To volunteer, or to report oiled shoreline, call (866) 448-5816.

To submit your vessel as a Vessel of Opportunity skimming system, or to submit alternative response technology, services, or products, call 281-366-5511.

To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401. Messages checked hourly.

For information about validated environmental air and water sampling results, visit www.epa.gov/bpspill.

To file a claim, or report spill-related damage, call BP’s helpline at (800) 440-0858.

For those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118.  

Florida Gulf Economic Recovery Task Force

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

• AWI presentation, BP Claims Process Workgroup, June 23, 2010
  Agency for Workforce Innovation Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo and Chief Economist Rebecca Rust present the agency’s response efforts to date to the subcommittee of the Governor’s Gulf Economic Recovery Task Force.  The presentation provides an overview of how AWI’s labor market statistics, workforce services and unemployment compensation program are assisting people and businesses impacted by the spill.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/ppt/AWI_OilSpillRecoveryTaskForce_06232010.ppt
  

Timeline General Information

Friday, July 30, 2010

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Announces Gulf Surface Oil Not a Threat to South Florida, Keys or East Coast
  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced today that a new analysis shows Southern Florida, the Florida Keys, and the East Coast are unlikely to experience any effects from the remaining oil on the surface of the Gulf as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. No new oil has leaked from the Deepwater Horizon well in 15 days and the surface oil that remains is hundreds of miles away from the loop current and in the process of degrading.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/NOAA_release.pdf
  

Thursday, July 29, 2010

• AG Investigates HAZWOPER Training Providers
  Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced his office has launched investigations into two companies over allegations they offered free emergency response training to consumers, but then withheld the certifications for various reasons.
  Read More: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/0F1A2214DBB1DA458525776F0058E59B
  

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

• OSHA Frequently Asked Questions on Hazwoper Training Certificates
  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) reagarding the the issuance and application of Hazwoper Certifications for jobseekers and employees.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/OSHA_HazwoperTraining.pdf
  

Thursday, July 15, 2010

• IRS Announces Opening Times, Addresses for July 17 Special Assistance Day for Gulf Oil Spill Victims
  WASHINGTON--The Internal Revenue Service announced the locations of Taxpayer Assistance Centers in seven Gulf Coast cities that will be open this Saturday, July 17 to provide help to taxpayers impacted by the BP oil spill.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/IRSNewsRelease.pdf
  

Thursday, July 01, 2010

• Florida Announces Improved Oiled Bird Recovery Plan
  TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) together with federal partners today announced the creation of an oiled bird recovery plan for rapid response to distressed birds. The recovery plan was created and approved by the Incident Command Sector Mobile, with assistance from impacted states, to ensure oiled birds are recovered within 60 minutes of their initial report. Under the plan, a Florida Panhandle Group will be established in Panama City to coordinate the rapid recovery and rescue of injured wildlife on Florida’s shores.
  
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/7_1_2010_Oiled Bird Plan.pdf
  

Saturday, June 26, 2010

• Florida Gulf Recovery Jobs Website Announced
  Governor Charlie Crist has unveiled www.floridagulfrecoveryjobs.com, a website that allows job seekers to locate and apply for positions created in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
  Read More: http://www.flgov.com/release/11670
  

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

• Governor Crist Requests Additional Data from BP
  Please see the attached letter from Governor Charlie Crist to Doug Suttles, Chief Operating Officer of Exploration and Production for BP America Inc. Governor Crist requested the data needed to evaluate the claims process and measure the economic impact of the losses to all level of governments throughout Florida.
  Read More: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/062210_gov_crists_suttles.pdf
  

Friday, June 18, 2010

• Governor’s Executive Order Number 10-132
  Please see the attached Executive Order 10-132, regarding an extension of Governor Charlie Crist’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties due to the Deepwater Horizon Incident.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/EO10-132.pdf
  

Thursday, June 17, 2010

• BP Established $20 Billion Claims Fund for Deepwater Horizon Spill and Outlines Dividend Decisions
  Following a meeting with the President of the United States, the BP Board announces an agreed package of measures to meet its obligations as a responsible party arising from the Deepwater Horizon spill.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/BP20milfund.pdf
  

