One of the only positive developments since the deep water oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico turned loose an uncontrolled discharge of oil that has fouled the environment, jobs and tourism in the Gulf States was the announcement of a free July 1 concert in Gulf Shores, Alabama being organized by Jimmy Buffett. (story) There would be no need for that show if the response from BP to the disaster was as impressive as the rush for free tickets Wednesday (6/23). 35,000 were gone in 10 minutes. The singer's attempt to offer assistance in addressing one of the environmental consequences of the disaster has met with indifference or resistance from authorities involved in the oil spill response. Jimmy has helped Dragonfly Boat Works of Vero Beach, Florida build custom boats specifically designed to help rescue wildlife near coastal areas the spill is impacting. Mark Castlow of Dragonfly says efforts to get the boats deployed have met with resistance he attributed to '...a political and corporate noose around the Gulf' during an interview on CNN Tuesday (6/22). Buffett agreed to help fund construction of the boats after Castlow called his sales manager about the idea. Unlike BP, his timing couldn't have been better - when Jimbo Meador took the call he was with Buffett fishing in the Bahamas. The flat bottom boats are equipped with bow mounted electric motors that permit them to get up close to wildlife quietly, and have solar fans and misting systems to counter the high temps in the area. Each is also equipped with webcam enabled laptops and a web site is in the works so experts on shore and those interested in viewing the work can virtually climb aboard - if and when they get to put the boats to use.
TCPalm.com
