Tourism Remains Strong In Spite of Spill
Despite fears that the oil spill would negatively affect tourism to the Alabama Coast, reservations are strong for Memorial Day weekend. In fact, they have been picking up, according to the Alabama Department of Tourism.
A month has passed since the spill, and so far Alabama's beaches have not yet seen the sheen of oil on the horizon. As of now, no beaches have been closed due to the slick; stay tuned to local news stations carried by DISH Network for updates.
Tourism dollars typically near $2 billion on the Gulf Shores, and market experts predict that damage to the entire region's tourism industry will exceed $750 million. BP is giving Alabama an additional $15 million on top of the initial $25 million they have been awarded. The bulk of this money will be used on travel and tourism promotions.
Etowah County Being Swept Clean
Ten law enforcement agencies, including the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Unit, FBI and U.S. Marshals Service joined forces to reduce felony crime warrants in the county. The majority of warrants being served are felony narcotics, burglary and miscellaneous other crimes.
In a sweep that netted at least 70 arrests, more than 90 warrants in Etowah County have been cleared. Dubbed “Operation RECON” (Ridding Etowah County of Narcotics), the program started with 154 individuals wanted on more than 200 warrants. Individuals who are aware there are warrants against them are strongly encouraged to turn themselves in at the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office or Drug Enforcement Unit.
It does give peace of mind to know that these criminals are off the streets and behind bars, but it would provide additional peace of mind to have a home security system. There are many options for ADT Home Security, installed in your home.
Here's A List Of Some Of The Top Films From Alabama
Who doesn't love movies, and who doesn't love movies shot in their own home town even more? Everyone likes to let people know that such-and-such movies were filmed in their town, neighborhood, or even house. Here's a look at some of the top films shot in Alabama!
To Kill a Mockingbird, starring Gregory Peck, was shot in Alabama in 1962. It remains one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed films of all time. One of the most elaborate films of all time, Close Encounters of the Third Kind was also shot in Alabama, and remains a sci-fi classic for the ages, and stars French New Wave film director, Francois Truffaut.
Horror films have also had great success in Alabama, including Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Creepshow, and George Romero's Land of the Dead. Alabama has also been home to some huge action films like XXX starring Vin Diesel and Asia Argento, Muderball from 2005, and Executive Decision starring Kurt Russell and Steven Seagal.
You can catch these and many other "Alabama" films on dozens of premium movie channels available from satellite tv, uncut and unedited, just the way they were meant to be seen!
And the Spill Goes On
The effect of the oil slick on the economy is just starting to rear its ugly head, and people are crying for justice. Lawyers have already begun to file class-action lawsuits, with one of our own Alabama Orange Beach restaurants being the latest of what is soon expected to become a colossal line of plaintiffs.
Tacky Jacks Grill & Tavern filed suit on May 7, 2010, accusing BP PLC, Halliburton Energy Services, Transocean, and Cameron International of negligence in the slick that threatens the tourism industry in coastal Alabama. In 2009, tourism to Alabama Gulf Coast region brought in more than $3.2 million.
After suffering hurricanes and economic setbacks, Alabama relies on tourism to the Gulf Coast region. Gulf Coast tourism accounts for 35 percents of tourism revenue and 36 percent of its travel-related employment.
Keep on top of the latest developments by tuning into your local news stations that are a part of your DISH Network package.
Oh Slick, Here It Comes!
The rare Diamondback terrapins that live in the Cedar Point marsh on the Alabama coast may soon be even more threatened if the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico reaches home. There are about 100 to 150 of these little guys living in the marsh just north of Dauphin Island.
UAB scientists have been working to save the aquatic reptiles since 2004. Turtle populations have been decimating since about a century ago, when humans started to hunt them to be sold to restaurants that made them into a pricey turtle soup. Then, the estimated Diamondback population was 10,000; today, there are a mere estimated 500 left statewide.
The oil slick, the result of an oil rig exploding and sinking off of the Louisiana coast, could reach shore by Friday, with the greatest distribution reaching Mississippi and Louisiana. Scientists hope that the marsh will be protected by fresh water coming downriver into Mobile Bay, thereby keeping the slick offshore.
To keep up on continuing developments regarding the oil slick, tune into your local news channels which are included with in DISH Network packages.
