‘JUST TO BRIGHTEN UP THEIR SPIRITS': Destin duo whips up breakfast for captains hunting oil

Greg Reidinger and Jerry Turner have felt adrift and landlocked, wondering how they can contribute to the efforts of oil cleanup on the Gulf.

On Thursday morning, they gave it a shot.

After awaking at about 3 a.m., Reidinger and Turner prepared dozens of sausage, egg and cheese biscuits and five gallons of coffee for the captains and crew of the vessels of opportunity, whcih our scouring areas offshore for signs of oil. As the seagoers attended the morning safety briefing behind Fisherman’s Wharf, they were greeted with a tailgate full of free breakfast.

“I’m not with a crew,” said Reidinger. “I’m stuck at the dock doin’ nothin’.”

Reidinger is a yacht broker with MarineMax in Destin, and while his profession depends on the salvaging of the Gulf, it has not had the hands-on opportunity to help.

Turner is an avid scuba diver and the founder and owner of Destin-based Advanced Bio-Treatment

“They were hesitant, because they didn’t know why I was out there,” said Reidinger. “But after they saw all the coolers they came over. “

Reidinger said that he was surprised to see that the crews were most appreciative of the water that he provided.

“It’s because of all the stuff they have to wear,” Reidinger said.

The pair said they will likely serve up breakfast again soon.

“It was a good time to say ‘hey’ and tell them to have a good day,” said Reidinger. “We all make a living on the water and we have to help out where we can. We just wanted to brighten up their spirits. I know these guys would rather be fishing.”