Hands Across the Sand-Join us to stop near shore Oil Drilling In Florida Waters

**jodiFL** · 10-22-2009, 08:10 PM

I guess it would be ok for me to send a link of the site to various news organizations throughout the Florida/Gulf coast area to inform others that might be interested in joining, right? Maybe some environmental groups? A few elected officials? (FL and DC?)

**GoodWitch58** · 10-23-2009, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by jodiFL

joined and posted link on FB. If by chance someone gets some posters printed please let me know and I will be happy to post them in area businesses.

Me too. I will post them at Gulf Coast Community College; will also link this to the College website.
Great job, Dave and everyone who contributed. We can make a difference.

**Dave Rauschkolb** · 10-24-2009, 05:56 AM

I was interviewed by the NWFL daily news last week and have sent press releases out to the major Florida Newspapers.

As the news outlets pick it up I suspect this site will be seen by a lot of people.

Our chain of hands is growing VERY quickly

Originally Posted by jodiFL

I guess it would be ok for me to send a link of the site to various news organizations throughout the Florida/Gulf coast area to inform others that might be interested in joining, right? Maybe some environmental groups? A few elected officials? (FL and DC?)

**Dave Rauschkolb** · 10-24-2009, 07:47 AM

To: Senator Don Gaetz
From: Dave Rauschkolb

Dear Senator Gaetz,

I hope you are enjoying this crisp fall weather. The Seaside Homeowners weekend was wonderful; sorry you were not able to make it this year. It was a perfect day for the annual Homeowners Brunch at Bud & Alley's; sunny and beautiful. The meeting was actually over in an hour; a first in my memory.

As you know, I have worked as a community leader along Scenic 30-A in preserving the beauty, natural integrity and character of our local community. I am equally passionate about preserving our coastal legacy of pure white sand and clear, emerald green waters.

I have begun a movement to encourage our Florida Legislators from passing a bill allowing for Oil drilling as close a 3 miles from our white sand beaches; it is called Hands Across the Sand. I ask that you take a few moments to look at our website. Hands Across The Sand | A gathering of citizens of Florida to prevent near shore oil drilling in Florida's coastal waters.

I would greatly appreciate your support in bringing our movement to the attention of your constituents and would be proud to display your endorsement on our website. From your recent letter, I understand your wanting to wait and study any bill but I sincerely hope you will join us sooner than later in saying no to oil drilling in our state waters. It has come to my understanding that Durell Peaden (R) of Crestview is on record as saying he would not vote for this bill. State GOP senators skeptical on offshore oil drilling - St. Petersburg Times

I informed the Seaside Homeowners and Rosemary Beach Homeowners of the Legislators efforts to pass this oil bill and told them of our movement. The event is planned for February 13, President's Day weekend. If there is a special session we will be releasing an earlier date in a moment's notice. The simplicity of the event makes it very easy to execute on a statewide level at any time.

Senator Gaetz, please join hands with me in drawing a line in the sand against Oil drilling. Our coastal legacy is at stake. I would love to tell you in detail of our efforts is you wish. I may be reached at 850-865-1061.

Very respectfully and sincerely,

Dave Rauschkolb

Hands Across The Sand is growing.

A gathering of Floridian's of all walks of life and political
affiliations is about to happen. Floridian's drawing human lines in
the sand against recent legislation proposed to allow for Oil drilling
in Florida's coastal waters.

We plan on creating a gathering of people From Pensacola to Key West and quite
possibly, from Miami to Jacksonville. A growing chain of hands against Oil drilling in our waters.

It's simple. Go to the beach, join hands in defense of our waters, our beaches, our properties, our
businesses, our way of life.

Draw a line in the sand with us against Oil drilling. Our coastal legacy is at stake.

PLEASE GO TO THIS WEB SITE FOR INFORMATION

Hands Across The Sand | A gathering of citizens of Florida to prevent near shore oil drilling in Florida's coastal waters.

**GoodWitch58** · 10-26-2009, 11:27 AM

good story--'way to go, Dave!
Restaurant owner to protest proposed oil drilling | restaurant, drilling, seaside - News - Northwest Florida Daily News

"� so I think it�s time that Floridians stood up and let them know that we don�t agree with this,� Raushkolb emphasized.

Opposition to the bill crosses party lines, Raushkolb said.

**jodiFL** · 10-26-2009, 11:39 AM

I never thought that it would be Crist to try to push this thing through at the end of his term. (He isnt planning on running again.) I always thought it would be Jeb.

**Dave Rauschkolb** · 10-26-2009, 03:58 PM

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA <info@newsserviceflorida.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Subject: (SEA)GRASSROOTS EFFORT STARTS AGAINST DRILLING
To:

Immediate, Continual Updates at
News Service of Florida - State Government Reporting

(SEA)GRASSROOTS EFFORT STARTS AGAINST DRILLING

By JOHN KENNEDY
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Oct. 26, 2009......A Seaside restaurateur said Monday he wants thousands of Floridians to hit the beaches to fight offshore oil-drilling along the state�s Gulf coast.

Dave Rauschkolb, owner of Bud and Alley�s and two other beachside restaurants in the Panhandle resort town, has launched an effort dubbed Hands Across the Sand, which is emerging as the first grassroots opposition to the oil-drilling effort led by Florida Energy Associates, a group of independent oil producers.

Rauschkolb�s goal is to get Floridians to hold hands and literally form a line in the sand to oppose drilling.

The demonstration is planned for Feb. 13 � the Saturday of Presidents� Day weekend. Rauschkolb said the event will be accelerated if a special legislative session includes drilling before lawmakers are scheduled to convene in March.

Among the early supporters is former Sen. Jack Latvala, a Republican looking to return to the chamber he left through term limits in 2002. Latvala has promised to organize the Pinellas County protest in February.

�We�ve got 26 miles of beaches in Pinellas County,� Latvala said. �We don�t have a lot of money to hire PR firms or spread it around Florida. But we�re going to have a lot of bodies on the beaches, and I think that�ll say something.�

�I think it will send a very strong visual message,� said Rauschkolb. �I don�t believe that a majority of Floridians want to have oil rigs off our coast. If we get people out, it will show that.�

Rauschkolb developed a website - Hands Across The Sand | A gathering of citizens of Florida to prevent near shore oil drilling in Florida's coastal waters. - to get word out about the event.

Florida Energy Associates has drawn support in the House for drilling, where a measure was approved 70-43 last spring that could allow drilling as close as three miles offshore.

But the Senate refused to take up the proposal, which would have given the governor and Cabinet authority to lift the current ban on offshore drilling in exchange for Florida getting a share of future royalties from below the Gulf floor.

The Senate remains a tough sell. Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, has said he is uncertain about taking up the issue at all next spring � although the House is expected to push hard for action.

Future House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, is leading the drilling drive, helping galvanize House Republicans behind the idea. But a rising number of Gulf Coast cities, counties and local chambers of commerce recently have approved resolutions opposing drilling.

Florida Energy Associates currently has enlisted 31 lobbyists and spent $234,000 on its push last spring, according to lobbyist disclosure reports. Since then, the Daytona Beach-based organization has steered $40,000 to the Florida Republican Party and $30,000 to Florida Democrats, campaign finance reports show.

The pro-drilling side says the money drawn from leases is desperately needed to replace the billions of dollars in federal stimulus money that has sustained Florida�s recession-ravaged budget, but which is on track to disappear next year.

Supporters also point out that drilling has been going on off neighboring Gulf states since the 1940s, mostly without serious accidents.

�There is a vocal minority out there opposed to oil exploration in the Gulf,� said Barney Bishop, president of Associated Industries of Florida, the influential business organization helping spearhead support for drilling. �The opposition is certainly entitled to be heard. But they�re not entitled to overrule the majority,� he added.

Rauschkolb�s organizing effort, though, shows that many along the usually politically conservative Panhandle are wary of steps that could threaten the region�s economy, which is anchored by tourism and military interests. Elements of both sectors have voiced concerns about the threat drilling poses to area beaches.

Dave Pleat, a Democrat challenging Republican Rep. Marti Coley of Marianna, who supported drilling legislation last spring, helped prompt Rauschkolb�s activism after the pair spoke earlier this month at a campaign event.

