Gov. Crist Declares a State of Emergency for Oil Spill

Friday, as oil from a massive spill in the gulf coast nears, and reportedly reaches the United States coastline, Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency.

The Deepwater Horizon oil drilling facility exploded last week sending hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil into the ocean. Crist declared the emergency due to the potential danger that could be caused by the spill.

The state of emergency applies to Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf counties.

Senator Durell Peaden, R-Crestview, and Senator Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, thanked the Governor for his action today.

All the resources of our state government should be brought to bear to safeguard our coast against any impending problem, Senators Peaden and Gaetz said.