to do? And what if it clogs the desalination plants, then what...?

What part of FL are you in?

[glowing]

3. In Tampa Bay area... I don't know what will happen. I'm assuming there

is going to be a huge trend of moving.. An exodus. At least away from the Gulf Coast.

[nashville_brook]

4. hey, i'm in orlando and have roots on the Space Coast...it depends on who you talk to

people who were already aware of the fragility of the ecology here are devastated (we kayak all over the state and paddlers tend to be more aware of this stuff b/c we're already out there trying to see the wildlife). there's also people who spend plenty of time on the water who just don't get it.

i think there's a lot of denial, anxiety and mourning. i'd be interested to hear from people in the Keys, Sanibel, and other "eco-aware" areas.