FWC biologists began tracking the kittens’ mother in February. She was captured, collared and released. In May, they examined and marked her three kittens on private land in Lee County.

On Sept. 14, a mortality signal from the mother’s collar was detected during a routine telemetry flight. Her skeletal remains were located later that day. The cause of death is unknown.

Knowing orphaned kittens cannot survive long in the wild without their mother, biologists worked quickly to capture the kittens. Remote cameras and traps were set. Several days went by with no activity, and hope the kittens would be found alive was fading.

That is until Thursday. FWC biologists checked the cameras and found pictures of two panther kittens.

This morning, two kittens were trapped together in a single trap. It is believed that only two of the three kittens survived to this age. They were successfully rescued and transported via private plane to White Oak Conservation Center, where they will be raised and conditioned for a future return to the wild.

“Losing a mother panther in the prime of her life is tough,” said Darrell Land, FWC biologist and panther team leader. “But we hope we can finish the job she started by raising her kittens so they can be returned to the wild. With only 100-160 adult panthers remaining in South Florida, every individual is important.”

The public can support panther conservation efforts. Funds generated through the purchase of a panther license plate go directly to supporting the research and management of Florida panthers, including the care of these two kittens.

Most Floridians or visitors to the state will never get to see the reclusive long-tailed cat. But they can attend the first annual Florida Panther Festival on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at North Collier Regional Park in Naples. The purpose of the free festival is to raise awareness of the endangered Florida panther, while promoting safe coexistence of people, pets, livestock and panthers. To learn more about the panther, go to FloridaPantherNet.org.

Genetic restoration involves adding new genetic material into a small, isolated population that has suffered the ill effects of inbreeding. Before genetic restoration, many panthers were diagnosed with heart problems, fertility issues, and low levels of genetic variation. To address these problems, scientists introduced eight female pumas from Texas to breed within the dwindling Florida panther population in 1995.

“We are excited by the success of this project,” said Dr. Dave Onorato, FWC biologist. “We now have a larger, healthier population that more closely resembles what we would have expected to find in the once-widespread Florida panther population before it became reduced in numbers and isolated in South Florida.”

This project has played an important role in the improvements to the health and size of the panther population in Florida. However, other factors, such as land preservation, wildlife underpasses and cooperative agreements between private landowners and non-governmental organizations also contributed to the population increase and will continue to play an important role in the recovery of panthers.

Genetic restoration of the Florida panther has been a multi-agency effort involving the FWC, the National Cancer Institute, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and many non-governmental organizations.  These agencies worked with world-renowned experts in conservation genetics and the management of large carnivores to produce the Plan for Genetic Restoration in 1994.

Funding for panther research and management conducted by the FWC comes exclusively from fees collected when Florida residents purchase “Protect the Florida panther” specialty license plates. People wishing to replace a license plate with one of these tags can do so at any tax collector’s office.

	Vanderbilt University researchers have identified a new odor receptor on the antennae of A. gambiae, which could help explain how the mosquitoes find humans. Credit: Laurence Zwiebel, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified a new family of odor sensors that mosquitoes use to locate their prey. Their discovery could help explain the puzzling mechanisms behind the mosquito’s sense of smell and further the discovery of new deterrents and traps. Funded by NIAID, the study was published in the journal PLoS Biology in August 2010.

Mosquitoes’ olfactory system, or sense of smell, is crucial for their survival. Mosquitoes use it to identify mates and locate a host. While its importance is well-accepted, the exact mechanisms behind the mosquito’s olfactory system are poorly understood.

For about ten years, scientists have been examining Anopheles gambiae, the primary vector of malaria, and studying a set of odor sensors called AgORs (A. gambiae odorant receptors). Now, the Vanderbilt team, led by Laurence Zwiebel, Ph.D., has discovered a new set of receptors, AgIRs (A. gambiae variant ionotropic receptors) by examining the larval olfactory system.

“Mosquito larvae are a good model because their olfactory system is simpler than that of adult mosquitoes,” says Adriana Costero, Ph.D., a Program Officer in NIAID’s Vector Biology Research Program. “Using a simpler model within the same species is a novel way of studying vectors.”

