Dauphin Island moves forward from spill

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WALA) - Justin Ishee is starting a new business venture on Dauphin Island. He wants to open a store that would sell concessoins, beach chairs, and amenities on the pier on the main beach. It's a good sign, a sign of progress.

Two years ago today, things were a little different.

"I don't think I immediately recognized what was yet to come," said Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier.

Collier said nothing could have prepared for what happened that summer. He said he finally starting seeing things look better when the one year anniversary of the oil spill came, and it continues to improve.

"Looking back over the two years certainly where we are today is closer to where we'd like to be. I think the island has bounced back well. Tourism is up, people are coming back to the beaches," Collier said.

Collier said he still has contact with BP, especially the cleanup crews assigned to the island. He said his fear is not knowing what's still out there. He said however, he actually is looking forward to these anniversaries, year after year.

"The further we get away from the actual disaster, things will continue to get better," Collier said.