MIAMI (AP) - Government scientists are surveying the Gulf of
Mexico to determine if oil from a massive spill off Louisiana has
entered a powerful current that could take it to Florida.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Administrator
Jane Lubchenco says aerial surveys show some tendrils of light oil
close to or already in the loop current, which circulates in the
Gulf and takes water south to the Florida Keys and the Gulf Stream.
But most oil is dozens of miles away from the current.
Lubchenco says it will take about eight to 10 days after oil
enters the current before it begins to reach Florida.
But scientists from the University of South Florida are
forecasting it could reach Key West by Sunday.
Twenty tar balls found off Key West on Monday are being tested
to see if they came from the spill.

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