Since news of the tragic explosion that prompted one of the worst man-made disasters in history first broke, Santa Rosa County residents have been watching, waiting and quietly anticipating the effects of the catastrophe.

Now, two full months after the initial explosion and just weeks after the first sign of oil began washing up local beaches, Santa Rosa County officials have launched a formal investigation into just how the tragedy is affecting residents' everyday lives.

Last week, the county offered up the first sanctioned survey designed to assess the physiological and psychological impact of the oil spill.

"Obviously, we know this has had a profound effect on our residents," said Daniel Hahn, emergency management plans chief for Santa Rosa County, "so, a survey like this will help us to find out who needs what, and where."

 

For more on this story, see the July 1 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.