gulf coast celebrating the weekend with far fewer visitors. many tourists scared off by the oil tainted beaches. ron mott, with a happy fourth to you, how do things look now? reporter: alex, good morning. happy fourth of july to you. workers behind me are out there picking up the tar balls that washed ashore. a minimal amount we should report. usually this beach attracts a sea of people. because of the concern and uncertainty about the oil out there in the sea, a lot of folks chose to stay away. reporter: at the new margaritaville hotel on pensacola beach, they ve gotten the party started. for many businesses here this july 4th weekend, the mood s less festive. flags are out in force, if only the tourists were. compared to last year, the beach scene this holiday is noticeably quieter. normally clogged streets are showinging lots of open pavement.