Oil ObserversGina Durell (left), Island Durell, and Linda Harrison stand at the edge of thick pools of oil on Pensacola Beach, Florida (see map), on Wednesday.A popular stretch of sand for beachgoers was closed Thursday after oil washed ashore from the ongoing Gulf of Mexico oil spill, according to the Associated Press.Florida Governor Charlie Crist saw the mats of sticky goo firsthand Thursday, telling the Miami Herald, "It's pretty ugly. There's no question about it."(See "Gulf Oil Spill Worst in U.S. History.")Since the April 20 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, millions of gallons of crude have gushed into the Gulf. Some of that oil has gotten caught up in a powerful loop current that propels the oil toward Florida.

Photograph by Michael Spooneybarger, AP

Pictures: Gulf Oil Coats Popular Florida Beach

Thick pools of oil washed ashore on Pensacola Beach Wednesday, prompting officials to close a stretch of the famous white sands, according to news reports.

June 26, 2010