In the latest study, Dr. Zwiebel’s team used gene silencing and behavioral analyses to confirm that the common insect repellent DEET activates a specific AgOR. They also identified genes that code for nearly 50 versions of the new type of receptor.

The AgIRs structure was found to be quite different than that of the AgOR receptors. This difference could help explain how mosquitoes are attracted to human odors. Such knowledge may prove critical in developing new traps and repellents to deter mosquitoes that spread infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus.

“If we can prevent mosquitoes from finding us, we can prevent them from transmitting diseases,” says Dr. Costero.

After giving birth, adult wildlife must forage to provide food for themselves and their young. That requires the adult animals to leave their newborns for short periods. The little one may look like it’s been abandoned, but that seldom is the case.

Common targets of unnecessary rescues are baby deer, temporarily left in a safe place while their mothers feed nearby.

“In most cases, it is absolutely not in the fawn’s best interest to try and rescue it,” said Allan Hallman, wildlife biologist at the FWC’s Camp Blanding field office.

Hallman says what typically happens is someone discovers a young deer waiting for its mother. Often, people stumble onto fawns in palmetto patches or in recently burned areas, where a doe has placed her new offspring for protection. These settings tend to help mask the fawn’s scent, thus providing good protection from the keen nose of a predator.

People discover these seemingly abandoned baby deer and become concerned when the parent is nowhere in sight. The would-be rescuers falsely believe the young animal will perish unless they save it or take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.

“Unfortunately, actions of this kind usually have the opposite effect of a rescue,” Hallman said. “The stress created by changing the animal’s diet and surroundings is often fatal.

“If the rescued fawn manages to survive, its return to the wild is practically impossible because of human imprinting or a lack of survival skills. If it had remained wild, the young deer would have learned the necessary survival skills from its mother,” Hallman said.

Another way to help with the survival of the young animals is to not feed them. Although that may sound odd, feeding can cause problems – ranging from poor nutrition to making the animal dependent on humans for food to loss of foraging skills – all of which can decrease the critter’s chances of survival.

“These animals have survived for a long time without assistance. They can continue to survive without handouts,” Hallman said.

The FWC recommends that if you find a fawn or other baby animal, don’t touch it, and quietly leave the area. Touching the animal may cause the mother to reject it because it is contaminated with human scent.

On the other hand, songbirds have almost no sense of smell and can be returned to their nest without much chance of rejection. Young songbirds are commonly found on the ground at this time of year, looking a bit dazed or confused. The youngster may be trying to hide in tall grass or in low bushes to avoid being seen by predators. These young birds are going through a process called fledging.

Baby Mockingbird

When they’re ready to fledge, young birds have grown all the adult feathers they’ll need to fly, but they still must learn to fly. During this process, the immature birds sometimes end up on the ground, where they may spend several days before they learn all their flight skills.

“While on the ground, the juvenile birds’ parents watch over them, feeding them and helping them learn necessary survival skills.  Pet owners can help protect vulnerable young birds by keeping dogs and cats away from them,” Hallman said. “Please don’t interfere in this crucial learning process.”

Here are some important facts that can help determine if a baby bird needs rescuing. According to biologists, the only time a baby songbird should be rescued is when it is on the ground and has almost no feathers, when the bird is injured by pets or its tail is less than a half-inch long and it cannot hop around on its own.

If you find a baby songbird you are sure needs rescuing, place the baby bird in a tissue-lined box that has air holes in the top. Keep the box in a warm spot away from drafts and air conditioning and out of direct sunlight. Do not give it food or water. Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area.  The FWC’s regional offices have lists of local rehabbers. Many local veterinarians also work closely with wildlife rehabilitators and also can be a good source of advice.

Another suggestion is to place the bird in a lined box and attach the box to the tree from where the bird fell.  Sometimes the parents will come to the baby in the new box and feed it there.  This gives the birds a chance to be raised properly by their parents.

