State pulls restrictions on Gulf fishing

TALLAHASSEE - Florida is reopening Gulf waters off Escambia County for the harvesting of saltwater fish.

The 23-mile stretch was closed June 14 to fishing, but the restriction never affected clams, oysters or mussels.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved the reopening after lab tests proved local fish safe and oil-free. The sampling and analysis were overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.

The change, announced late Friday, was scheduled to take effect just after midnight Saturday morning.

The reopened area spans from the Alabama state line to the Pensacola Beach water tower, up to nine nautical miles from the shoreline.

Shrimp and crab harvesting is still not allowed in the area, pending additional tests.