Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency in several Panhandle coastal counties because of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Friday's executive order covers Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay and Gulf Counties.
The order says "The resulting oil slick is generally moving in a northerly direction and threatens Florida's coast."
It expires in 60 days unless extended.
The spill imperils hundreds of species of fish, birds and other wildlife along the Gulf Coast, one of the world's richest seafood grounds, teeming with shrimp, oysters and other marine life.
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