“Most parents will come back to care for the fledgling. Sometimes, however, they reject the chick because of a limited food supply, an inability to care for the young chick, or for other reasons we may not understand,” Hallman said. “If the parents don’t return, then the chick should be taken to a rehab center. Migratory birds are protected and need to be cared for by a licensed facility.”

The FWC asks you to remember that removing an animal from the wild to save it may actually have the opposite effect. Seek advice from wildlife professionals before attempting to rescue any animal, and remember: in most cases, it is better to leave wildlife wild.

“Rabies is a fatal disease.  There is no known cure for rabies, only vaccination.  Therefore, it is critical that people not touch bats or other wild animals with their bare hands.  If a bat is visible during the day the likelihood is that it’s sick, so don’t touch it” said Dr. Judith A. Hartner, M.D., M.P.H., M.P.A., Director of the Lee County Health Department.

In order to protect yourself and family from rabies it is important to have your veterinarian vaccinate all household pets against rabies.  In addition, do not allow your pets to be unattended outside or feed them outside.  Outdoor food attracts wild and stray animals which increases the likelihood of coming in contact with a rabid animal.

Everyone is reminded to avoid contact with wild or stray animals. For more information about rabies please visit the following website:

Florida Department of Health website:
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/medicine/rabies/rabies-education.html

Matt Hinman (left) and Darrel Davis show off their catch at Big Toho Marina at Wednesday night's weigh-in. Although Matt and Darrel did well, they were not the winners. (FWC photo by Gary Morse)

During the past several weeks, local tournament anglers have discovered a veritable bonanza of trophy-size bass, as catch rates continue to heat up.  One possible reason, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) biologists, is that the extended cold winter delayed spawning and post-spawn feeding activity.

Last weekend’s Toho Open, a one-day tournament, saw the fifth-place finisher catch a five-fish limit tipping the scales at 31 pounds, while the winners,  Jerry Williams and Jessie Windsor of Orlando,  netted more than 38 pounds.  Mark Detweiler at Big Toho Marina in Kissimmee reported that at local tournaments hosted there on Wednesday nights, participants boasted winning totals in excess of 20 pounds.

“Big bass have shown themselves in ever-increasing numbers since last fall.  I’ve been fishing here since 1983 and I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s mind-boggling,” said Terry Segraves, a well-respected professional angler who lives in Kissimmee and serves as a tourism spokesman for the area.

According to local experts like Segraves, patterning the big fish is not difficult.  Early morning anglers are finding schooling fish in the 1- to 2-pound range, with some much bigger fish mixed in those schools.  However, the really big fish are feeding on the edges of the deep grass beds after the sun comes up.  Typically, anglers catch the big fish a few hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset, as is the case here. However, what is unusual is that they’re also catching big stringers of trophies throughout the day.

FWC fishery biologist and avid bass angler Marty Mann believes the great trophy fishing is the result of the agency’s aggressive management of Lake Toho, the birthplace of the first large-scale drawdown (1971) to improve of fish and wildlife habitat. In 2004, the FWC conducted its most recent in a series of drawdown projects on Lake Toho.

“One of the biggest problems for sportfish is decaying plant and animal materials that build up on the bottom of a lake over time. These sediments cover and suffocate the eggs of sportfish and rob oxygen from the water as they decay,” said Mann.

Improvements to fish habitat are accomplished by lowering the lake to expose mucky sediments to sunlight and air, thus allowing sediments to consolidate into a hard substrate.  In some places, crews scrape dried sediments and truck them to disposal areas.  The result is a clean, hard, sandy bottom.  Once the water level returns to normal, the hard bottom provides quality spawning areas for sportfish and a substrate that promotes the growth of beneficial aquatic plants, where bass can feed and grow to trophy size.

Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Tom Lang welcomed the news that the fish are biting.  “For our visitors looking for memory-making experiences to punctuate their vacation or holidays, this is good news.  We recommend they get here fast, because you never know when the tide may turn with the fish.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are taking additional steps to enhance inspection measures designed to ensure that seafood from the Gulf of Mexico reaching America’s tables is safe to eat.

