Due to heavy winds and seas, tar balls and oil product were washing ashore along South Walton Co Florida. Some of the oil product was similar to what was found last winter (2011) in that it was like a slate or harder type of material and was varied in color- beige, rust or tan. The tar balls were in three colors- brown, dark brown and a back hue as well.
There was also a tremendous amount of peat and coal type substances all over the beach as well. Due to extreme erosion of the coastline, these ancient outcroppings are prevalent along the Florida panhandle and often look like a tarmat or due to the staining of the water-might look like oil just offshore.
Clean up crews were present and the USCG responded in a timely measure and for that we are grateful.