�It�s bad for our economy and bad for our environment,� Pleat said. �There�s no upside to oil-drilling � and I�m a pretty conservative businessman.�

--END--
10/26/2009

Independent and Indispensable

News Service of Florida - State Government Reporting

**Dave Rauschkolb** · 10-26-2009, 04:00 PM

"Hands" interview on News Channel 7, Panama City tonight at 6:00

**Miss Critter** · 10-26-2009, 04:49 PM

A thought: The number of voters along the coast here is minimal compared to the number of property owners, who would no doubt see their property values decline precipitously with near shore drilling. Although they are not voters, they do pay property taxes and would have much to lose with passage of this bill. Might it help the cause to inform them of this possibility and provide them with local politicians' contact info to voice their dissent? Do you think local rental agencies and/or property management companies would assist with email notifications of what's being proposed with link to the "hands" site?

**jodiFL** · 10-26-2009, 05:26 PM

Hehehe... I am sooo glad to see this taking off so fast. I sat here in front of my comp, doing the copy/paste thing for only about 2 hours on Thursday night. Tried to email a link to most of the larger print/tv organizations along the gulf coast telling them we would like for this to become a state wide event. (just hope they get read and not sent to a spam box.)
PS... from what I read (while doing the research for people to send the link to) the person/s we need to worry about are Cannon and Atwater... please dont hesitate to contact them with your concerns. Maybe if they get enough negative emails they will reconsider their positions on this subject.

**jodiFL** · 10-26-2009, 05:45 PM

From C.Hiaasen (miamiherald)............

Florida Energy Associates wants to assure you that their members -- whoever they are -- would never do anything to foul the beaches, poison the marine life and scare off tourists.
In Tallahassee, the two biggest cheerleaders for offshore drilling are both Republicans. Mike Haridopolos of Indialantic is the future Senate president, and Dean Cannon of Winter Park is the future House speaker.
That's fabulous news for the oil companies, but there's more. (for some real irony ...take a read of this jokers site..http://www.senatormike.com/index.php/static/issues scroll down to the energy/environment part...
One of the lobbyists hired by Florida Energy Associates is Claudia Diaz de la Portilla, who's married to Senate Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla, a Miami Republican.
Last month, Alex was named chairman of the Senate's energy, environment and land-use committee, meaning he is positioned to influence any legislation that repeals or weakens the current ban on offshore drilling.
It's not just an inside joke. A senator who will play a key role in the outcome of the oil-exploration controversy is sleeping with a lobbyist for the oil companies.
In a place where ethics actually mattered, this would be denounced as a flagrant conflict of interest. Not in Florida.

The names of the ones with the power have been posted... lets get on them...

**Grayton Girl** · 10-26-2009, 07:52 PM

**Jdarg** · 10-26-2009, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by Grayton Girl

Whoa!!!!!

**Imatrucountrygirl** · 10-26-2009, 10:40 PM

awesome.. picture...

Originally Posted by Grayton Girl

**30A Skunkape** · 10-26-2009, 10:43 PM

Sign code violation.
Walking on the dunes violation.
Parking on the dunes violation.
Hating on Houston Oilers logo violation.
Bring purell to the hand holdathon.

**Mango** · 10-26-2009, 11:39 PM

Lawmakers' love affair with Big Oil - Columnists - MiamiHerald.com

The mystery group trying to repeal Florida's ban on offshore oil drilling is winning converts the old-fashioned way, deploying a battalion of lobbyists and throwing campaign money at state legislators.
Florida Energy Associates, which is basically a front for Big Oil, has already donated about $125,000 to the two major political parties. Nobody turned down a dime, even though the firm won't reveal which oil and gas companies it represents.

That's what makes our legislators so special. They happily sell out without even knowing who's buying them.
Florida Energy Associates has hired about three dozen big-name lobbyists to peddle the idea that drilling in the Gulf of Mexico is perfectly safe, and that it will bring jobs, prosperity and a $2.25 billion annual boost to the state budget.

That dollar prediction is pure fiction, exceeding by sevenfold the maximum yearly drilling revenues from Alabama and Texas combined. But wildcatters are nothing if not optimists.
If you happen to live near a coast, and the majority of Floridians do, the notion of erecting scores of gas and oil derricks in a prime hurricane pathway might seem reckless, especially after what happened to the shorelines of Louisiana and Mississippi when Katrina struck.

Florida Energy Associates wants to assure you that their members -- whoever they are -- would never do anything to foul the beaches, poison the marine life and scare off tourists.
In Tallahassee, the two biggest cheerleaders for offshore drilling are both Republicans. Mike Haridopolos of Indialantic is the future Senate president, and Dean Cannon of Winter Park is the future House speaker.
That's fabulous news for the oil companies, but there's more.

One of the lobbyists hired by Florida Energy Associates is Claudia Diaz de la Portilla, who's married to Senate Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla, a Miami Republican.
Last month, Alex was named chairman of the Senate's energy, environment and land-use committee, meaning he is positioned to influence any legislation that repeals or weakens the current ban on offshore drilling.
It's not just an inside joke. A senator who will play a key role in the outcome of the oil-exploration controversy is sleeping with a lobbyist for the oil companies.
In a place where ethics actually mattered, this would be denounced as a flagrant conflict of interest. Not in Florida.
Sen. Diaz de la Portilla says he won't recuse himself from the drilling issue because he's open-minded, and he doesn't always vote on the side of his wife's clients.
And while the income she's receiving from Florida Energy Associates presumably benefits the whole family, including her hubbie, we're being asked to believe it won't affect his stance in the drilling debate.
Maybe that's true, but the appearance sure looks bad.

Last spring, the GOP-controlled House voted largely along party lines to end the drilling ban. That bill would have empowered the governor and Cabinet to take bids from energy firms seeking to put drilling platforms as close as three miles from shore.
The measure died in the Senate, where some of the toughest opposition came from other Republicans who weren't swayed by the oil-and-gas lobby's late-session blitz.
Those lawmakers remain skeptical today, and stand as the main bulwark against opening up Florida's offshore waters to energy development. Sen. Durell Peaden of Crestview, who once worked for Texaco, told reporters: ``Once you ruin those beaches, they're ruined forever.''
In 2010, the biggest problem facing Big Oil in Tallahassee is Senate President Jeff Atwater, a Republican from North Palm Beach. He's been unmoved by recent polls -- some paid for by energy interests -- suggesting that Floridians are increasingly open to the prospect of offshore drilling.
Atwater says the subject isn't on the Senate agenda for next year's session, and he wants an independent analysis of the potential risks and benefits before moving ahead.
And while Atwater currently holds life-or-death power over most legislation, Big Oil can afford to be patient. Atwater is running for state chief financial officer, and in any event the senate presidency is slated to go to the pro-drilling Haridopolos in 2011.
When that happens, maybe the faces of Florida Energy Associates will finally peek out of the shadows. If the vote looks to be narrow, they can always pull the Diaz de la Portilla gambit.
Hire the spouses of reluctant legislators to do some one-on-one ``lobbying.''

**Andy A** · 10-27-2009, 11:13 AM

I would like to issue a challenge to all those who are computer illiterate as I am.
The "talking telephone book" lists the numbers of all our House Representatives and Senators.
Please take a few minutes to call them and express your views on drilling of the Gulf Coast of Florida as I did today. If I had the numbers of those cited in the above articles, I would have called them as well.
I realize that some will say it will do no good but it certainly can do no harm.
Here are the numbers listed in our present directory:
House of Representatives:
District 1 Evers, Greg 983-5550
District 4 Sansom, Ray 833-3928
District 5 Drake, Brad 892-8431
District 7 Coley, Marti 718-0047
Senate:
District 2 Peaden,Durell Jr.689-0556
District 4 Gaetz, Don 897-5747
Go SoWal!!!

**jodiFL** · 10-27-2009, 12:01 PM

DEAN CANNON
850-488-2742
407-623-5740
(407) 647-2501

Claudia Diaz de la Portilla

Mailing Address:
150 S Monroe St Ste 206
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone Number:
850/224-1002

Mike Haridopolos

District Office:
3270 Suntree Boulevard
Suite 122
Melbourne, FL 32940
(321) 752-3131

Tallahassee Office:
420 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
(850) 487-5056

Email:
haridopolos.mike.web@
flsenate.gov

Alex Diaz de la Portilla

District Office:
1481 NW 22nd Street
Miami, FL 33142-7741
(305) 643-7200
FAX (305) 643-7202

Tallahassee Office:
330 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
(850) 487-5109

**jodiFL** · 10-27-2009, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

Sign code violation.
Walking on the dunes violation.
Parking on the dunes violation.
Hating on Houston Oilers logo violation.
Bring purell to the hand holdathon.

