It appears the oil might be coming, this is from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on what you should and shouldn't do:
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:
Homeowners may be able to help prevent oil from reaching private property or damaging
sensitive vegetation by utilizing sorbent booms.
Booming and alternative absorption measures should be coordinated through the county and state Emergency Operation Centers since incorrect boom placement in navigable waterways can create a serious hazard.
Coordination with state and local entities is important to ensure that booming or alternative measures being used do not impede navigation and are not more harmful to the natural environment in the long-run.
If a boom is placed by a private citizen, that individual assumes responsibility for the boom, including the chance it could dislodge into the water or be harmful to wildlife.
Booms placed by private citizens that become impacted by oil are the responsibility of that individual and require special authorization for removal and proper disposal.
Alternative absorption methods, such as placing hay bales, homemade hair booms, sandbags or other technology along the shoreline, are not advisable as the overall debris from disposal of such methods would increase and could cause serious long-term damage.
Oil is a hazardous material and should be handled by highly trained professionals only.
Volunteers should not attempt to clean impacted beaches themselves or attempt to rescue oiled wildlife on their own. Touching oil is a health risk and disposing of it improperly could cause additional environmental damage.
Authorized protective measures should be conducted in a manner that provides protection to, and does not disturb, native vegetation, species and their habitat.
Taking, killing, harming or capturing any species, nests or eggs listed as an endangered species is not permitted.
Individuals, counties and other entities seeking more information on types of protective measures can also contact BP’s community information line at 1-866-448-5816.
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Attention all Residents in the Greater Miami Area:
For those of you who want to clean up the oil on your water front property - don't. If you try to help yourself or anyone or anything else, we may have to fine you.
Miami-Dade County and all surrounding municipalities are launching a new "helping hands permit." There will be an application fee of $50, but this is much more reasonable than the $500 fine we will slap you with if you try to help yourselves without authorization.
Our Building and Zoning Departments will be issuing these permits, for lack of something better to do. We figure this will give the inspectors something better to do besides writing citations for illegal fences and tool sheds.
We'll get back with you when we are ready to start.
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