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

• Attorney General Announces Initiative to Calculate Oil Spill Damages
  Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that he has begun a process to collect relevant supporting data and information that will allow the State of Florida and its agencies to begin, as soon as possible, periodically billing BP for calculated losses caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
  Read More: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/4D8CD07933DBB00485257743006447B3
  

Monday, June 14, 2010

• Temporary Fishing Closure
  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in coordination with Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Department of Health, issued an executive order to temporarily close a portion of coastal state waters offshore of Escambia County to the harvest of saltwater fish, crabs and shrimp.  The FWC is taking precautionary actions regarding harvest and consumption of these marine species, which may be affected by oil from the BP Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
  Read More: http://www.myfwc.com/NEWSROOM/10/statewide/News_10_X_OilSpill19.htm
  
• CFO Launches Deepwater Horizon Financial Accountability Website
  Florida CFO Alex Sink today launched a webpage allowing Floridians to track state expenditures in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and to provide transparency in how BP grant dollars are distributed to Florida counties to reimburse their costs in responding to the oil spill.  
  Read More: http://www.myfloridacfo.com/transparency
  

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

• Governor Crist Activates Emergency Bridge Loan Program
  TALLAHASSEE – In an effort to assist businesses impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Governor Charlie Crist today activated Florida’s Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, which will provide emergency, short-term loans to established small businesses in the designated counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Monroe, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/publications/news_rel/bridgeloan.htm
  
• Hotline Provides Consumers With Latest Information
  TALLAHASSEE – Seafood lovers who are confused about the availability of Florida seafood products due to the Gulf oil spill can now get daily updates about the ongoing commercial harvest. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has implemented a new toll-free hotline at 1-800-357-4273 to provide consumers with current information about the status of Florida’s open and closed fishing harvest areas, the availability of seafood varieties, and general pricing information.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/publications/news_rel/seafood_hotline.htm
  
• Gulf Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force to Meet in Tallahassee
  TALLAHASSEE – The Gulf Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force will hold a meeting on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. Created by Executive Order 10-101, the Task Force will facilitate efforts by Florida businesses and industries in recovering from lost business and revenues due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/publications/news_rel/oilspill_taskforce.htm
  

Monday, June 07, 2010

• Governor Charlie Crist's Actions in Response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
  Governor Charlie Crist has taken the following actions in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill since the explosion on April 20, 2010.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/gov_oilspill_response.pdf
  

Friday, June 04, 2010

• Qualified Community Responders
  BP is building a team of 4,100 Qualified Community Responders (QCRs) to help with clean-up efforts in oil-contaminated areas in Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Gulf Coast. Should oil reach southern shores, the QCRs will receive training and be prepared to jump into action, protecting local beaches. This is a reserve corps of individuals who reside in the county in which they will be working should a need arise.
  Read More: http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org/qcrs.html
  
• Governor Crist Requests $100 million in additional funds from BP
  Governor Charlie Crist has written to Lamar McKay, president of BP America, requesting $100 million to cover the costs of the critical and time sensitive response to threats from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to Florida’s seabed, water column, surface and shoreline. The funds would support the efforts of the Florida Institute of Oceanography, a partnership of 21 universities and other marine science organizations throughout Florida.
  Read More: http://www.flgov.com/pdfs/20100604_bp.pdf
  

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

• Oil Approaches Florida Coastline
  The latest projections from NOAA indicate weathered oil from the leading edge of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill could impact the Florida Panhandle as early as this week due to a shift in winds and currents.
  Read More: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/response/0610/deepwater_response_060210.pdf
  
• Governor Crist Requests Federal Fisheries Assistance
  Governor Charlie Crist sent a letter today to United States Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke requesting a determination of a commercial fishery failure under provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
  Read More: http://www.flgov.com/pdfs/20100602_locke.pdf
  

Saturday, May 29, 2010

• Top Administration Officials to Return to the Gulf Region Next Week
  WASHINGTON - At the direction of the President, Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco will return to the Gulf region next week as they continue their efforts in response to the BP oil spill.
  Read More: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/574199/
  

