BP Promises Florida $500,000 to Protect Okaloosa Waters

BP has promised $500,000 to protect Destin Pass and Okaloosa County waters from the tide of oil. The oil giant is giving Okaloosa County $200,000 for an underwater "air curtain" that uses air bubbles to separate oil from water and $300,000 for as many as nine barges to fortify the Destin Pass. The barge operation will initially include three boats that could be used to funnel the oil away from the area, but the fleet can be expanded.

Okaloosa County voted earlier this month to give itself the power to do whatever it needs to protect its waters without approval from BP or the state or federal government.