The federal government, in conjunction with Gulf States’ regulatory agencies, is playing an active role in ensuring the safety of seafood harvested from federal and state waters. The federal government, led by FDA and NOAA, is taking a multi-pronged approach to ensure that seafood from Gulf waters is not contaminated by oil. The strategy includes precautionary closures, increased seafood testing inspections and a re-opening protocol.

“Closing harvest waters that could be exposed to oil protects the public from potentially contaminated seafood because it keeps the product from entering the food supply,” said Dr. Jane Lubchenco, undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “Combining the expertise of NOAA and FDA is the best way to use our scientific abilities to help the American people in this emergency.”

The first line of defense is NOAA’s fishery area closures, which began May 2 and are adjusted as the spill trajectory changes. FDA has concurred with this approach. The current federal closure of 32 percent of federal waters encompasses areas known to be affected by oil, either on the surface or below the surface, as well as areas projected to be affected by oil in the next 48 – 72 hours. The closed area also includes a five-nautical-mile buffer as a precaution around the known location of oil.

“FDA and NOAA are working together to ensure that seafood from the Gulf is not contaminated with oil,” said Margaret Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. “It is important to coordinate seafood surveillance efforts on the water, at the docks and at seafood processors to ensure seafood in the market is safe to eat.”

To help prevent tainted seafood from reaching the market, NOAA created a seafood sampling and inspection plan. Just after the beginning of the spill, it collected and tested seafood of commercial and recreational fish and shellfish species from areas where oil from the spill had not yet reached. NOAA is using ongoing surveillance to evaluate new seafood samples to determine whether contamination is present outside the closed area. If fish samples have elevated levels of oil compounds, NOAA will consider whether to expand closed areas.

The federal effort to ensure seafood is not contaminated with oil will also include NOAA’s dockside sampling of fish products in the Gulf. NOAA will verify that catch was caught outside the closed area using information from vessel monitoring systems that track the location of a vessel or information from on-board observers. If tainted fish are found in dockside sampling, NOAA will notify FDA and state health officials for further action.

FDA operates a mandatory safety program for all fish and fishery products under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, the Public Health Service Act and related federal regulations.

FDA will first target oysters, crab, and shrimp, which due to their biology retain contaminants longer than finfish, for additional sampling. Finfish rapidly metabolize the oil so the risk of exposure is far less than the other seafood species previously mentioned. The sample collection will target primarily seafood processors who buy seafood directly from the harvester. Monitoring this first step in the distribution chain will help to keep any potentially contaminated seafood from consumers.

FDA has also created a focused inspection assignment designed to help seafood processors review their individual source controls to ensure proper documentation and exclusion of any seafood obtained from unknown sources from entering commerce.

The two agencies are also establishing a re-opening protocol. NOAA will reopen closed areas only if it is assured, based on consultation with FDA, that fish products within the closed area meet FDA standards for public health and wholesomeness.

“We recognize that the effects of the oil spill continue to grow as oil continues to flow,” said Dr. Lubchenco. “As remediation efforts continue, it may be possible to alleviate some of the economic harm caused by the oil spill by reopening previously closed areas. NOAA will reopen areas only if assured that fish products taken from these areas meet FDA standards for public health.”

Before the BP oil spill, NOAA operated seafood inspection services in the Gulf – consisting of a handful of personnel – on a fee-for-service basis for the seafood industry.

Today, samples collected as part of NOAA’s efforts are sent to the National Seafood Inspection Laboratory in Pascagoula, Miss., where federal and state sensory testing analysts trained to detect certain thresholds of chemicals, which are not normal background odors in seafood, evaluate the catch. Samples are also sent to NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle for chemical testing.

According to the most recent data available, seafood samples had been collected during 18 sampling missions by NOAA and contracted fishing vessels in areas inside and outside the closed fishery area.

From those 18 sampling missions, 640 fish and shrimp samples were processed for either sensory or chemical testing. Of the 640 samples, 118 fish samples were presented to the team of 10 expert assessors for sensory testing in the Pascagoula Laboratory. Four hundred sixteen fish and shrimp samples were sent to NOAA’s Seattle testing laboratory for chemical analysis.