Correct unless it is a privately owned lot and said owner allowed this or erected it themself.

**murphrg** · 10-27-2009, 02:08 PM

It is nice to see that this community can jump to it at a moments notice for environmental purposes. I remember well the efforts we put out with the "Trust" working tirelessly to protect the State Forest lands from development, (I don't know we have won that one yet). I have a few contrary ideas on this one though. There is an amazing amount of misinformation that gets passed around as fact in this internet age, and often it gets so distorted that people act on it as if it were absolute fact. There are many facts regarding the effort to allow drilling in the offshore areas of Florida that are totally ignored and may cause us in rushing into erecting protests that are not pertinent.
Fact:
The targets for POTENTIAL drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico are the Jurassic Norphlet formation, 200 million year old sand dunes. This formation produces off Mobile Bay and is at a depth of over 25,000' there. These wells cost in the neighborhood of $100 million to drill. The projection of that trend eastward would put it over 60 miles out, undetectable from our beaches, and in a high temperature and pressure environment which in plain physics could only produce Gas.
Fact:
There is an enormous "Resource" play going on in the interior parts of the US that has unlocked an enormous amounts of natural gas previously thought to be unproducible. This gas is a clean burning fuel that hopefuly will displace some very expensive imported oil. Some estimates are in the order of 100 years of reserves at current rates of consumption, making the economics of drilling 5 miles down for gas very questionable.
Fact:
The moratorium on drilling in the eastern gulf has extended all the way to the Canadian border on the east coast. There is development of gas fields in the Areas of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The US has no idea what we have out there as no remote sensing of geophysical surveys have been performed since 1975.
Fact:
Cuba is leasing blocks of its offshore to foreign governments to evaluate its northern coast. South Florida already has oil fields on the west coast in the "Sunniland Formation", a Cretaceous limestone about 100 million years old.. There is a very good chance that additional hydrocarbons could be found off the west coast of southern Florida.
I can't help but feel we are preaching from a fragile pulpit when you project images of oil spills and rigs in the surf, ignoring the excellent environmental record of the last two decades when we have tough environmental laws with sharp teeth, and the courage to enforce them. When the price of gasoline reaches $5 a gallon and the weekly visitors that support most of our economy do not appear who are we going to blame? The oil companies!

I am a Professional Geologist licensed in Florida having been in the area since 1980, I have worked in the Oil and Gas business as well as in the environmental side both as a volunteer and as a professional and have sat quietly for a long time here watching ignorance of coastal geological processes lead to "Beach Renourishment " insanity, and the building on top of primary dunes and then being surprised by erosion. It occurs to me this fanatical response to drilling offshore is not our immediate need in South Walton. The need of the panhandle region for a stable economy that can survive the ups and downs of the tourist industry and offer jobs more rewarding than cleaning houses and bussing tables to our youths and allow them to live here as professionals after graduation should be considered with attention to facts rather than fancies.
I really do not believe the offshore drilling effort would impact our area in any event, but we should be considering more than a new Publix as economic development!

**Grayton Girl** · 10-27-2009, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by jodiFL

Correct unless it is a privately owned lot and said owner allowed this or erected it themself.

Which is exactly what happened. My sign, my land, my opinion.

Don't any of you vigilantes take this sign down!!

**jodiFL** · 10-27-2009, 02:39 PM

The projection of that trend eastward would put it over 60 miles out

If that is the case the new legislation would not be necessary since the current moratorium only bans near shore drilling. They want to have the option to drill within 3 miles of our beaches and that is not acceptable.
And the platform on the previous page traveled about 65 miles before reaching Dauphin Island.

**murphrg** · 10-27-2009, 03:45 PM

That was not a platform, it was a drilling jack-up rig storm waves were obviously very large, and if you were here for Opal you would have seen cars, trucks, and wrecks washed up on the beach here. Other storms have washed up military drones and ordinance on these beaches as well. I'm not saying there are no risks in this life, or that I am for drilling within 3 miles of our beach. But you can still realize there are two sides to the discussion, and the problems are not easy ignore for either possition.

**scooterbug44** · 10-27-2009, 04:03 PM

Murphg -
It's great to hear from someone who knows about/is involved in the issue we are discussing, but if what you say is true, I don't understand why these companies are pushing for this legislation.

I think that natural gas has more of a future than oil - especially with ol' T. Boone being so driven in developing and promoting it.

All I know for sure is that drilling offshore in Florida is a HORRIBLE idea that would be a coffin nail for tourism.

**murphrg** · 10-27-2009, 05:53 PM

If you think there will never be drilling off of Florida remember never is a long time. Just think back 18 months ago with high energy prices and people afraid they would freeze in their homes in the winter. It is bigger that just us. I just think it is better to have an energy policy that can be monitored by the US of A and under our laws, than to be in a vacuume of policy and reacting to emergency panic mentality. I think T Boone is absolutely spot on!!

**worldpeaceone** · 10-27-2009, 07:56 PM

Originally Posted by murphrg

If you think there will never be drilling off of Florida remember never is a long time. Just think back 18 months ago with high energy prices and people afraid they would freeze in their homes in the winter. It is bigger that just us. I just think it is better to have an energy policy that can be monitored by the US of A and under our laws, than to be in a vacuume of policy and reacting to emergency panic mentality. I think T Boone is absolutely spot on!!

Beyond the environmental issue is the economic issue. Why place your mulit billion dollar tourist and military economy in jeapordy for a future promise of 2-3 billion a year down the road? 120 billion v. 2? Not a single guarenteed job for Floridians? Texas to benefit but not our State while giving up our most valuable commodity?

**Miss Critter** · 10-27-2009, 08:06 PM

[quote=worldpeaceone;621976]Beyond the environmental issue is the economic issue. Why place your mulit billion dollar tourist and military economy in jeapordy for a future promise of 2-3 billion a year down the road? 120 billion v. 2? Not a single guarenteed job for Floridians? Texas to benefit but not our State while giving up our most valuable commodity?[/quote]

Dead on. Reminds me of this scene from the movie Independence Day:

Gen. Gray: Are you all right?
President Thomas Whitmore: I saw... its thoughts. I saw what they're planning to do. They're like locusts. They're moving from planet to planet... their whole civilization. After they've consumed every natural resource they move on... and we're next. Nuke 'em. Let's nuke the b*stards. <but Dave's idea is probably better

>

**Geo** · 10-27-2009, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by murphrg

It is nice to see that this community can jump to it at a moments notice for environmental purposes. I remember well the efforts we put out with the "Trust" working tirelessly to protect the State Forest lands from development, (I don't know we have won that one yet). I have a few contrary ideas on this one though. There is an amazing amount of misinformation that gets passed around as fact in this internet age, and often it gets so distorted that people act on it as if it were absolute fact. There are many facts regarding the effort to allow drilling in the offshore areas of Florida that are totally ignored and may cause us in rushing into erecting protests that are not pertinent.
Fact:
The targets for POTENTIAL drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico are the Jurassic Norphlet formation, 200 million year old sand dunes. This formation produces off Mobile Bay and is at a depth of over 25,000' there. These wells cost in the neighborhood of $100 million to drill. The projection of that trend eastward would put it over 60 miles out, undetectable from our beaches, and in a high temperature and pressure environment which in plain physics could only produce Gas.
Fact:
There is an enormous "Resource" play going on in the interior parts of the US that has unlocked an enormous amounts of natural gas previously thought to be unproducible. This gas is a clean burning fuel that hopefuly will displace some very expensive imported oil. Some estimates are in the order of 100 years of reserves at current rates of consumption, making the economics of drilling 5 miles down for gas very questionable.
Fact:
The moratorium on drilling in the eastern gulf has extended all the way to the Canadian border on the east coast. There is development of gas fields in the Areas of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. The US has no idea what we have out there as no remote sensing of geophysical surveys have been performed since 1975.
Fact:
Cuba is leasing blocks of its offshore to foreign governments to evaluate its northern coast. South Florida already has oil fields on the west coast in the "Sunniland Formation", a Cretaceous limestone about 100 million years old.. There is a very good chance that additional hydrocarbons could be found off the west coast of southern Florida.

