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BP is giving 30 million dollars to seven panhandle counties hardest hit by last year’s oil spill.

The money will begin flowing in two weeks. It will be used to attract tourists to panhandle beaches. State Representative Jimmy Patronis says BP will keep an eye on how the money I spent, so it better be spent wisely.

“BP is going to hold us accountable. Those dollars will need to be used and good for marketing efforts to make sure the entire region moves past this terrible stigma that we’ve inherited,” said Patronis.

The money goes to the Northwest Florida Tourism Council. The council represents Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, and Franklin Counties. Today’s announcement brings the total of money given to Florida for advertising to 62 million dollars.