Perdido Key beaches 5.14.10
Written on Sunday, May 16, 2010
This past Friday I went out to the beach to record the waves washing up on the shoreline. Good news, as expected here in Perdido Key, everything is more beautiful than ever! There is no oil, the sand is still sugar-white and the sunshine this time of year makes it warm on my feet. The water was somewhere in the upper 70's farenheit, so it is great for playing in the surf and a couple folks told me of great fishing during the past week. Check out the video to see for yourself...
Oil Spill Travel Updates from Perdido Key, Florida (Continued)
Written on Friday, May 14, 2010
The beaches in Perdido Key remain unaffected and are as beautiful as ever. The only problem we have experienced as a result of the oil spill is negative media. Many people are not getting the latest information on the spill or even have incorrect information, thus if you would like to follow this with us please use the official site of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Response and Restoration. Scroll down to the bottom of the site to open the Trajectory Maps. These maps are updated daily and have helped to reaffirm that it is business as usual here in Perdido Key and we have good reason to believe that it will remain that way.
In addition to the NOAA site, luckily, we have a proactive Chamber of Commerce and yesterday (5.13.10) they posted a new memo including a list of frequently asked questions concerning this event. The page can be viewed at http://www.perdidochamber.com/news. We have included similar information on the Purple Parrot Village Resort web site for guests who are staying in one of the free-standing two story bungalows. And as a resource for all travelers to Florida, the state’s official travel site (visitFlorida.com) posts a daily Florida update to inform travelers of whether or not any of our coastline has been affected by oil – by the way, no impact has been reported.
Please know that it is business as usual here on our beautiful island and we have good reason to believe that it will remain that way.
JD Hallam
This comes from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Written on Thursday, May 13, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“At this time, Florida’s more than 1,200 miles of shoreline and 663 miles of beaches are open to normal water and beach activities, and VISIT FLORIDA continues to promote Florida as the number one travel destination in the world,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “Today, the message is that the entire state is open for business, and we invite travelers from around the world to come and enjoy the Sunshine State.”
“If we are going to remain the trusted source, we have to acknowledge that there may be a potential impact to vacationers down the road and help them to find credible information easily,” said President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA Chris Thompson. “Our responsibility to the Florida travel industry, as well as the traveling public, is to provide them with truthful, transparent, up-to-date information on any event that affects the Sunshine State.”
For more information on opportunities to visit Florida’s coastal communities, please visit www.visitflorida.com. For the most up-to-date information on Florida’s Deepwater Horizon response, as well as health and safety tips, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon, follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/FLDEPAlert or contact the Florida Emergency Information Line at 800-342-3557.
Oil Spill Travel Updates from Perdido Key, Florida
Written on Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Currently, there are no impacts to Florida’s 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and 663 miles of beaches. Our shores are clear and open for business (http://www.visitflorida.com/). This is great news for our travelers!
Speaking of our travelers… one of the guests who recently called in concerned about their reservation said, “JD you need to find a web cam and post the link in your next update.” I thought that this was a great idea. The following link will lead you to the Gulf Islands Webcam here on Perdido Key http://www.nps.gov/guis/photosmultimedia/perdido-key-beachcam.htm. Check it out and see for yourself – Perdido Key looks as good as it ever has!
After checking out the web cam you will know firsthand that we are oil-free at the moment, but just in case that was not clear enough I have a second link. This one is courtesy of the Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce. They made a video of the Perdido Key beaches on 5/6/10, posted it to YouTube.com and embedded it at http://visitperdido.com/about.
What about the latest trajectory maps? NOAA has been on the scene of the BP spill from the start, providing coordinated scientific weather and biological response services to federal, state and local organizations (http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/). Check out the most recent one posted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Click here to view the most recent 72-hour trajectory map. 37MV2Q2BJWJ7
JD Hallam
Rental Manager
Improving Your Perdido Key Vacation Experience is Our Business
Written on Friday, May 07, 2010
Those behind PerdidoKeyFlorida.com spend a lot of hours trying to think of ways to ensure that our guests have a fantastic time here in Perdido Key, FL. We want to make sure that our guests get the most from the rentals Perdido Key has to offer every visit. This is not limited to how great the condos are on the inside, but also that our guests have a good time outside! Just so you know - The sugar-white sand beaches are still in fact sugar-white. No oil from the BP spill has made it to Perdido Key and the outlook is favorable for the island for as far out as the experts can accurately predict.
As we all watch this event develop I want to use this opportunity to make sure that our guests are aware of the things to do while in Perdido Key. Our area features great local venues for live entertainment, top-notch golf courses, historical museums, Pensacola markets such as the Palafox Market, world renowned deep sea fishing charters and the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing vacation. All year long we aim to provide avenues for trip planning open and strive to keep our guests well informed. How do we do this? We start by making the selection process easier by answering all of the questions guests have prior to making reservations, having sample itineraries available prior to making reservations and by streamlining the check-in process. Follow up by making certain that your condo will be clean and ready for occupancy upon arrival – early arrival? No problem. If the condo is ready, then we will hand you the keys. If the condo is not ready yet, then feel free to enjoy the pools or beaches while we finish up. I promise it is worth the wait, because being certain that you are checking into a clean condo is just one less thing to worry about while on vacation. Less worries equals more time enjoying your vacation! And what about after your vacation? Yes, this is important too! We ask for feedback from our guests and this feedback is the key to our success.
How do the sample itineraries work? Check out the Perdido Key Trip Planner page – there is a bunch of great stuff!
What does the feedback do for us? We are not afraid of someone tells us that things need to change. Without this feedback the change could not happen. Check out the reviews of the condos while searching through our Perdido Key vacation rentals pages.