I can't help but feel we are preaching from a fragile pulpit when you project images of oil spills and rigs in the surf, ignoring the excellent environmental record of the last two decades when we have tough environmental laws with sharp teeth, and the courage to enforce them. When the price of gasoline reaches $5 a gallon and the weekly visitors that support most of our economy do not appear who are we going to blame? The oil companies!

I am a Professional Geologist licensed in Florida having been in the area since 1980, I have worked in the Oil and Gas business as well as in the environmental side both as a volunteer and as a professional and have sat quietly for a long time here watching ignorance of coastal geological processes lead to "Beach Renourishment " insanity, and the building on top of primary dunes and then being surprised by erosion. It occurs to me this fanatical response to drilling offshore is not our immediate need in South Walton. The need of the panhandle region for a stable economy that can survive the ups and downs of the tourist industry and offer jobs more rewarding than cleaning houses and bussing tables to our youths and allow them to live here as professionals after graduation should be considered with attention to facts rather than fancies.
I really do not believe the offshore drilling effort would impact our area in any event, but we should be considering more than a new Publix as economic development!

Hi Murphrg,

With all due respect, you don't write like a geologist seeking to interject science and objectivity into the discussion. Below is my interpretation of your post-

You start out citing your concerns that misinformation and the ignoring of facts will cause folks to "[rush] into erecting protests that are not pertinent". Then you provide four "facts" that seem to be completely irrelevant to what we are protesting.

Your first "fact" implies (let me know if I am misreading/misinterpreting your words) that folks have no need to protest because the real target for drilling would actually be 60 miles out and that it wouldn't be oil but rather it would be for a gas. If this was the case, oil companies wouldn't be lobbying our politicians to lift the ban.

Your second "fact" implies (let me know if I am misreading/misinterpreting your words) that folks have no need to protest because recent developments are making it possible for 100 years of natural gas to be accessed thereby making it less likely that drilling would occur for oil because it wouldn't make economic sense. If this was the case, oil companies wouldn't be lobbying our politicians to lift the ban.

Your third "fact" implies (let me know if I am misreading/misinterpreting your words) that folks have no need to protest because there may be massive gas fields northeast of the US near Canada but that we can't be sure because we haven't really explored since the mid 70's. This one left me scratching my head. Are you saying that another reason to support the lifting of the ban on drilling is so that we can go see what is up there near Canada?

Your fourth "fact" implies (let me know if I am misreading/misinterpreting your words) that folks have no need to protest because Cuba is allowing foreign governments to explore and drill near us and you think there might be something to drill for off the Western coast of FL.

Please help me to understand how/why any of these four facts would/should cause any logical person to conclude that we should lift the ban on drilling?

So continuing with my analysis of your post-

In the next section, you went on to say that you feel that when SoWallers post the (actual/undoctored images) of recent oil spills and free floating oil rigs in the ocean that they are "preaching from a fragile pulpit" and "ignoring the excellent environmental record of the last two decades" for offshore drilling. Then you praise our "tough environmental laws" stating that they have "sharp teeth" and that we have the "courage to enforce" them. And you provide some fear mongering in the form of $5 per gallon gas prices which would hurt our local economy by keeping the tourists away.

Then after making the case that your professional background includes working for both the interests of big oil and the environment, you went on to provide your commentary about issues such as Beach Renourishment and the practice of building proximity to dunes.

Next you call our cause- our opposition to offshore drilling a "fanatical response" that is "not our immediate need in South Walton". You provide us with your opinion of our immediate need which is an economy that isn't so reliant on tourism so that our youth can "live here as professionals after graduation".

Then you jabbed Publix! Be careful, brother! You don't want to get banned from enjoying those $1.99 chicken breast specials! haha (I knew I'd find a way to be lighthearted somewhere in here).

Well, that about sums up why you don't sound like an objective geologist to me.

Any odds you will share with us your identity? Perhaps this will enhance your credibility for those with whom you disagree...

Can't wait for your response...

Geo

**Lake View Too** · 10-27-2009, 09:00 PM

Geo: I love your analytical and reasonable responses. From my understanding of the situation, there are already huge known reserves of natural gas in many other locations across the US. The problem isn't in producing vast quantities of natural gas, but the rather overwhelming task of converting our fleet of cars and trucks to that kind of fuel. This certainly won't happen unless the oil companies want it to happen. So don't hold your breath. It doesn't seem the least bit relevant to off-shore drilling in the eastern Gulf. The most important point is the infintesimally small return we might possibly gain from such a huge risk. If anybody thinks off-shore drilling in the eastern Gulf would change the price of gasoline (a world-wide market) they are being extraordinarily naive.

**jjnole04** · 10-27-2009, 10:21 PM

im not so sure that was analytical nor reasonable sounded like reductio ad ridiculum to me

side note: way to go dave not only spearheading a noble cause but got your restaurants name all over the state...double threat guy i like it

perhaps once this is defeated and never to return we can stand up against the oil rigs already pumping oil in big cypress and shut them down

**Geo** · 10-27-2009, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by jjnole04

im not so sure that was analytical nor reasonable sounded like reductio ad ridiculum to me

side note: way to go dave not only spearheading a noble cause but got your restaurants name all over the state...double threat guy i like it

perhaps once this is defeated and never to return we can stand up against the oil rigs already pumping oil in big cypress and shut them down

I took an elementary logic class freshman year too. Shall we break out the "truth tree"?

I invested a lot of time attempting to point out why I believe our geologist friend's post contained invalid arguments and why I believe it was less than objective. If you disagree, show me where and why. Don't just do a drive by.

**jack S** · 10-28-2009, 06:24 AM

Last week at the committee meeting in tally, the "energy people" admitted that drilling will NOT reduce gas prices at all! So you can leave the soaring gas prices arguement out of this.
Senator Gaetz, using typical fear tactic, cites the need to be independent of mideast oil! Ain't gonna happen by drilling!
Who will protect us from the biggest thieves, worse than the mid east. They manipulate minds with lies. They manipulate prices to twist your arm. They manipulate the legislature with the money they steal from us, all the while convincing us its mid east oil's fault. And in the process, they make record profit. Why that would be the big hat, flag waving texas oil men.
Please check nottheanswer.org There is a picture there of starving dolphin due to the australian oil spill.
None of the proponents want to discuss the environment. All compromise is ALWAYS at the expense of the environment!

**GoodWitch58** · 10-28-2009, 06:24 AM

Offshore drilling splits House | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat

"Opponents speak of tar balls washing ashore, hurricanes uprooting even submerged oil pumps and a change of Florida's image from the nation's playground to its utility room. Proponents promise jobs, hundreds of millions in sorely needed tax revenue and an environmentally safe contribution to energy independence.

Public support for some forms of drilling has risen in polls by Associated Industries of Florida since 2006. Last year, aligning with GOP presidential nominee John McCain, Gov. Charlie Crist switched � saying he could support considering drilling that's "far enough, safe enough and clean enough" � and the state House passed a bill that would have allowed the state's Cabinet to grant drilling permits."

**jack S** · 10-28-2009, 06:41 AM

What is "clean enough"? compromise on our environment!!!

**kurt** · 10-28-2009, 07:06 AM

Murph - thanks for adding to the discussion. It is always nice to see the other side, or parts of it. And thanks for your work in preserving public lands in SoWal. I wish our predecessors had posessed the foresight not to build so close to the gulf and the lakes. Hindsight is (nearly) 20/20. I am glad guys like Dave are getting involved so that foresight can be used in this case.

