Clearwater mayor gets firsthand look at oil spill effects

Clearwater mayor Frank Hibbard took a boat tour to get a firsthand look at the effects of the oil spill on the Gulf and the threats facing Florida's tourism industry.

Hibbard spent two days in Louisiana with a group of mayors from around the country observing how crews are battling the oil mess.

"They are utilizing all of the assets in the area, all the fisherman, the shrimpers, and their boats are very adaptable to exactly the task they're undertaking right now as far as skimming water and posting booms all around the marshland of the louisiana coast," Hibbard said.

Despite the efforts, the environmental damage Hibbard witnessed was tremendous.

Hibbard took photos from his trip in which the booms that are usually white have turned black from soaking up the oil.

"They've been a little bit slow to get some of the resources and some of the marshlands on the outer perimeter already have oil," Hibbard said.

The group of mayors spent time at the Coast Guard Command Center and met with local officials. They also spoke with fishermen who are now working as cleanup crews.

"It's sad to see that that way of life for them may be gone for a decade or more," Hibbard said.

The mayor will share his experiences with the Clearwater City Council and other local officials.

Hibbard said the U.S. Conference of Mayors is trying to put together a task force to address the oil issue. He was one of only two mayors from Florida on this trip to the Gulf.