“FDA has set up a hotline for reporting seafood safety issues,” said Commissioner Hamburg. “We encourage fisherman and consumers to report potential contamination to 1-888-INFO-FDA.”

FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of more than a trillion dollars worth of products that are critical for the survival and well-being of all Americans.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources.

Knowing that high water forces deer out of the swamps and up near roads to feed, officers conducted surveillance on County Road 832 near Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area when they noticed a van turning around several times and shining lights in the woods. Officers stopped the van and questioned the subjects. Inside the van, the officers found four deer that had been shot.

Officers charged three Miami-Dade county men – Lazaro Lopez (DOB 03/03/62) of Hialeah, Andres Mena Jr. (DOB 03/25/85) of Miami and Andres Mena Sr. (DOB 11/01/65) of Miami – with four counts each of illegally taking deer at night with a gun and a light during the closed season and four counts each of hunting from a county-maintained road. The men were booked into the Hendry County Jail on the misdemeanor charges.

“As this case shows, suspected poachers will travel long distances to kill deer,” said FWC Capt. Jeff Ardelean. “FWC officers are dedicated to protecting our fish and wildlife resources, particularly when they are most vulnerable.”

Landfall Predictions:
·         Deepwater Horizon continues to discharge an estimated 5,000 barrels (210,000 gallons) per day.
·         BP is evaluating numerous options to contain the oil discharge and is continuing efforts to drill a relief well.
·         Winds/currents continue to keep the plume away from the Florida coast for at least the next 72 hours.
·         Florida continues to monitor the location of the loop current and make preparations to safeguard the state’s shoreline.
·         Floridians and visitors are reminded that the state’s beaches and other attractions remain open for public enjoyment.
·         Impacts to Florida’s coastline could include, tar balls, oil sheen or tar mats. Should individuals observe oil on Florida’s coastline, report the incident to 1-866-448-5816.
·         BP has opened four claims offices in Florida and expects to open an additional three offices later this week. Offices will be in operation seven days a week at the following locations:

Location
Office Hours
Open Date
Escambia County
3960 W. Navy Blvd.
Suite 16
Pensacola, FL  32507
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seven days a week
May 13, 2010
Santa Rosa County
5668 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Unit B-9
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seven days a week
May 14, 2010
Okaloosa County
348 SW Miracle Strip Parkway
Suite 13
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seven days a week
May 15, 2010
Walton County
5008 US Highway 98W
Unit 6 & 7
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seven days a week
May 16, 2010
Bay County
7938 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seven days a week
May 17, 2010
Gulf County
106 Trade Circle
Suite A
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seven days a week
May 18, 2010
Franklin County
194 14th Street
Suite 105
Apalachicola, FL 32320
8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Seven days a week
May 19, 2010
·         Walk-ins are welcomed. BP asks that calls be made to the claims hotline in advance at 1-800-440-0858 to expedite the process. After the initial call, a claims adjuster is estimated to call back in 48 to 72 hours.

State Actions:
·         On May 14, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved disaster loan funds for businesses along Florida’s Gulf coast that have been impacted by the Deepwater Horizon incident. (Press Release) Learn more at: http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/.
·         Businesses and individuals can now submit Innovative Technology Ideas, suggestions, or products by completing the following information: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/inno_tech_evaluation.pdf.
Send the completed form and any other supporting documentation to Innovative.Technology@dep.state.fl.us.
·         In response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Florida is providing video and audio Public Service Announcements. Learn more at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/media.htm.
·         On May 12, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist directed DEP to issue an Emergency Final Order to accelerate preparedness and restoration in the 19 coastal counties under the Governor’s state-of-emergency Executive Orders.
o    Government entities, BP and its contractors making emergency permit application requests pursuant to the Emergency Final Order can obtain DEP’s emergency application form at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches/publications/pdf/emergency/DEP73-303EmPerApp-w-insts.pdf
o    The following link provides additional information about activities that may take place seaward of Coastal Construction Control Line:   http://www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches/default.htm#DEEPWATER_HORIZON_-_Gulf_Oil_Spill.
·         The Governor also requested $34.75 million from BP to enable VISIT FLORIDA to create an immediate marketing campaign. Learn more at:

