The Florida Division of Emergency Management does not expect the oil to come ashore anywhere in Florida between now and Monday, May 24. Even though there is no imminent threat to our area from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, we wanted to advise you that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is offering tips to businesses:

• Florida residents are discouraged from signing documents in return for money from BP until they know the extent of their loss.
• A fraud hotline has been established at 1-866-966-7226.
• The Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner has established a gas price-gouging hotline at 1-800-435-7352.
• Florida coastal businesses should be prepared to make a loss of business claim.

The Florida Department of Financial Services suggests:

• Take detailed records of canceled reservations. It is important that when these cancellations occur, the canceling party is questioned whether the cause is because of the oil spill. If the answer is yes, keep a record of the person's name and contact information, and also the revenues lost as a result of the cancellation.
• Calculate estimated losses for a six-week period and be able to provide records, sales receipts and documentation to support such a claim. A good idea would be to compare business now to a five-year average of revenues between May and June, which can offer insight as to the damages incurred.
• Make a detailed list of assets - including non-structural -- and include appropriate records to support the list. For example: if your hotel or restaurant is within walking distance to the beach and that beach has oil reach its shores, the business' assets are damaged even though there is no physical damage to the structure, and it is important to record this depreciation.
• Be wary of insurance settlement scams. -- For businesses that may have already begun the claims filing process with BP, first, make sure you are dealing with authorized representatives from BP and not scam artists; and be careful not to sign waivers of liability too quickly without getting adequate legal and financial counsel.
• In all circumstances, affected businesses should file a claim with BP via the hotline number - 1-800-440-0858. Additional guidance to help small businesses survive a disaster can be found at www.MyFloridaCFO.com or by calling 1-850-413-3089 or 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).

To learn more about Florida's response:

• DEP launched a Twitter account, @FLDEPalert, dedicated to providing updates on Florida's response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Visit www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert.
• The Florida Emergency Information Line is in operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. The number for residents to call is: 1-800-342-3557.
• DEP established an email sign-up for information alerts on its website as well as a resources page containing fact sheets and tips. To view tips and sign up for email updates, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon.

Additional Public Information Resources and Hotlines

• Attorney General's fraud hotline for price gouging. - 1-866-966-7226
• Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner gas price-gouging hotline. - 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352)and 1-800-640-0886 TTY
• Fishermen who wish to contact BP. - 1-800-440-0858
• To report tarballs or other evidence of oil on Florida's coastline call the Rapid Response Team. - 1-866-448-5816
• Report oiled wildlife to the Joint Information Center. - 1-866-557-1401
• Seabirds and shorebirds are protected by law. Report anyone harming or harassing these birds or nest disturbances to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. - 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)
• Florida State Parks camping or cabin reservations - 1-850-245-2157
• To file a claim with BP. - 1-800-440-0858
• Florida Department of Financial Services small business assistance hotline. - 1-850-413-3089 or at 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236)
• Business Owner Insurance Coverage Hotline - 850-413-3100 or 1-800-342-2762, TDD: 850-410-9700
• Report injured or oiled animals to the Wildlife Distress Hotline. - 1-866-557-1401
• BP's community information line and volunteer line. - 1-866-448-5816
• To register as a consultant, contractor, vendor, or submit information on alternative response technology, services, products, vessels of opportunities, or suggestions. - 1-281-366-5511
• Florida Relay Services, the communications link for people who are Hearing Impaired. - 711
• Florida State Emergency Information Line - 1-800-342-3557
• 1-800-226-4329 TTY
• Joint Information Center at Unified Area Command in Robert, Louisiana - 1-985-902-5231 or 1-985-902-5240
• Joint Information Center at Unified Command in Mobile, Alabama - 1-251-445-8965
• Joint Information Center at Unified Command in St. Petersburg, Florida - 1-727-820-3714
• Joint Information Center Twitter Updates http://twitter.com/Oil_Spill_2010
• Joint Information Center Facebook Updates Deepwater Horizon Response
• Joint Information Center website www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com

For additional information regarding Florida's response to the Deepwater Horizon incident, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon, or follow them on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert.

As we communicate to our customers, we suggest the key messages are:

• Currently, there is no local impact from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
• We are open for business.
• We don't know if our area will be affected, but it is in no imminent danger.

In the meanwhile, please alert the VCB to any news you hear regarding consumer queries on the matter as well as any community response efforts so that Lee County can work as a team as much as possible. Please send any comments to VCB@leegov.com.

Thank you,

Tamara Pigott

Executive Director