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As the anniversary of the worst oil spill in US history approaches many coastal businesses are still hurting. Along with the oil came a stigma that scared tourists away from Florida and forced some businesses to close or downsize. As Whitney Ray tells us, it’s been a slow recovery.

Just weeks before oil began gushing into the Gulf of Mexico Jimmy Mosconis expanded his business.

He built a new bait and tackle shop at his fishing lodge. Then business dropped more than 20 percent as news of the worst oil spill in US history began to dominate the airwaves.

“The oil spill just really threw a lot of people on their heels last year. A lot of people,” said Jimmy.

Jimmy filed a claim with BP last year. They’ve yet to pay.

Spring break provided a boost for businesses along Florida’s gulf coast… But things are a long way from normal. Some people are still afraid to eat seafood caught in these waters.

Not Brownie Parkman. The fishing guide caught two Monday. His business dropped off 40 percent after the spill. Things are still slow.

“Cancelations were on the books and they just decided not to take the risk of getting oiled on,” said Parkman.

The oil didn’t keep Irl Long away last year. He’s back again and ready to eat his catch.

“Been eating a bunch of them since the oil spill and I haven’t noticed any difference,” said Irl.

Lawsuits from the state and people who lost business in the spill are still a possibility… Whether or not things get that far will depend largely on how much BP is willing to pay. Tomorrow Governor Rick Scott will tour parts of the panhandle and talk to business owners still feeling the effects of the oil spill.