I am a native of the US Gulf Coast. I grew up in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, which is east of Pensacola and just West of Destin. If you have not been to that area or seen the beaches there, I am not sure if you can find a more beautiful beach anywhere. The sand is as white as snow and so clean that it squeaks when you walk on it. The water is often times crystal clear right off the beach and is a blue green color that can only be experienced. Part of the beauty of our gulf coast is the amazing variety of shoreline bird life. I now live in the St. Petersburg, Florida area and we have nice beaches, just not as nice as my home town of Fort Walton.
Naturally, as a Gulf Coast native who dives, fishes, and beaches, the news of the oil spill from south of New Orleans has sickened me. All of us on the Gulf Coast are now waiting to see when and how much oil will appear on our pristine beaches. Right around the corner from where my wife and I now live in Seminole, Florida is the home of the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, the largest wild bird hospital & sanctuary in the US based on the admission of up to 10,000 Birds per year. My wife and I have made a donation and may volunteer with the organization as the need arises. I wanted to take this opportunity to ask our readers to do the same.
The group at the sanctuary is already putting together the resources and a team to assist with saving sea birds that will be impacted all across Florida when the oil comes ashore. Money is always best but they are asking for donations for linens, kennels, towels, sheets, Dawn detergent, paper towels, bottled water, and Gatorade. You can send the items to the sanctuary at 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, FL, 33785 or contact them for donations at 727-391-6211. They also accept donations via their website at http://www.seabirdsanctuary.com/.
I have never asked our readers to donate to any cause before but this issue is very dear to my heart. Thanks for your consideration.