Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday that BP is sending a $30 million grant to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council (NWFTC) to help lure visitors to that region -- an area hit hard by the Gulf oil spill last year.

“I’m pleased that BP is doing the right thing, and I’m optimistic that with the assistance of this grant, the world will know that Florida’s beaches are as beautiful as ever and open for business,” said Scott. “However, this is just one small step on the road to recovery, and I’m going to continue to hold BP accountable to the Floridians and businesses that lost millions of dollars because of the oil spill.

“This grant will help the counties hardest hit by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill,” insisted Scott at a media event in Tallahassee Monday. “The funds will allow each county the flexibility to customize advertising and a marketing program to their market customers.

“It’s very important that we get the tourism season going well. It’s a very small step on the road to recovery, but I’m very optimistic it’s going to happen,” added Scott. “All of us want to make sure we hold them (BP) accountable. They want to do the right thing.”


Said NWFTC Chairwoman Dawn Moliterno, "On behalf of the tourism council, we want to thank BP for helping to ensure Northwest Florida returns to its previous state and continuing to support this region's economic recovery. This grant is over and above what is being allocated through the claims process. We believe this additional marketing push will be just what Northwest Florida needs to create that share of voice to showcase that our beaches are as beautiful as ever.”

The funds will extend to the NWFTC for three years. The NWFTC covers Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties.

“BP is very pleased to be working cooperatively with Governor Scott and the state on this road from response to restoration,” said Luke Keller, an executive vice president leading BP‘s Gulf Coast restoration efforts. “The agreement we have signed is a further example of BP's commitment to doing what is in the best interest of the state and the people of Florida. Today's announcement brings BP's commitment to Florida to $82 million for tourism and seafood testing and marketing.

“One of the things we recognize is how important tourism is to the economy in Florida, especially here in the Northwest part of Florida where there was direct impact form the oil spill,” Keller noted at the media event. “All the anecdotal evidence that we see says that we’re off to a good start (to the tourism season).”

Political leaders weighed in on Monday after the announcement. 

“Almost a year has passed since the tragic Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and true to the committed and hard-working nature of Floridians, our state has bounced back,” insisted state CFO Jeff Atwater. “Florida is open for business, and these funds will help get the word out. Come see the most beautiful beaches in the world, swim in our crystal-clear waters and enjoy some fresh Florida seafood.

“Although many of our state’s businesses who suffered tremendous losses still await their claims to be paid from Mr. Feinberg, the announcement of these marketing funds will help draw tourists back to our state and help our business owners gear up for the summer season,” added Atwater.


Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com and Gray Rohrer at grohrer@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.