Oil

We haven't really mentioned it before, but the oil spill is really taking it's toll down here. Local businesses have already lost millions of dollars, fishermen we know are out of work, and each newscast gives us up-to-date info on the disaster, including maps of where the oil is projected to be each day. It's pretty much the only thing anyone can talk about, as we locals wait and see how we're going to be affected. Most people will admit that they wish it would just get here already, since the not knowing is the worst part. At least once it arrives, we'll know what we're dealing with and how to start the probably years-long task of cleaning it up. For an area that relies so heavily on tourism, real estate, and fishing, ours will be an economic disaster as well as an environmental one. Please keep our area and those affected in your prayers. We're going to need all the help we can get.

the signs on the public beaches

you may not be able to see it clearly, but the little black dots on the sand are tar balls