**murphrg** · 10-28-2009, 09:03 AM

My name is Bob Murphy, I live in Grayton. Grew up on the beach in New York where I witnessed what is now the largest “Beach Restoration Project” in the world, (Rockaway Beach), destroyed the vegetation and dunes I grew up on. It was started in 1965 and they are still dredging offshore sediments onto the now dark course grained sand on the beach and have killed all the near shore biota that fed the marine fisheries there. I witnessed the scrapping of the beaches here and the digging of trenches in the shore post Opal with no regard for the permanent damage to the shore. I am a Certified Petroleum Geologist; I am a member of the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, licensed as a Professional Geologist in Florida and Texas. I have worked in Geology for 36 years, and my respect for the earth and our environment are paramount
The concept of there being a difference between Oil Companies and Gas producing entities is not valid. The very same companies that drill for oil drill for gas, they are in reality energy companies. They do not, in my opinion, stand in the way of Natural Gas powered vehicles. In fact the technology for CNG engines and vehicles is well established at least since 1975 when my friend had one. If you look at the Okaloosa Gas trucks you will see they are powered by natural gas. It is amazing to me that we as a nation are insisting to push electric vehicles when the storage technology is still developing, as well as the need to generate and inefficient transport of electricity to the end user. It is presently much less efficient than internal combustion engines. There is certainly a need to advance the storage technology and efficiencies with electric engines, but a bridge is needed to cover that gap. Natural gas is an obvious choice. The problem is we do not have a distribution system which could fill your car with compressed natural gas like you use a filling station, nor do we have one for electricity either. In fact the BTU (energy content) value of oil to an mcf of gas is 6:1, which is one barrel of oil has as much energy as 6,000 cubic feet of methane. This morning the price of oil is near $80, the price of 1,000 cubic feet of gas is about $4. The cost of gas as an energy source is about a third the cost of oil!! That is because we produce almost 100% of our use in the USA and import almost none.
The fact of the matter is when the energy demands get high enough, and prices cause the entire state and country to do something about it, it would be better for us to have made these decisions in a calm manner and have plans and protections in place. By putting it off you place us in the position of having some outside force inject unpopular decisions on us all. The search for Oil and Gas is complex and takes many years to do correctly. If it were opened tomorrow, it would take 10 years to even identify a place to drill and work through all the red tape of federal and State regulations. I trust you have some concept of the MMS and how the process works.
Back in the mid 80’s when we were working to protect the State Forest here in Walton County and I was one of the founding members of “Beach to Bay”, a group of volunteers and environmentalists I was asked what I thought of the proposal to drill off of Pensacola. I answered that they really didn’t want to know what I thought. They insisted that my opinion had value, so I said it would be good for fishing. That led to a diatribe very much like your response,Geo, although it didn’t sound centered on any pertinent geological facts either. I responded to him that I was correct; they did not want to hear my opinion!

Indulge yourself and protest loud. I know it makes you feel good. I was not attempting to change anybody's minds with this post, just tired of hearing how one sided these discussions are.
By the way, who are you and what makes you so smart.

**jjnole04** · 10-28-2009, 09:39 AM

"too" i don't recall taking any classes with you nor do i know what the "truth tree" is (shruggy face emoticon) so break out whatever helps guy (sunglasses slightly cocked mouthy face emoticon) in the end it doesnt matter...no bill has been filed yet so dave is way ahead of the game...however in addition to holding hands, it is going to be much more important to vote with your wallets, thats how oil interests are going to win, start a 527, raise money and use it to support candidates that are opposed and defeat it that way, politicians respond to money thats why this is even an issue...i dont think long long term implications are being considered by the likes of haridopolis and cannon. this is an issue because the state needs money, our state constitution requires a balanced budget every year, they jacked up our "fees" last year so what can they do this year, i guess cutting costs and reducing the state payroll is not an option. far more is to be made off of people who come to visit than off of the proceeds from oil rigs. but what do i know i have no skin in the game, you say less tourists i hear less people driving below the speed limit in the passing lane, no parking problems in grayton, no crap left on the beach, and a lower cost of living which all sound pretty good to me (winky face emoticon)

**Geo** · 10-28-2009, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by murphrg

My name is Bob Murphy, I live in Grayton. Grew up on the beach in New York where I witnessed what is now the largest “Beach Restoration Project” in the world, (Rockaway Beach), destroyed the vegetation and dunes I grew up on. It was started in 1965 and they are still dredging offshore sediments onto the now dark course grained sand on the beach and have killed all the near shore biota that fed the marine fisheries there. I witnessed the scrapping of the beaches here and the digging of trenches in the shore post Opal with no regard for the permanent damage to the shore. I am a Certified Petroleum Geologist; I am a member of the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists, licensed as a Professional Geologist in Florida and Texas. I have worked in Geology for 36 years, and my respect for the earth and our environment are paramount
The concept of there being a difference between Oil Companies and Gas producing entities is not valid. The very same companies that drill for oil drill for gas, they are in reality energy companies. They do not, in my opinion, stand in the way of Natural Gas powered vehicles. In fact the technology for CNG engines and vehicles is well established at least since 1975 when my friend had one. If you look at the Okaloosa Gas trucks you will see they are powered by natural gas. It is amazing to me that we as a nation are insisting to push electric vehicles when the storage technology is still developing, as well as the need to generate and inefficient transport of electricity to the end user. It is presently much less efficient than internal combustion engines. There is certainly a need to advance the storage technology and efficiencies with electric engines, but a bridge is needed to cover that gap. Natural gas is an obvious choice. The problem is we do not have a distribution system which could fill your car with compressed natural gas like you use a filling station, nor do we have one for electricity either. In fact the BTU (energy content) value of oil to an mcf of gas is 6:1, which is one barrel of oil has as much energy as 6,000 cubic feet of methane. This morning the price of oil is near $80, the price of 1,000 cubic feet of gas is about $4. The cost of gas as an energy source is about a third the cost of oil!! That is because we produce almost 100% of our use in the USA and import almost none.
The fact of the matter is when the energy demands get high enough, and prices cause the entire state and country to do something about it, it would be better for us to have made these decisions in a calm manner and have plans and protections in place. By putting it off you place us in the position of having some outside force inject unpopular decisions on us all. The search for Oil and Gas is complex and takes many years to do correctly. If it were opened tomorrow, it would take 10 years to even identify a place to drill and work through all the red tape of federal and State regulations. I trust you have some concept of the MMS and how the process works.
Back in the mid 80’s when we were working to protect the State Forest here in Walton County and I was one of the founding members of “Beach to Bay”, a group of volunteers and environmentalists I was asked what I thought of the proposal to drill off of Pensacola. I answered that they really didn’t want to know what I thought. They insisted that my opinion had value, so I said it would be good for fishing. That led to a diatribe very much like your response,Geo, although it didn’t sound centered on any pertinent geological facts either. I responded to him that I was correct; they did not want to hear my opinion!

Indulge yourself and protest loud. I know it makes you feel good. I was not attempting to change anybody's minds with this post, just tired of hearing how one sided these discussions are.
By the way, who are you and what makes you so smart.

Hi Bob,

Thank you for having the courage to share your identity. We do not agree on this issue but I respect you very much for sharing your opinions as you rather than sticking with the relative anonymity of an avatar and a screenname.

I am satisfied that A) you are really a geologist and that B) you do care about the environment. That said, I stand by my assertions in my response to your original post.

I really put a lot of effort into reading and trying to understand your words and I spent a great deal of time typing a response to them. It is disappointing that rather than clarifying your points that you instead just write me off as someone who feels good/indulges himself by protesting loud. It is a shame that instead of refuting my argument that you refer to it as a "diatribe".

My name is George. I enjoy the art of conversation/communication and I like to argue. I feel the need to point out faulty arguments on all sides of a debate, especially when they might seem credible on the surface. I live in Santa Rosa Beach and my avatar is a picture of me.

I know nothing about geology or sniffing out oil fields. But I can smell BS 60 miles offshore. (that last jab was intended to be playful)

**jodiFL** · 10-28-2009, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by murphrg

That was not a platform, it was a drilling jack-up rig storm waves were obviously very large, and if you were here for Opal you would have seen cars, trucks, and wrecks washed up on the beach here. Other storms have washed up military drones and ordinance on these beaches as well. I'm not saying there are no risks in this life, or that I am for drilling within 3 miles of our beach. But you can still realize there are two sides to the discussion, and the problems are not easy ignore for either possition.

Isnt a jack-up rig just a mobile platform?? And I was here for Opal but I dont remember seeing any cars or trucks washed up, only household appliances from the destroyed homes near Dune Allen. Maybe the ones you saw were from those houses also. I have also personally found ordinance on these beaches that was not from a storm , just from the natural erosion of the sand.