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/govcristlocal_sbaletter_depefo.pdf

·         On May 11, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist issued (Executive Order 10-101) creating an Economic Recovery Task Force to facilitate efforts by Florida businesses and industries in recovering from the loss of business and revenues due to the Deepwater Horizon incident.
·         On May 10, 2010, Governor Charlie Crist and Attorney General Bill McCollum called on former Attorneys General Bob Butterworth and Jim Smith to chair a Legal Advisory Council to explore options relating to the Deepwater Horizon incident and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Press Release
·         As of May 11, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. the Florida Oil Spill Information Line 1-888-337-3569 was activated to provide Floridians with response information and resources about the Deepwater Horizon oil incident from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week. Additional phone numbers have also been established for persons with disabilities: (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).
·         The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a Level 2 or Partial activation.
·         DEP conducted water and sediment sampling to use as a baseline and is monitoring air quality data. Statewide air quality monitoring is conducted in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Learn more at http://www.airnow.gov/ or http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.
o   Air quality reports for Saturday, May 15, revealed that air quality throughout the panhandle area was considered good based on the ozone and fine particulate matter (PM) measurements. “Good” air quality means the air is satisfactorily and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Boom Placement:
·         To date, an estimated 200,700 feet of boom has been placed in Florida and an additional 48,930 is staged.
·         Placement of boom is based on tides and where the oil is threatening, as well as direction given in each region’s area contingency plan.
o   To view the Coast Guard Mobile Area Contingency Plan visit: http://ocean.floridamarine.org/ACP/MOBACP/StartHere.html.
o   To view the Coast Guard St. Petersburg Area Contingency Plan visit: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=3482
·         The Unified Command Operations Group is asking boaters to avoid damaging boom. Boom cut or broken due to boater traffic jeopardizes the protection that has been set up for the environmentally sensitive areas across the coast.
·         Stolen or misplaced boom should be reported to local authorities.
Health Effects:
·         At this time, there are no indications of any health risks to Floridians due to the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Department of Health (DOH) and DEP are closely monitoring health and environmental impacts to Florida’s beaches and will notice an advisory if conditions become unsafe.
·         For most people, an occasional brief contact with a small amount of oil, while not recommended, will do no harm. If contact occurs, wash the area with soap and water.
·         Learn more at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/faq_doh_051010.pdf

Fisheries & Seafood:
·         The fisheries, wildlife and seafood off of Florida’s coast in state waters are safe and there are no alerts at this time. Press Release  Florida saltwater fishing regulations remain in effect as usual. More information is available online at www.MyFWC.com/Fishing.
·         The recreational red snapper season in the Gulf will remain closed until June 1. However, FWC will use federal funds to survey Gulf charter boat catches each week during the 53-day season to see if catch rates are lower than previously anticipated. If so, state and federal fisheries managers could use that information to determine if the season can be extended or if an additional period of harvest can be allowed later in the year. Learn more at: http://www.myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/Saltwater_Regulations_RedSnapperIndex.htm.
·         On May 7, 2010, NOAA modified and expanded the boundaries of the closed fishing area to better reflect the current location of the BP oil spill, and extended the fishing restriction until May 17, 2010. The closure affects commercial and recreational fishing in the oil-affected area of the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more at:

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100507_closure.html.

·         Fishermen who wish to contact BP about a claim should call 1-800-440-0858.
·         FWC urges citizens to report oiled wildlife to the Wildlife Distress Hotline at 1-866-557-1401.
·         For the safety of the public as well as the safety of animals, rescues should be conducted by trained responders. Untrained rescuers may cause more harm than good. Learn more at: http://www.myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/statewide/News_10_X_OilSpill2.htm.

Closures:
·            Currently there are no Florida State Park or beach closures. Learn more about Florida State Parks at: www.floridastateparks.org.

