The oil spill continues to spread toward the eastern Gulf, Hernando County's top emergency official said Tuesday. We must brace ourselves as many communities are on the shoreline and could be affected.(Hernando Beach South and Hernando Beach North and the Weeki Wachee River which is connected to the Gulf.

With the timing and severity of the contamination largely unknown, Emergency Management Director Cecilia Patella said planning is already under way for the county's reaction.

They are planning to put "booms" up but cannot cover the whole coastline.

Those areas have already been identified through the Coast Guard's plans for the region and other areas of specific concern can also be added during this preparation process.

There are many boats docked in our beautiful Nature Coast community and they may be requesting boat owners to move their boats.

Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday expanded his emergency declaration down Florida's west coast including Hernando County and officials are discussing a strategy.

Those at the table included Emergency Management, Hazardous Materials through Hernando County Fire Rescue, the Port Authority, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Sheriff's marine unit and the waterways staff for the county.

Officials said it is still "early in the process" and they will notify us once they have a strategy. I personally don't think anything is "early in the process"; a plan should have been in place for such a disaster that could affect our fragile coastline.

While British Petroleum is responsible for the cleanup, the coordination of the local response will be through emergency management with the Hazardous Materials officials as the prime partner leading the operation.

Besides boat owners having to move their boats, another serious concern is the environmental impact of the spill. The coastline and waters will need to be cleaned up and what about our precious wildlife that will be affected?
We will always keep you posted!
Have a great day and enjoy!