Originally Posted by worldpeaceone

Beyond the environmental issue is the economic issue. Why place your mulit billion dollar tourist and military economy in jeapordy for a future promise of 2-3 billion a year down the road? 120 billion v. 2? Not a single guarenteed job for Floridians? Texas to benefit but not our State while giving up our most valuable commodity?

I agree that we should be wary of these companies promising jobs for Floridians. The majority (if not all) jobs would probably go to the employees that are already with by these companies, most of whom would love to move from TX to our beaches. Until they make them look like TX beaches, when they will move on to the next "big reserve' they find or think they will find.
I think that the key to stop our dependency on foreign oil is not to drill for more of it here but to look to and invest in, the other forms of energy that are so abundant here, i.e. wind and solar. The billions spent on just one drilling site that may or may not yield could be better spent on building power plants that produce these cleaner energy sources.

**Dave Rauschkolb** · 10-28-2009, 11:21 AM

There could be a special session called to discuss the High Speed Rail Issue. Strange isn't it that this can't wait until March? It is very possible, the Oil Bill could be introduced to the Senate in December during this special session. All while the public are scrambling to shop for the holidays. We need to follow this development very closely.

Immediate, Continual Updates at
News Service of Florida - State Government Reporting

HOUSE WAITING FOR SENATE TO GET ON BOARD SUNRAIL SPECIAL SESSION

By KEITH LAING
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, Oct. 28, 2009..........Thus far, most of the Tallahassee talk about a possible December special session to approve the controversial proposed SunRail commuter train in Orlando has come from the upper chamber of the Legislature.

But one of the House sponsors of the bill that would have allowed the train to be built last year told the News Service of Florida that the lower chamber is simply waiting to see if the Senate will get on board with the session and signal it will approve the plan.

The House has been ready to go for two years on it, said Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola, who introduced the House companion to the SunRail that bill the Senate voted down last year. We're just waiting to see what the Senate wants to do. The House has moved in the past in that direction to support it and I think they would be predisposed to support it (again in a special session).

In 2008, the House approved the language of a liability agreement with CSX Corp., which the freight rail company had tied to the sale of the 61 miles of track that would be used to run SunRail trains. The bill also cleared its only House committee in 2009, but the plan reached the end of the line in the Senate when staunch opposition led by Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, brought it down on the floor of the Senate.

Murzin, who chairs the House Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council, said the House was waiting to see if the Senate math would add up differently before jumping on board with the special session talk.

Let's see if it was put up on the board, would they have the votes, Murzin said. Then we'll move forward. If they don't have the votes, why waste the time, effort, and money of going up to Tallahassee?

The wheels on the special session talk began moving quickly last week when Senate President Jeff Atwater said the federal government was looking for action on other rail projects in Florida before it considers approving the state's $2.5 billion application for the first leg of the long proposed Tampa-Orlando-Miami bullet train. In total, the state submitted three applications for some of the $8 billion that is available in the federal economic stimulus package for high speed rail, also asking for $432 for SunRail and $70 million for Atlantic Coast Amtrak service.

Decisions on the applications are expected by the end of the year, forcing lawmakers to consider reconvening early if they want to show the federal government the state is serious about rail.

However, after Atwater raised the specter of a rail special session during his trip to meet with federal transportation officials and the Florida U.S. delegation in Washington, D.C., House Speaker Larry Cretul's office said only that the speaker would discuss the possibility with Atwater when he returned. But Murzin said the House was aware of the importance of acting on SunRail, even if it was leery of getting too far ahead of the Senate.

'Whenever the feds say there's an opportunity to draw down more money, Florida needs to be first in line, he said. That adds to the sense of urgency.

Murzin added that there could be advantages to dealing with SunRail in a limited special session instead of a wide-open regular session, when it could be linked with other issues. Last year, backers linked funding for Tri-Rail to the plan in an unsuccessful effort to win support from the South Florida delegation.

There's lots of dynamics in there, Murzin said. There's statewide concern about expenditures of money, and it got caught up in the trial lawyer fight. Unfortunately, a lot of times it revolves around who you can sue. Tri-Rail was mixed in there too, and kind of muddied the water up. Going into a special session, you're going in with one issue.

The 2008 Senate SunRail sponsor, Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, told the News Service that he could not predict whether the House would ultimately get on the special session train, but he was confident that the plan had support in the chamber.

I've not heard anything from (the House) that they would be interested (in a special session), but I would hope they would be receptive, being that one of the sponsors over there will be the next Speaker of the House, Constantine said, referring to key SunRail backer Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park. The (House) leadership felt comfortable they would be able to pass the bill in whatever form it passed in the Senate.

-END-
10/28/09

Detailed context on Florida transportation issues is available on the NSF Transportation Backgrounder at The News Service of Florida: Florida Transportation Backgrounder.

Independent and Indispensable

News Service of Florida - State Government Reporting

**murphrg** · 10-28-2009, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Geo

Hi Bob,

Thank you for having the courage to share your identity. We do not agree on this issue but I respect you very much for sharing your opinions as you rather than sticking with the relative anonymity of an avatar and a screenname.

I am satisfied that A) you are really a geologist and that B) you do care about the environment. That said, I stand by my assertions in my response to your original post.

I really put a lot of effort into reading and trying to understand your words and I spent a great deal of time typing a response to them. It is disappointing that rather than clarifying your points that you instead just write me off as someone who feels good/indulges himself by protesting loud. It is a shame that instead of refuting my argument that you refer to it as a "diatribe".

My name is George. I enjoy the art of conversation/communication and I like to argue. I feel the need to point out faulty arguments on all sides of a debate, especially when they might seem credible on the surface. I live in Santa Rosa Beach and my avatar is a picture of me.

I know nothing about geology or sniffing out oil fields. But I can smell BS 60 miles offshore. (that last jab was intended to be playful)

We agree to disagree, I don't have the time to go over everything I wrote, have to leave town to afford living here. I will say that I have personally been on some 60 drilling operations over the years, many of them offshore, and the effluent from the folks wadding in the surf on any given summer day far exceeds any polution I have ever whitnessed offshore. (also intended to be playful) I mention the joy of standing together in protest because I have been there and know how empowering it is.
Cheers!

**Geo** · 10-28-2009, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by jjnole04

"too" i don't recall taking any classes with you nor do i know what the "truth tree" is (shruggy face emoticon) so break out whatever helps guy (sunglasses slightly cocked mouthy face emoticon) in the end it doesnt matter...no bill has been filed yet so dave is way ahead of the game...however in addition to holding hands, it is going to be much more important to vote with your wallets, thats how oil interests are going to win, start a 527, raise money and use it to support candidates that are opposed and defeat it that way, politicians respond to money thats why this is even an issue...i dont think long long term implications are being considered by the likes of haridopolis and cannon. this is an issue because the state needs money, our state constitution requires a balanced budget every year, they jacked up our "fees" last year so what can they do this year, i guess cutting costs and reducing the state payroll is not an option. far more is to be made off of people who come to visit than off of the proceeds from oil rigs. but what do i know i have no skin in the game, you say less tourists i hear less people driving below the speed limit in the passing lane, no parking problems in grayton, no crap left on the beach, and a lower cost of living which all sound pretty good to me (winky face emoticon)

In your last post you said you thought I made an invalid reductio ad ridiculum argument. I am quite familiar with fallacies in argumentation from an elementary logic class (one of my favorites) I took in college. I figured you must have taken a similar class too. Guess not. Maybe you just like to speak in Latin. haha

Sorry you don't like emoticons.

I agree with you that the opposition to drilling will need to put money where their mouth is.

