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home / community / news detailsPanama City Beach Open for Business--Oil Spill Update
*LAST UPDATE* The Panama City Beach Chamber has been closely monitoring the situation and posting up-to-date information to inform visitors and local residents. Due to the stoppage of oil spilling into the Gulf since July 15th, there is neither threat of oil product impacting Panama City Beach nor any smell of oil. Our Gulf waters are completely safe to swim in and Panama City Beach is very much open! We promise the same warm emerald-green water, white sandy beaches and abundant sunshine still define what makes Panama City Beach the perfect vacation destination. See for yourself by viewing the shoreline from Spinnakers web cam HERE OR view the shoreline from Regency Towers web cam HERE. No impact is forecasted!Brenda K. recently visited PCB with her family. After her vacation, she sent us an email that said: "Like everyone, I was a little concerned about my week long vacation in Panama City Beach. But I was wrong. The beaches were beautiful and none of us ever saw any evidence of the oil spill in our whole week there. I didn't know what the news was talking about and was once again aware of how the press can "exaggerate" a situation. My vacation was wonderful..."
Great news! Traveling to Panama City Beach just got a whole lot easier and more affordable because our new international airport is open!
Forecasted Maps: According to NOAA, no observable oil in the entire Gulf is expected. Therefore, forcast maps will no longer be provided. Federal Fisheries Closure and no fishing boundaries have been outlined. View the newest 8/10 Fishery Closure Boundary map HERE.
Spill site activity: The latest effort by BP to pump cement into the well, to permanently seal off the well, has been completed successfully. They will monitor the well to confirm the effectiveness of the procedure.
Local Information: Stay informed here through PCBeach.org or call the local public oil information line at (850) 248-6030. People seeking reimbursement from BP should file claim via toll-free number (800) 440-0858. After doing so, they may also visit BP’s local claims office, located at 7938 Front Beach Road in the shopping plaza adjacent to Bay Street Deli. The office is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Oil Spill Key Contact Numbers
The Florida Oil Spill Information Line: (888) 337-3569
Report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information: (866)-448-5816
Submit alternative response technology, services or products: (281) 366-5511
Submit your vessel for the Vessel of Opportunity Program: (281) 366-5511
Report oiled wildlife: (866) 557-1401
IRS help line for taxpayers filing BP claims: (866) 562-5227
