Oil Spill Update

Last revised:

At this time, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has not impacted the beaches of Lee County. Destination officials are monitoring the situation closely and will respond accordingly to any potential impact on our area. If you are traveling to the destination within the next few days, you can monitor the websites below for the latest updates on the spill.

Oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig incident is far to the north of the Lee County area in waters south of Louisiana. Even with the small amounts of oil entering the Gulf of Mexico's loop current, Southwest Florida is still far from the projected path of the spill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Lee County beaches been impacted by the oil spill?
No. The Florida Division of Emergency Management gives 72 hour forecasts and no impact on beaches in Southwest Florida is indicated.

When is the oil spill expected to reach Lee County?
No one knows the long-term direction or impact of the spill. Currents and weather play a big role in determining the direction of movement.

Is it safe to swim and fish in the Gulf of Mexico off Lee County?
There are no advisories for Lee County at this time.

Is it safe to eat seafood?
Yes, commercial seafood can be purchased at local restaurants and from grocery stores.

Where can I get more information?

Up-To-The-Minute Information

Local Beach Conditions

Captiva Island Beach Cam

Sanibel Island Beach Cam

Fort Myers Beach Cam

Lee County Emergency Operations Center

Florida Information

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

BP Oil Spill Incident Response

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

University of South Florida College of Marine Science