Barbara A. Lewis - Artist/Naturalist

I told myself that when I added a blog to my art website that I would focus on nature, wildlife and art subjects and not get into politics and news of the day. However, as everyone is well aware of, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is too disturbing to ignore. Like my fellow Floridians and residents of the gulf states I have been shocked, outraged and saddened by the continuing nightmare that has plagued our states since the Deepwater Horizon exploded and sank. The massive amounts of oil spewing, the botched attempts at stopping it, the sickening cleanup is impacting our lives and environment in unprecedented ways.

I remember all too well the horrifying images of oil-soaked shores and birds when the Exxon Valdez disaster occurred. It was surreal and terrifying and the aftermath is still being felt. I cannot imagine what the gulf oil spill will cost us in wildlife, loss of habitat and ruined lives. Or the decades it will take to clean it up AFTER the well is finally sealed.

It is easy to become overwhelmed when facing such disasters, but as Floridians, we are already well versed in recovery from hurricanes, but we have never faced anything of these proportions. But I also know that each of us will roll up our sleeves and work tirelessly to preserve and reclaim our shores. We are a tough bunch of folks down here and pitch in whenever and wherever help is needed.

When the disaster first struck, one of our frontline wildlife rescue groups, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary immediately started taking in supplies for the cleanup and their efforts are ongoing. And that is just one organization ready and willing to help. Whatever you can afford, donate, or volunteer to do in your area is most appreciated. I know that there are people working daily to clean up the beaches in record setting hot temperatures up north of us in the panhandle and the other states. This will take a very long time to clean up and will leave a painful legacy, but we each can do our part and make a difference.