Manatee Beaches Remain Clean and Beautiful as Oil Release Estimates Grow

A sea turtle nesting site on Beer Can Island, Longboat Key

BRADENTON  – On Thursday, a government panel essentially doubled their estimate of how much oil has been spilling into the Gulf of Mexico, putting the figure at 25-30,000 barrels a day. The volume currently thought to be spewing from BP's well would then be equivalent to the amount spilled by the Exxon Valdes, every eight to 10 days. Accurate estimates are an important element in upcoming meetings between BP and the White House next week that will focus on damage assessments and cost repayments.

On a positive note, Manatee and Sarasota County beaches remain clean and oil free. As of yet, there have been absolutely no reports of oil related incidents on our local shores. Sea Turtles are nesting successfully and residents are continuing to hope for favorable weather to keep the mess at bay. In the meantime, anxious tourists can count our local area among the very few gulf beaches that are clean and likely to remain so in coming weeks. Grab your sunblock and book your flights, Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, and Bradenton Beach are just as perfect as always.