BP opens first claims office in Tampa Bay area

BP set up a claims office in Clearwater over the weekend, its first in the Tampa Bay area. The storefront at 2551 Drew St. is the oil giant's 12th claims office in Florida and one of 35 in states affected by the oil spill, according to its website. BP said it will spend in excess of the federal government's requirement of $75 million to reimburse businesses that suffered losses. The company suggests visitors first call 1-800-440-0858 to get a claim number. The office is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is available to all Tampa Bay area residents or businesses. Claims can also be made online at bp.com/claims.