Chamber of Commerce struggles with Gulf oil spill ... by gimleteye

"Come on in, the water's fine." Apparently that is the message at Fort Walton Beach, but at nearby Seaside-- Florida's model of new urbanism-- the message is getting muddy. Here's an interesting incident report copied from the blog, Skytruth:
Children came in from the water today in Seaside with oil on their skin. Coast Guard, Walton County sheriff, and BP clean-up crews responded with hush tones. No changes were made to the beach safety flags (currently green). Vacationers just one hundred yards away down the beach had not been told of the situation. I was threatened with arrest by Seaside security officers for being on the beach and taking these pictures. Still no water testing of dispersants anywhere in the state of Florida. Walton County reports "clean water" testing without disclosing that they refer only to bacteria tests.
Credibility: 8
ADDITIONAL REPORTS AND DISCUSSION (Add)
Benjamin (Jun 21 2010)
Yeah you can trust your Coast Guard and your idiot gutless spineless sheriff and BP. GO ahead and drink the tap water.
Credibility: 1
del (Jun 22 2010)
Hi from Perdido Key. We have been down this route already. The next thing is the Local Chambers will be telling the newspapers that the waters clear & come on down to the Beach. Something else. BP are paying Universities & private companies to report that the Water is Clean & the Air Quality is Good. All I know is that when the Oil Smell is that bad, stay indoors & do not go in the water. Economics 101 at play.
Credibility: 2
amy (Jun 22 2010)
I am not surprised that they were trying to keep this quiet. That is wrong and dangerous. I would contact the local news. They would report on this I am sure...
Credibility: 2
D.W. Bielski (Jun 22 2010)
Not only should they close the beach for everyone's health but many rentals do not return deposits unless the beach is closed! I just lost $250 to protect the health of my family!
Credibility: 2
Pat Allen (Jun 22 2010)
I am suppose to visit Seaside July 4th week. I have sent emails to my condo folks and they don't seem to want to respond. Should I cancel my trip?
Credibility: 0
amy (Jun 22 2010)
I don't know if I would cancel your trip. But I would continue to try and reach the condo owners. I'm sure they have lost cancellations and do not want to loose any more. It seems like I have to work hard to find information on this area regarding the oil. Anyone have any suggestions on where to find updated info? Honest info?
Credibility: 1
Concerned Traveler (Jun 23 2010)
The oil/tar balls have been confirmed at Seaside, FL. Property managers and owners are aware that there is oil in the water and on the beach. The problem is they are waiting for the government to close the beaches. Well we all know no one that has money to lose from lost reservations is going to do anything that could prove that the water and beaches are unsafe for children or adults. It's a shame that they are only considering lost revenue when our safety comes into play. I can't speak for anyone else but I can't entrust the safety of the water/beaches for my family to someone that has a vested interest in getting results that say the water is safe.