Clean-up resumes after storm jolts Gulf

PENSACOLA, Florida (WALA) - Now that tropical storm Alex has moved inland, BP clean-up workers are back on the job on Pensacola Beach. The beaches actually looks a whole lot better than they did earlier in the week, but hotel owners don't think it's enough to save their Fourth of July weekend.

Now that the storms have cleared and the Gulf is calming down, crews are out cleaning again. Skimmers are not far from the shore and workers are everywhere.

"It's discouraging to still see so much out there, but it is hopeful they've been able to clean so much up," said tourist, Kim Abruzzino.

For the past couple days, equipment and clean-up workers have been in this parking lot because of the weather, now they are all at different beaches.

"They've done a pretty decent job of cleaning oil up. In many areas the beach is largely clean. Not that there isn't oil out there, not that there isn't any tarballs in the water, but right now its pretty decent," said Public Safety director, Bob West.

But the fact that crews are out cleaning, and it's starting to look better, probably won't help Fourth of July business a whole lot. Restaurant and business owners say it's the slowest they've ever seen. The beach is mostly empty and most tourists who are here say it's because they are visiting family.

All in all, a less than festive Fourth of July weekend is underway.

"There's just something about not being able to go in the water when you are at beach," said Abruzzino.

The Hilton and Holiday Inn reported business was down 25 percent from last year. Restaurants say it feels like they are in the winter months.