Clearwater, Dunedin Sue BP

Clearwater and Dunedin have filed lawsuits in U.S. Distrcit Court, seeking millions in damages due to the Deepwater oil spill in 2010, according to the Tampa Bay Times

Clearwater lists BP and its contractors – Halliburton and Transocean – as defendants.

Both Clearwater and Dunedin are not claiming loss due to oil washing ashore but from economic hardship as tourists stayed away.

In making its claim Clearwater, describes tourism as the "primary economic driver for the city," according to the Tampa Bay Times. Dunedin notes the outdoor recreation, including fishing and boating, that draw visitors to the city.

The two north Pinellas cities' lawsuits are among 60 filed Friday, April 19, in Louisiana by the law firm Motley Rice, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The flurry of filings occurred, as the third anniversary of the spill nears and claimants reached a deadline to sue.

Lou Kwall, filing for Clearwater, said: "It was the fear factor," referring to the tourists who stayed away, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Dunedin has estimated its loss at $8.8. million, while Clearwater had sought $20 million when both municipalities earlier demanded a settlement with BP, which the oil company did not respond to.

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