Charlie Crist Declares State Of Emergency In 6 Fl. Counties

Crist Declares State Of Emergency In Panhandle


Florida Governor Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency in six Panhandle counties due to the continuing threat of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, and Gulf counties are under the order, which activates the National Guard and the state's comprehensive plans to deal with the emergency. It also clears the way to get funding for any necessary cleanup.

The executive order signed by Crist states: "The oil slick is generally moving in a northerly direction and threatens Florida's coast."

Officials say the oil from the massive spill in the Gulf of Mexico could hit northwest Florida beaches by Monday.

Michael Sole, secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection, said Friday morning to expect Florida landfall from the leaking spill. The spill is about 125 miles wide and 40 miles long.

Sole made the comments at a news conference with U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida to discuss the growing environmental danger.

Nelson, using satellite images provided by NOAA, said Florida waters could become polluted by Monday.


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