Thursday, May 27, 2010

• New Effort Approved for Preventing Shoreline Impact
  WASHINGTON - The National Incident Commander for the BP oil spill, Admiral Thad Allen, today approved the implementation of a section of Louisiana’s barrier island project proposal that could help stop oil from coming ashore and where work could be completed the fastest—as an integrated part of the federal response to the BP oil spill.
  Read More: http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/569207/
  

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

• Federal Disaster Loans for Small Businesses
  The U.S. Small Business Administration(SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to small non-farm businesses who suffered economic injury due to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill that began on April 20, 2010.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/SBAflyer.pdf
  

Sunday, May 23, 2010

• White House Daily Fact Sheet
  President Obama establishes bipartisan National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling with former two-term Florida Governor and former Senator Bob Graham and former Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency William K. Reilly serving as co-chairs.
  (the most current information is posted at the bottom of the blog)
  Read More: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/05/05/ongoing-administration-wide-response-deepwater-bp-oil-spill
  

Friday, May 21, 2010

• White House JIC Update - May 20, 2010
  The Ongoing Administration-Wide Response to the Deepwater BP Oil Spill
  Prepared by the Joint Information Center
  UPDATED May 20, 2010 7 PM
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/WhiteHouesJICUpdate_05202010.pdf
  

Thursday, May 20, 2010

• Governor Extends State of Emergency
  Please see the Executive Order 10-106 regarding an extension of Governor Charlie Crist’s declaration of a State of Emergency to Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/ExecutiveOrder10-106.pdf
  
• OSHA Fact Sheet
  OSHA’s top priority is to ensure that oil spill response and cleanup operations are done as safely,effectively and efficiently as possible. This fact sheet provides basic information about common operations, hazards, training and worker protection. Spanish Version  
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/deepwater-oil-spill-factsheet-ppe.pdf
  
• BP Claims Information Website
  File a claim for damages from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
  Read More: http://www.bp.com/claims
  
• General Contractors for BP
  Listing of General Contractors for BP.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/BPcontractors.pdf
  

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

• OSHA Training Requirements
  All workers involved in the on shore clean-up of weathered oil must go through a four hour training program created by BP and approved by OSHA and the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/OSHA_training_reqmts.pdf
  

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

• Governor Crist Offers Guidelines for Reporting Oil Spill Impacts
  Florida Governor Charlie Crist is encouraging residents and visitor to report evidence of oil from the Deepwater Horizon incident along the state’s shores by calling the State Warning Point at 1-877-2-SAVE-FL (1-877-272-8335), or by dialing #DEP from a cell phone.
  Read More: http://www.flgov.com/release/11603
  

Monday, May 17, 2010

• BP Florida Claims Office Updates
  Florida BP Claims Offices openings and hours of operation.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/BPFloridaclaimsoffices.pdf
  

Saturday, May 15, 2010

• President's legislative proposal
  Below is a fact sheet that summarizes the president's legislative proposal to lift the caps on damage and increase the ceiling on the amount of money that can be expended on recovery per incident from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, and provide other authorities and funding to aid in the response to the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. The legislation includes unemployment assistance, expanding the service capacity of the Workforce Investment Act Program, food and nutrition assistance, and help for those affected by the spill to find work, aid to fisheries and fishermen who have been severely impacted by the spill, funding to increase inspection of fish and seafood to protect food safety, and the establishment of one-stop shops for those in need of aid.
  Read More: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/fact-sheet-deepwater-horizon-oil-spill-legislative-package
  

Thursday, May 13, 2010

• Governor Crist Announces Florida Oil Spill Information Hotline
  Governor Charlie Crist has announced the activation of the Florida Oil Spill Information Line.  The toll-free hotline will serve as another resource to provide Florida residents and visitors with up-to-date information on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
  Read More: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/051310_florida_info_line.pdf
  

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

• Governor Crist Highlights Oil Spill Response Efforts at VISIT FLORIDA Board Meeting
  Continuing his focus on strengthening Florida’s economy, Governor Crist today attended the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors’ quarterly meeting to discuss the future of Florida tourism. In addition to recognizing the Board’s leadership role in coordinating tourism efforts, the Governor emphasized the need for heightened outreach to potential visitors following the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/publications/news_rel/visitfloridameeting.htm
  

