Totally selfish, inane question regarding the Gulf of Mexico

[Democrat 4 Ever]

I really hate to be so self-serving but I have a question. My girls, grandkids and I have a vacation scheduled for October in the panhandle of Florida. We have had this week scheduled for over six months. We know that the area we are going (St. George's Island - approx 250-300 miles east of NO as the crow flies) did not suffer significant damage from Katrina but are wondering about the water quality of the Gulf in the area.

We have been going to the area for several years during the kids' fall break from school and was really looking forward to this year's trip. (Excellent time, no crowds, warm water, beautiful beaches.) One of the kids called me last night to ask if I knew where they were pumping the water out of NO and would the water be safe for us to swim in. I told them I didn't have a clue but someone at DU would know.

I did hear that much of the water was being pumped into Lake Pontchartrain and the sludge, etc. was so bad that there was the possibility that much of the fish and plant life in the lake would die because of the organisms depleting the oxygen, etc. I didn't hear if they were pumping directly into the Gulf.

I know on the huge scheme of human tragedy in this horrible time one family getting their vacation is way down on the list of things to worry about. But does anyone know if there are any concerning about the Gulf and what is being pumped into the water and should we be concerned?

[fishnfla]

1. I think you'll be OK

For starters I think the currents mainly trend away from LA towards Texas. Also the gulf is large body of water, and the outflow from the Lake will be but a drop in the bucket and filtering slowly.

If you are concerned about water quality, the local press should have reports on it, at least they do here. They do test along the beaches for bacteria, etc

October is nice in Fla, not too hot,no bugs, no crowds, good weather and fishing. Best time to go to the Keys too

[Democrat 4 Ever]

2. Thank you for your reply.

I thought that would be the case but wanted to double check.

[northzax]

3. as I recall,

the gulf current is counter clockwise, so it trends from NoLa to the panhandle, there's kinda an eddie right there.

Look, this is going to kill a lot of stuff in the gulf, no question, but it will take some time to filter out of Pontchartrain and into the gulf in quantities. Yes, the sewage will be diluted, but the other pollutants could well be the tipping point for a fairly contained body of water.

So you should be fine. But stay in a place with a pool, just in case.

[matcom]

4. swam in the Gulf last weekend

outside of Clearwater. was beautiful. don't think you'll run into a problem

[Lilyhoney]

6. Pleas read this link.

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050821/NEWS/508210389/1134

[matcom]

7. the red tide is long gone

not even a trace when we were down there

[Lilyhoney]

5. Here is the state of the florida coast.

Pleas read this article it is very important.

http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050821/NEWS/508210389/1134

[Democrat 4 Ever]

8. Thanks for the article link. I'm even more confused than ever.

Sounds like there were serious problems way before Katrina and doesn't sound like there is much of a reason for them to improve in the next few weeks.

[fishnfla]

9. Thats far away from the panhandle.

Its a bad thing, but its nowhere near St George Island