What does the feedback do for you? These reviews are from guests who have stayed in the unit to which the feedback is linked. Most have told of a fantastic no-changes-needed experience; however some have made suggestions about things to do in the area, provided a step-by-step day-by-day summary of their trip or even rated local restaurants. It is great to thumb through when planning a Perdido Key vacation!
What about local restaurants, attractions and events? Check out our Perdido Key Local Info page and pay special attention to the right-hand side. The PerdidoKeyFlorida.com homepage will feature upcoming events.
We are working hard to make sure that you have a great experience while on your Perdido Key vacation. If you have and suggestions or feedback from a recent stay, please let us know!!!
Warm Regards,
JD Hallam
Rental Manager
Additional information concerning the BP Oil Spill:
- Again, no oil has washed ashore here in Perdido Key.
- The containment dome has been lower to the sea floor and is beginning to settle.
- This is all part of the plan, so we are anxiously waiting to see if they begin to pumping through a pipe while working to a point where they could cement the well closed.
- Crews have been very successful in executing controlled burns to reduce the amount of oil on the surface - this is not being done anywhere close to Perdido Key. Crews will continue this as long as the weather permits.
- Skimming efforts are reported to have been very successful. Crews will continue this as long as the weather permits.
- Applying chemicals designed to disburse the oil and break it down to a point in which would not have any adverse effects on the beaches continues with success.
Check out http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/index.php web site for futher information.
Oil Spill Update for guests with future reservations in Perdido Key 5.6.10
Written on Thursday, May 06, 2010
The information from NOAA is telling us that the “latest trajectory forecast shows a potential for westward movement of the oil” (NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration website). Though this is looking more dismal for Louisiana, this is welcomed news for Perdido Key and Pensacola. And what about their industries which often factor into the enjoyment of our visitor’s vacations?
In regards to the impact this is having in industries other than tourism; the charter fishing for our area has not been shut down. The Federal waters have been restricted as a precautionary measure, but not the State waters (NOAA Fisheries Service). I spoke with Darlene at Aqua Venture Charters (850-492-0003) today and was informed that charters are still allowed to go out into the Gulf up to 20 miles which is plenty distance for good fishing! They are located just 4 miles from the east end of Perdido Key in the Southwinds Marina.
Concerning the local restaurants and seafood industry; NOAA Fisheries is working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the states to ensure seafood safety (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). Additionally, the Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner, Charles Bronson, released a statement saying that “Florida seafood has not been impacted by this oil spill at all and is completely safe.” This is reassuring news for our visitors as many come hoping to enjoy a first-class dinner at one of our many great restaurants or planning to bring back a freezer-full of fish, shrimp and other seafood.
So, to recap: there is no oil on the beaches, charter fishing is still open inshore plus up to 20 miles offshore and there is nothing wrong with the seafood in our area. I truly hope that the reports we get continue trending in the same direction however if they do not we will send out an email to all guests with future reservations to make them aware of the situation. Thanks for reading and visit again to look for updates!
JD Hallam
PKRM Rental Manager
Worried about your stay being affected by the Oil Spill? The Purple Parrot is a great alternative to a beach front reservation in Perdido Key.
The minimal effect of the Oil Spill in Perdido Key today 5.5.10
Written on Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Thank goodness that this oil spill is not affecting Perdido Key and though the impact may travel far east from the original leak the local news is telling us that we are in the clear at least through the weekend. There is no oil on the Pensacola Beach and no oil in Perdido Key. No tar balls and no oil sheen on the beaches here in Perdido. Currently, those who are staying in the Perdido Key area are enjoying our white sand beaches and 80 plus degree weather. The weather forecast is looking good for the next ten days and with a little luck it will continue to trend in the same direction. We are happy that nothing has washed ashore and we hoping that it stays that way!
So what impact has the oil spill had in Perdido Key? Other than anxiety and rumors, not much. We have had a few cancellations, but most guests are treating this like a hurricane – watching to see what happens and where it makes landfall before overreacting. Everyone understands that there is a myriad of places that could be affected by the oil spill, so in reality we are all waiting together. Florida officials have made statements intended to be pushed out through the state’s agency for promoting tourism which make it very clear that ‘”the beaches are still ready for vacationers” and that the spill is still “a long, long ways” from the peninsula’ (Fox10News.com). Hopefully this thread will make it out to others and they too can be reassured that some of the rumors are a result of sensationalism. Other reassuring info can be found at the NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration website. The trajectory maps show that this does not look like it will be impacting our area as far out as they are comfortable projecting.
Now that we are on the same page concerning the impact, or lack thereof, this is has on Perdido Key and Pensacola at this point - what about preventative measures? Just in case this were to take a northerly turn. Defensive measures to protect the beaches that beckon so many travelers every year are being put into action all along the Gulf Coast region. Far east, far west and south of us are included in these dealings. The measures include strategically laying out oil boom, the controlled burns which were approved to be done out in the Gulf (no where close to Perdido Key) and they are working to cap the leaks (FoxNews.com). Today, 5.5.10, in Perdido Key none of this is visible and no one has reported any smell from burns. This is being executed far offshore and thankfully is not having any impact on our vacationers.
So far, things are looking good for Perdido Key and I will continue to keep posting so that our guests are kept informed. If this were to make landfall here in Perdido and have a detrimental effect on our island, then we would send out a bulk email to our guests with future reservations to make them aware of the situation. Thanks for reading and visit again to look for updates!
JD Hallam
PKRM Rental Manager
Worried about your stay being affected by the Oil Spill? The Purple Parrot is a great alternative to a beach front reservation in Perdido Key.