**jjnole04** · 10-29-2009, 08:28 AM

from the Florida Today Yesterday

Our views: Drilling for answers
Florida Today, 10/28/2009

Forum today will explore move to OK oil drilling off Florida's Gulf coast
To drill or not to drill, that's the big -- and very controversial -- question.
And it's a question that needs the most rigorous examination, because ending the more than two-decade ban on drilling for oil off Florida's Gulf coast would have major, long-term ramifications for our state.
The battle lines are drawn:
The oil companies and their supporters in the Legislature are pulling out the stops to approve drilling within 10 miles of the coast, saying it would create thousands of jobs and pump billions of dollars into Florida's bone-dry budget.
Opponents say it would put the state's environment and beach-dependent tourism industry at risk from spills and other drilling-related pollution, and the oil industry's job and money claims are overblown.
They'll meet for debate tonight in a forum at Florida State University in Tallahassee co-sponsored by the college and Gannett's four newspapers in Florida, including FLORIDA TODAY.
The 7-9 p.m. session will be Webcast live on floridatoday.com. Brevard residents can e-mail their questions to FlaForum@tallahassee.com for consideration by panelists, who will represent drilling proponents and detractors.
State Sen. Mike Haridopolos, the Merritt Island Republican and incoming Florida Senate president, will be among those on the panel. He's sponsoring the pro-drilling measure in the Senate, and during a recent meeting with FLORIDA TODAY's editorial board promised an exhaustive review of the issue.
That's good because anything else is unacceptable.
Name the oilmen
Some of what Haridopolos said worried us, especially his answer to a question about the secretive group of oilmen financing the drilling push.
Haridopolos said he didn'tknow who they were and insisted it shouldn't matter.
Actually, it matters a greatdeal, because our state's irreplaceable natural resourcesare at stake.
The public has a right to know their identities. Open government demands it to prevent oil companies with deep pockets from cutting deals behind closed doors.
If Haridopolos truly means what he says about complete transparency on the drilling issue, as the prime Senate sponsor of the bill, he should find out at once who they are and publicly name names.
Meanwhile, we can all become better informed about potential benefits and risks of drilling by listening to both sides present their views tonight.
Key GOP defections
Several key Republican lawmakers in the Senate are bucking their party and oppose drilling, according to the St. Petersburg Times.
They include current Senate President Jeff Atwater, who says he's not convinced Floridians want drilling and that it's not among his priorities for the 2010 session.
Four other GOP senators say they won't vote to approve it: Sens. Victor Crist, R-Tampa; Dennis Jones, R-Seminole; Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland; and Durell Peaden, R-Crestview.
"Once you ruin those pristine beaches, they're ruined forever," Peaden told the Times about the risk from spills. He went on to blast the out-of-state oilmen as "shysters" promoting a "shell game" at the expense of Florida's tourism economy.
That view received support recently. Top scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have issued a strong warning against drilling in the Arctic, Atlantic seaboard and Gulf of Mexico in a new report obtained by the Chicago Tribune.
They say it would have a negative impact on marine life, commercial and recreational fisheries and other resources in the ocean. They recommended excluding large tracts in those areas from the federal government's draft offshore leasing plan for 2010-15.
The scientists also criticized the Interior Department's assessment of the dangers from oil spills, saying they're "understated and generally not supported or referenced."
Significantly, Mike Sole, secretary of Florida's Department of Environmental Protection, questioned the oil companies' promise that drilling would bring $2.25 billion a year into the state's budget during testimony last week before a House committee.
He said Alabama receives $50 million to $300 million annually from oil royalties and taxes and Texas takes in about $45 million a year. Florida would need a lot more than that to even consider risking the state's $65-billion-a- year tourism industry to the devastating impacts of an oil spill.
Ignore scare tactics
The oil companies have responded with scare tactics.
Florida Energy Associates, the industry's lobbying arm, released a video that says if Floridians don't support drilling and its supposed fiscal windfall, they might face a sales tax hike or state income tax.
That's not going to happen.
Conservative Republicans control the Legislature and most view raising the sales tax as a non-starter -- especially when they're up for re-election next year. To them, an income tax is even more unpalatable.
All of this and more should be on the table during tonight's Florida State forum.
Tune in.

**jjnole04** · 10-29-2009, 08:32 AM

from the orlando sentinel today...looks like mr cannon is losing steam
Caveat emptor on drilling
Orlando Sentinel, 10/29/2009

The gist: Wondrous claims about lifting Florida's offshore ban don't hold water.
Fortunately for Florida, Rep. Dean Cannon's quest to lift the state's offshore drilling ban is slowing. Credit the growing number of dubious claims for dragging it down.
The latest came last week during a hearing before the House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning, when promises about the riches drilling would produce for Florida landed with a thud.
The pro-drilling group Florida Energy Associates estimates Florida can expect $2.25 billion in royalties annually by opening up its coastal waters in the Gulf to drilling. That's based in part on the assumption that it can depend on companies pumping 150 million barrels of oil annually.
Well ... Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Sole told the council chaired by Mr. Cannon that Louisiana produces just 6 million barrels of oil annually. And Texas -- big ol' Texas -- produces just 2 million barrels annually from its state waters. Add in its take from natural gas, and it nets an average of about $45 million a year.
The Texas General Land Office adds that all offshore drilling up to 10 miles off the Lone Star State's shores since the late 1940s has brought Texans just over $6 billion in royalties.
But Florida, somehow, can expect $2.25 billion a year?
Or maybe those wanting to drill really don't know what to expect? As a representative for Big Oil says, "we are confident there are significant reserves off Florida's coast." But he adds, "like the environmentalists [say], you won't know for sure how much is out there unless you drill and find out."
Other claims are faring little better. Or worse. Like the one that says criticism concerning the damage drilling can cause amounts to fear-mongering, because modern oil exploration's improved safety record ensures it will protect and preserve Florida's coastline.
Except 150 miles off Australia's northwest coast, for a 10th straight week, oil continues to spew up to 400 barrels a day from a state-of-the-art rig.
Four attempts to seal the leak by some of the world's leading oil well-control specialists have failed. A fifth try is scheduled next weekend.
Big Oil's defenders say a spill -- however unlikely -- off Florida's shallower waters could be sealed far more speedily.
But, quite likely, not before damaging the coast. Moreover, lifting Florida's drilling ban would likely cause the federal ban that keeps drilling 125 miles from the Gulf shore to crumble. A spill in a deep-set rig 50 or 75 miles out could present Florida with a hard-to-cap crisis like the one near Australia.
Claims by Mr. Cannon that offshore drilling will get an honest and open airing also took a hit earlier this month when the Senate leadership appointed the spouse of a lobbyist for the oil industry to head a committee that will consider a drilling bill.
Mr. Cannon also keeps talking about how all those drilling royalties can support all sorts of needy state programs, including those benefiting the environment.
But where's the discussion about how much money the state would have to devote to regulating drilling?
According to a report in Wednesday's Sentinel, Mr. Cannon now thinks he won't be able get the Legislature to vote this year on lifting Florida's drilling ban.
He's looking instead to next year's regular session.
That's a relief. This idea needs a lot more time and review, and even then it may not pass muster.
Without further scrutiny, its credibility will keep springing leaks each time it surfaces.

**jjnole04** · 10-29-2009, 08:35 AM

report of yesterdays forum

Offshore-drilling debate reveals upcoming battle lines
Orlando Sentinel, 10/29/2009

TALLAHASSEE -- Envision oil derricks cluttering Florida's sunset views. Oil spills threatening marine life, turning beach sand black and scaring away tourists.
Or picture a very different scenario: High-tech oil and gas operations that set a new safety standard. Thousands of good-paying jobs flooding Florida. Billions in state revenues.
Those competing scenarios emerged during a two-hour televised debate between offshore-oil-drilling supporters and foes in Florida, sponsored by the Tallahassee Democrat and Florida State University. The forum featured dueling three-member panels -- for and against drilling -- as well as two legislative leaders.
The debate hints at a grueling political battle on the horizon in Tallahassee: Whether to repeal the 1990 ban on oil drilling in Florida waters, which extend 10.3 miles from the coastline in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Drilling in the oil- and natural gas-rich Gulf could become the top issue during Gov. Charlie Crist's final year in office and the Legislature's spring session, which begins in March.
Hank Fishkind, an Orlando economist in favor of drilling, said opening Florida waters to exploration promises to create 20,000 jobs and bring in more than $2 billion in revenue. At the same time, he said, the risk of an oil spill is slight.
Another drilling supporter, Southern Strategy Group adviser David Rancourt, compared drilling to putting a man on the moon. Using modern technology, Florida could drill and maintain a strong tourism industry, he said, adding: "Oil and gas exploration and beautiful beaches are not mutually exclusive."
But drilling foes say if Florida lifts its drilling ban, the state would risk its economy and environment based on an unproven promise of jobs and money. And drilling off Florida's coast won't drive down gas prices or do much toward making American energy independent, they said.
"Near-shore oil drilling will put at risk our environment, our economy, and will change Florida as we know it forever," said Pinellas County Commissioner Kenneth Welch, a drilling opponent. "Florida's coastal environment is not for sale. Why would we risk a world-class tourism economy?"
In Tallahassee this spring, an effort to repeal the Florida oil-drilling ban passed the House, but stalled in the Senate. At Wednesday's forum were Rep. Dean Cannon, R- Winter Park, and Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic. Both lawmakers support oil drilling -- at one point Wednesday, Haridopolos decried the "scare tactics" of drilling opponents -- but said they want to gather facts and lead a thorough review before voting.
The debate moderator, Gannett Capitol Bureau Chief Paul Flemming, pressed the pro-drilling panelists over the shadowy finances of the group lobbying for the drill-now effort. Rancourt would only say that the group includes a "God-fearing" collection of American oil and gas explorers. "Some of them wish to remain anonymous for the time being," he said, citing competitive concerns.
That didn't cut it for Florida Audubon's Eric Draper, who noted the public owns the waters petroleum interests want to explore. "We don't get at the truth when we're hiding behind the claim of anonymity," Draper said.
Josh Hafenbrack can be reached at jhafenbrack@sun-sentinel.com or 850-224-6214.