Tourism:
·            Florida’s pristine beaches and famed fishing grounds remain open to residents and visitors. Currently, there are no impacts to Florida’s more than 1260 miles of coastline and 825 miles of sandy beaches. Florida’s shores are clear and open for business.
·            If planning a trip to the Sunshine State, VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing organization, encourages visitors to check with local destinations in order to get the most up-to-date information.
·            Through www.VISITFLORIDA.com, vacationers are able to view live Twitter feeds and read up-to-the-minute information on the status of any city or region in Florida, allowing them to see first-hand whether or not an area is currently affected. The following link also provides helpful local links to check on the status of your Florida destination:  http://www.visitflorida.com/florida_travel_advisory/.
·            The Florida State Park website will be updated daily and will list any parks that may be impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Incident: http://www.floridastateparks.org/. Visitors with camping or cabin reservations will be notified if their stay will be impacted. If you have any questions, please call 1-850-245-2157.

Tips for Homeowners
·         While the state appreciates the concern expressed by Floridians and the ingenuity of those seeking alternative measures to help protect the state’s shoreline, the following tips are offered to ensure that these measures are helpful and not harmful to Florida’s coasts, wildlife and water resources: Tips for homeowners.

Tips for Businesses and Consumers:
·         Florida residents are discouraged from signing any documents provided to them in return for money from BP or anyone else until they know the extent of their loss, which may be significantly higher than the money being paid. These may be fraudulent or premature.
·         The Attorney General’s fraud hotline is open to receive any reports of fraud or price gouging. The hotline is 1-866-966-7226.
·         The Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner gas price-gouging hotline is also operational. The toll-free hotline number is 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352).
·         Florida’s coastal businesses should be prepared to make loss of earnings claims for damages incurred as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In all circumstances, affected businesses should file a claim with BP via the hotline number – 1-800-440-0858 or claims office. Learn more at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/ or by calling 1-850-413-3089 or toll-free at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).

Volunteer Opportunities:
·         The Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service is encouraging Floridians and visitors to watch for oiled wildlife, vegetation, and beaches by becoming a Coast Watch volunteer. Learn more at www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org.
·         Report injured or oiled animals to the Wildlife Distress Hotline: 1-866-557-1401.
·         Report oiled shoreline to: 1-866-448-5816.
·         Report a change in Air Quality to: http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.
·         For information on scheduled beach cleanups and other volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org/.
·         BP has established a volunteer program and set up a toll-free number for those interested in volunteering. Learn more by calling BP’s community information line at 1-866-448-5816.DAY 3

TALLAHASSEE- – The State Emergency Response Team, in support of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as the lead response agency for the state of Florida, is actively monitoring the Deepwater Horizon response. Currently, there are no impacts to the state projected through Wednesday; however, Florida continues to make preparations to safeguard the state’s shoreline.

The following is a summary of state and BP response actions to date, as well as tips for residents and visitors to take precautions both pre and post-landfall.

Response efforts by the state of Florida to date include:
·         DEP established an email sign-up for information alerts on its website on Saturday, May 1, as well as a resources page containing fact sheets and tips pertaining to health, safety, wildlife, pre and post-landfall preparations. To view tips and sign up for email updates, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon.
·         On Saturday, May 1, DEP concluded water sampling to use as a baseline for ongoing monitoring. Air and sediment baseline sampling is still taking place.
·         DEP, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), county governments, water management districts and several federal agencies continue to conduct pre-impact assessments, including sampling of water, fish, shellfish and habitats along the Florida coastline and into the Gulf of Mexico.
·         Air monitoring for particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) conducted by DEP in coordination with Pinellas County on Monday last week revealed that air quality in the area was classified as “good.” Statewide monitoring is ongoing in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Panhandle-specific data is expected to be completed early this week. To view Florida’s air quality data, visit http://www.airnow.gov/ or http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.
·         FWC made biologists with shoreline wildlife expertise available at two beach clean-up events in Wakulla and Escambia counties this weekend to inform, educate and advise volunteers as they worked to clean up man-made debris in conjunction with Volunteer Florida.
·         The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a Level 2 or Partial activation.
·         Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency (EO 10-99) for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf Counties on Friday, April 30, 2010.
·         The State Emergency Response Team has representatives at the Unified Command at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sector Mobile, helping to coordinate the efforts to protect Florida’s shoreline.

