There is no oil affecting Florida Beaches at this time. Currently the oil from the Deepwater Horizon accident is no closer than 50 miles south of Pensacola and the forecast is that winds will continue to push it away from Panhandle beaches according to NOAA.

The main concern is that the oil has or will soon enter the Loop Current and take it to the Florida Keys. The Loop Current is the beginning of the Gulf Stream, oil in the Gulf Stream could affect beaches anywhere along the Atlantic coast.

Another concern is with large oil plumes suspended 1500 feet off the ocean floor. These plumes are estimated to be 15-20 miles and long 4-5 miles wide.