**jjnole04** · 10-29-2009, 08:37 AM

A heavy 'nay' in SW Fla.
Southwest Florida's News-Press, 10/29/2009

Following a lively Internet debate over oil and natural gas exploration off Florida's Gulf Coast, a group of area residents engaged in a similar discussion at The News-Press.
But the local debate was pretty lopsided: Six people were opposed; two were undecided; and one was for exploration.
During the Internet event, those opposed to exploration mentioned that tar balls are a problem on beaches in states with offshore drilling, and proponents said those tar balls come from natural seepage.
"They were saying tar balls were natural, so why don't they happen naturally over here?" said Dave Jensen, co-owner of Jensen's Twin Palms Cottages & Marine and Jensen's on the Gulf on Captiva. "I have a neighbor from Santa Barbara (Calif.), and sure enough, they have tar balls there, and they have oil drilling offshore."
Offshore drilling is not only oil rigs but also land-based infrastructure, said Charlotte County Commissioner Adam Cummings, who worked on a drill ship off Cameron, La., for a short time.
"There's a heavy offshore industry that needs a heavy onshore industry to support it," he said. "Google Cameron, La.; zoom in and see if that's the kind of place where you want to live. Look at the communities that support that kind of work and compare it to Southwest Florida."
A key argument against offshore drilling is the impact it would have on Florida's tourism, which returned $3.9 billion to Florida in tax revenue and generated $65.2 billion in direct economic impact in 2008.
An oil spill, opponents said, would be a tremendous blow to the state's economy.
"We had a recent example of how water quality affects tourism," said John Albion, director of the Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. "We had a dredging project to open Matanzas Pass, and some of the material was a little nasty. It felt mucky, and the water was cloudy before the Fourth of July, and people started checking out of motel rooms."
Another issue is the aesthetics of oil rigs along the coast, though panel members on the Internet forum said wells would actually be on the sea floor, and rigs would only be visible during construction, no more than six months.
"There's nothing romantic about catching sunset with an oil rig in the way," Fort Myers City Councilman Warren Wright said. "I've lived in California where there's offshore drilling. It's just different. It smells different."
Joe Mazurkiewicz, former mayor of Cape Coral, used to work in the oil industry in Central and South America and is undecided.
"There's too much unknown to make a decision," he said. "We need to allow someone to go in and determine what the asset is. We owe it to ourselves."
Jan Ganter, a member of the Lee County Republican Executive Committee, was the only person at The News-Press in favor of energy exploration.
"The risk-reward is worth it," she said. "If we always paid so much attention to risks, we'd never have gone to the moon. I'm tired of being held hostage because we always have to get energy from somebody else."
Members of the discussion at The News-Press for a forum on oil and natural gas exploration off Florida's Gulf Coast:
- John Albion, Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce.
- Dave Jensen, Jensen's Twin Palms Cottages & Marine and Jensen's on the Gulf.
- Warren Wright, Fort Myers councilman.
- Adam Cummings, Charlotte County commissioner.
- Jan Ganter, Lee County Republican Executive Committee.
- Joe Mazurkiewicz, political consultant and former mayor of Cape Coral.
- Janet Martin, Bonita Springs councilwoman.
- Martha Simons, Bonita Springs councilwoman.
- Brad Cornell, National Audubon Society.
- Raymond Rodrigues, The News-Press editorial board citizen member alumnus.

**jjnole04** · 10-29-2009, 08:39 AM

lots of articles today on the subject

Cash cow or curse? Drilling experts offer familiar promises, warnings
Tallahassee Democrat, 10/29/2009

Offshore drilling would bring 20,000 new jobs and $2 billion a year to Florida, or it would doom a $60-billion-a-year industry that draws millions of tourists to Florida's pristine beaches.
Proponents and opponents traded those familiar promises, warnings and a few sharp barbs Wednesday night in a two-hour debate broadcast live on television, radio and the Internet.
Sponsored by Florida State University and Gannett Florida, the parent company of the Tallahassee Democrat, the debate featured two expert panels who participated in an often freewheeling exchange before a studio audience of about 100.
"We've got a really good coastal economy right now. Why in the world would you put that at risk?" Eric Draper, a chief opponent and veteran lobbyist for Audubon of Florida, asked.
"There's not been an oil spill since I've been alive in the United States, and I was born in 1970, and there's 4,000 rigs," said a flustered Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and the chief proponent of lifting Florida's two-decade drilling ban in state waters.
Opponents demanded to know all of the members of the shadowy Florida Energy Associates, the driving force behind the push in the Florida Legislature, a limited liability company that has hired more than 30 of the state's leading lobbyists to push for lifting the ban.
But they continued to be frustrated.
FEA's public face is Lance Phillips, a Republican Party activist and independent oil producer from Mexia, Texas, and Doug Daniels, an attorney from Daytona Beach.
David Rancourt, a panelists and lobbyist with Southern Strategy Group, said the rest of the partners are wildcatters, or independent oil explorers who need to stay silent to protect their competitive advantage. They will disclose their names as soon as Florida starts issuing offshore leases, Rancourt promised.
It's no different from the 1970s, when mystery developers began buying up vast swaths of Central Florida for what would ultimately become Disney World, Rancourt said.
"This is a very competitive industry," he said. "Disney came into Florida in a similar way, and look at the opportunities they created."
Opponents also raised the specter of vast refineries and storage facilities that would gobble up Florida's coast if offshore drilling were allowed.
"Now you've got a full coastline," said opponent David McLain, a member of Apalachicola Bay Riverkeepers. "Imagine that refinery in your back yard."
All of the Florida oil and gas would be processed in existing refineries in Gulf States, where production has fallen to 60 percent of capacity, Rancourt pledged.
"I don't believe you can permit a refinery in the state of Florida if you wanted to," Rancourt said.
Proponents continued to hammer away at the safety of offshore drilling, pointing to studies that showed only minor spills in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Opponents shot back with reports of recent spills, including a massive blowout in the Timor Sea off of Australia and recent tanker collisions in the Gulf of Mexico.

**sunspotbaby** · 10-29-2009, 02:01 PM

Carl Hiaasen always has an interesting viewpoint. Hopefully, he'll join Hands Across the Sand.

Lawmakers' love affair with Big Oil - Carl Hiaasen - MiamiHerald.com

**Jdarg** · 10-29-2009, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by sunspotbaby

Carl Hiaasen always has an interesting viewpoint. Hopefully, he'll join Hands Across the Sand.

Lawmakers' love affair with Big Oil - Carl Hiaasen - MiamiHerald.com

Let me be the first to call dibs on holding one of his hands.

**jodiFL** · 10-29-2009, 03:15 PM

the shadowy Florida Energy Associates, the driving force behind the push in the Florida Legislature, a limited liability company

An LLC??? WTH? How do we know that these anonymous "wildcatters" have enough in their coffers to cover the enormous cost of of a clean up should there be a spill? Or would they just use the pretty lax Florida bankruptcy laws and walk away?

Thread: Hands Across the Sand-Join us to stop near shore Oil Drilling In Florida Waters

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A letter to Senator Don Gaetz

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"Hands" covered on statewide News service of Florida

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no economic sense

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