BP Actions for today:
·         To date, BP has deployed 74,900 feet of boom in the Pensacola region. Today’s goal is for the deployment of an additional 18,000 feet.
·         As of 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 45,000 feet of boom was on site at the Naval Air Station Pensacola. An additional staging area is being established in Panama City.
·         Today’s booming efforts are focused on protecting critical natural habitats identified as “3 Diamond” and “2 Diamond.” Up to 90 percent of the “3 Diamond” areas near Pensacola have booms already in place.
·         Efforts continue to deploy resources toward the east.
·         To view the Coast Guard Sector Mobile Area Contingency Plan, visit http://ocean.floridamarine.org/ACP/MOBACP/StartHere.html.

Recommended environmental actions:
·         Rapid response teams are staged to deploy to shorelines affected by oil to evaluate and determine an appropriate clean-up effort to minimize the impact to the environment. To report any sightings of oil residue, please call BP’s oil report line at (866) 448-5816.
·         If any air quality changes are suspected, residents may report them at http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/.
·         May is the hatching season for many birds, reptiles, and shellfish. Individuals should not attempt to help injured or oiled animals, but to report any sightings to the Wildlife distress hotline: (866) 557-1401.
·         Homeowners may be able to help prevent any oil from reaching yards and damaging sensitive vegetation by utilizing sandbags or sorbent booms.
·         It is important to note that booms are not a failsafe solution. They can become ineffective in high seas, strong winds or currents over one knot.
·         To obtain more information on these types of protective measures, report an oiled shoreline or request volunteer information, individuals should contact BP’s community information line at (866) 448-5816.

Recommended health actions:
·         At this time, there are no indications of any health risks to Floridians due to the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Department of Health (DOH) and DEP are closely monitoring health and environmental impacts to Florida’s beaches and will notice an advisory if conditions become unsafe.
·         While counties make beach closure determinations, the State Emergency Response Team has guidance forthcoming to assist counties in making that determination.
·         DEP is continuously monitoring air quality data, and air quality is rated in five categories, from “good” to “very unhealthy.” The public is encouraged to monitor this data at http://www.airnow.gov/ or http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/. If air quality is determined unhealthy, consider the following tips:
§  Stay inside, in an air-conditioned room and change the air-conditioner filter to ensure peak performance.
§  Avoid strenuous activities outside.
§  Anyone who experiences difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or other serious symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
·            Impacts to Florida’s coastline could come in the form of tar balls –fragments or lumps of oil weathered to a semi-solid or solid consistency. Tar balls feel sticky, and are difficult to remove from contaminated surfaces. Should individuals observe tar balls or other evidence of oil on Florida’s coastline, they should leave the area and report the incident right away to (866) 448-5816.
·            Consider the following tips for avoiding negative health impacts from an oiled shoreline:
§  Avoid entering areas where oil can be seen or smelled. If any oil is sighted or smelled, leave the area right away.
§  Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
§  Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if traveling through the area by boat, take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor. If oil makes contact with skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water.
§  Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters.
§  Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue or fish that have a petroleum odor.
§  Avoid boating through oil slicks or sheens.
§  Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
§  Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.

Recommended volunteer opportunities:
·         For information on how to volunteer with pre-impact activities, please visit www.VolunteerFlorida.org.
·         BP has established a volunteer program and set up a toll-free number for those interested in volunteering.  For information on assisting with the response efforts, please contact BP’s community information line at (866) 448-5816. When calling, interested parties should communicate what they are volunteering for what areas they are available to work in.  In addition, potential volunteers may call this line to learn about the training that is required to work in oil spill clean-up operations.
·         Those wishing to submit alternative response technology, services or products, contact (281) 366-5511. For information on the vessels of opportunity (boats) program, call (425) 745-8017.

For the most up-to-date information on Florida’s Deepwater Horizon response, as well as health and safety tips, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon. The following is a link to the State Emergency Response Team Situation Report for Sunday, May 2, 2010: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/situation_report4_050210.pdf