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

• Governor's Oil Spill Economic Recovery Task Force
  Governor Charlie Crist has created the Gulf Oil Spill 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 oil spill.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/EO_OilSpillTaskForce.pdf
  

Monday, May 10, 2010

• Governor, Attorney General Create Deepwater Horizon Legal Advisory Team
  Governor Charlie Crist and Attorney General Bill McCollum today appointed 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.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/publications/news_rel/crist_mccollum_oilspill.htm
  

Friday, May 07, 2010

• Governor Crist Encourages Continued Enjoyment of Florida's Pristine Beaches and Natural Areas
  TALLAHASSEE - Recognizing the importance of Florida’s tourism industry to the state economy, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as lead agency on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response is coordinating closely with VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing organization, to ensure visitors are aware they have access to accurate, real-time information for making informed travel planning decisions.
  Read More: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/050710_tourism_release.pdf
  
• Commercial/Recreational Fishing
  Officials with the Florida Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have indicated they have no intention of halting commercial and recreational fishing in Florida until there is evidence that the action is necessary.
  Read More: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon/files/050510_no_fishing_clo.pdf
  
• Governor Crist's Letter to President Obama Requesting National Emergency Grant
  Please see the attached letter from Governor Charlie Crist to President Barack Obama requesting a $50 million disaster National Emergency Grant from the United States Department of Labor as a part of Florida’s response plans to the Deepwater Horizon Incident.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/lettertopresidentobama.pdf
  

Monday, May 03, 2010

• Amendment to Executive Order - 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico
  An amendment to Executive Order 10-99 declaring a state of emergency due to the threat that oil leaking from the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform and well poses to the State of Florida.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/EO10-100.pdf
  

Sunday, May 02, 2010

• SERT - Deepwater Horizon Response - Day 2
  TALLAHASSEE- - The State Emergency Response Team in support of the Department of Environmental Protection as the lead response agency for the state of Florida is actively monitoring the Deepwater Horizon response. Currently, there are no projected impacts to the state of Florida through Monday, so residents and visitors may continue with weekend activities as scheduled. However, it is possible that some areas along the coast may see indications of oil residue.  View Full Response (SERT - Deepwater Horizon Reponse - Day 2)
  Read More: http://emergency.awiadministration.com/FileStore/DeepwaterHorizon_ResponseDay_2.pdf
  

Saturday, May 01, 2010

• Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Mitigation Efforts
  Dear Associates:
  Our partners at Volunteer Florida remind us that clearing man-made debris from Florida's beaches will lessen the impact to this delicate ecosystem in the event that oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill hits our shores.
  
  In order to minimize the potential effects, they are supporting community efforts to clean up debris along the Panhandle this weekend and will continue to do so for several days.
  
  If you would like to assist Volunteer Florida in their efforts, please visit their disaster site at: http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org.
  
  The Agency for Workforce Innovation will also continue to work closely with the State Emergency Operations Centerto provide you with the most current information regarding this disaster.  Please continue to monitor the AWI Emergency Website for updates throughout the week.
  
  ###
  Read More: http://www.volunteerfloridadisaster.org
  

Friday, April 30, 2010

• Oil Spill Cleanup Efforts Along the Gulf Coast Create Hundreds of Anticipated Job Opportunities for Area Residents
  PENSACOLA, FL - APRIL 29, 2010:  Advanced Employment Solutions, a  Texas-based workforce development and talent acquisition company, has solicited the assistance of Workforce Escarosa, Inc. to recruit and screen several hundred applicants who will assist with cleanup efforts as a result of the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/Deepwater_Horizon_release_043010.pdf
  
• Executive Order - 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in Gulf of Mexico
  An Executive Order has been issued to declare a state of emergency due to the threat that oil leaking from the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform and well poses to the State of Florida, to ensure timely precautions are taken to protect natural resources, beaches and other coastal ecosystems, communities and the general welfare of this state, and to initiate measures to provide assistance to other states in need.
  Read More: http://www.floridajobs.org/emergency/pdf/EO10-99.pdf