Hands Across the Sand
-Join us to stop near shore Oil Drilling In Florida Waters
The Florida House of Representatives has already passed a bill that would allow NEAR SHORE oil drilling, that’s within 3 miles of our beaches. The bill would allow pipelines to run to the shore as well. Texas Oil interests have bought off every lobbyist and politician against near-shore oil drilling in our waters. Unless something is done we will have Oil derricks in sight of and fouling our beaches in the near future.
David Pleat is running for District 7 House of Representatives, and we had a meet and greet at Bud & Alley's on October 1. While the election is far off, David is bringing attention to the fact that we may soon have Oil platforms off our coast unless something is done. David spoke eloquently about the importance of stopping Texas Oil interests from fouling our beaches.
The politicians are promising to fix all the states ills, you name it, as a sweetener to get it passed fully. Don Gaetz, our Senator is advocating it. (SEE CLARIFICATION BY SENATOR DON GAETZ AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST) Every representative in our area already voted for it. They had a quick vote at the end of session and the public hardly knows what happened. In the near future they will be trying to pass this fully by tacking it on the gambling pact that is up for a vote with the Seminole Tribe.
This issue affects our quality of life and tourism. This could happen as soon as December or sooner. Most politicians are trying to divert attention to the fact that they voted for this bill, many are already backpedaling. If we make this issue visible and create a groundswell of opposition the bill could be stopped but we must act quickly.
This is not a partisan issue this is a Florida issue. Our beaches are sacred no matter what your race, religion, sex or political affiliation. We need to come together on this issue for our children and grandchildren. Thank you for your help in passing this along to all Florida citizens. A website will be coming out soon, handsacrossthesand.org.
This is what I am suggesting we do.
Hands Across The Sand
Premise:
Initiate a movement to encourage the Concerned Citizens of Florida on a chosen day to join hands on the beach along the 1197 statute miles of Florida Coastline or the Florida Gulf Coast (779 miles) for 15 minutes to create a human line in the sand for the purpose of opposing the eminent legislation to allow near shore oil exploration along the pristine coast of Florida.
This is an effort to "Draw a line in the Sand" against near shore oil drilling in our waters. "We have a choice. Do we want a pristine white line or an oil-drenched polluted one? Believe me, it will be black as oil if this bill passes"
All we have to do is simply go to the beach and join hands for 15 minutes, simple right? This could happen as soon as next month so we need to get the word out. We will be choosing the day next week.
This should get national attention and we very well could stop this legislation in its tracks.
Number of People needed for the whole state
1056 people per mile (one every 5 feet) x 1197 miles = 1,264,032 people
Number of People needed for the Gulf Coast of Florida only
1056 people per mile (one every 5 feet) x 770 miles = 813,120 people
Thanks for your support,
Dave Rauschkolb
A clarification from Senator Don Gaetz
I received a call from Senator, Don Gaetz in the past hour and would like to clarify his position on this Bill. He felt I mischaracterized his position having stated he was among politicians "advocating" the bill. I apologized to him and asked him to state his position on near shore oil drilling.
Don told me his voting history speaks for itself and that he has not voted on the bill and would consider the bill if it is brought to the Senate taking into regard the economic, military and environmental impacts. He verified his position stated in the article below.
Don will be emailing me on Monday with a more in depth statement regarding his position on the matter. I have known Don personally for the past 24 years and it is my sincere hope when all is said and done he will stand with us in opposition to near shore drilling.
The fact remains that all of our local representatives in the House voted for this bill and this article confirms that it is being considered if certain issues regarding the military are satisfied. At some time in the near future a version of the house bill could go before the State Senate. As concerned Floridian's we should follow this matter very closely.
Local lawmakers: oil drilling bill must include military protections
Comments 2 | Recommend 1
September 12, 2009 05:50:00 PM
By MATT DIXON / News Herald Writer
PANAMA CITY — In April, the Florida House passed a bill that would allow the governor and cabinet authority to accept applications for oil and gas drilling as close as three miles off Florida's beaches.
Both area House members supported the legislation, which was never considered by the Senate, but only after provisions were made to protect the Panhandle’s five military bases.
“Jimmy Patronis and I both worked together to ensure that the bill had language that explicitly protected the area’s military interests,” said Rep. Marti Coley, R – Marianna.
With speaker-designate Rep. Dean Cannon, R – Winter Park, and Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R – Merritt Island, in line to become Senate President, set to co-author a similar piece of oil drilling legislation, the topic of oil drilling near the beaches of Bay County, and other coastal areas statewide, is again fast approaching.
Area lawmaker’s priorities, however, remain unchanged.
“If there is any type of military mission that could be affected by a drilling plan, I won’t support it,” Patronis, R – Panama City, said.
Because last session there was no companion to the House bill in the Senate, and Senate President Jeff Atwater, R – North Palm Beach, citing time restraints, refused to take up the House bill, Sen. Don Gaetz, R – Niceville, never got the opportunity to officially chime in on the issue.
He says, however, that he stands in lock step with Coley and Patronis.
“I am with the military,” he said. “If a bill would make us vulnerable in any way, or put us in danger of having any missions being picked off by Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid. … I will be the loudest voice saying, ‘Let’s slow down.’”
Gaetz said he thinks the issue will inevitably re-appear during the legislature regular session, but that talks of offshore oil drilling coming up during a potential two-day special session in October are pre-mature.
“I think it will come up again, and I think there will be companion bills with strong sponsors,” Gaetz said. “But it will not be a special session issue unless it’s a special session devoted entirely to the topic.
Coley said that talks she has had with House leadership about protecting military interests have gone well.
“I actually spoke with the speaker-designate about protecting the military when considering drilling off of our coast,” she said. “He told me. ‘That’s a given.’”
Dave RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticLocked
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticLocked55,002 views
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John RJohn Rneeds to get out moreConflictinator6,782 postsJoined View profileMessageneeds to get out more
John Rneeds to get out moreConflictinator6,782 postsJoined View profileMessageneeds to get out moreLet's not forget, the people that are driving to the meeting in their SUV's are the same people that drive to bars and restaurants and support local businesses and employees. Some restaurants are not positioned to be walked to by everyone, so chastising large vehicle owners could be tantamount to biting the hand that one feeds.
scooterbug44scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertAnd also, I know in my last post I said I was done with this and nothing more to say, however,...............
It has come to my attention that some people on here think I own a restaurant.
LET ME BE 1000% CRYSTAL CLEAR. I AM NOT WHO YOU THINK I AM.
I do not own a restaurant. You do not need to be harboring any ill
will towards a specific restaurant owner. Said owner has nothing to
do with the comments made here by me.
Now, I am finished with this post. Good will and good luck to you all.
Wow :blink: - so not only do they not have a clue who you are, they are actually making problems for someone else because of your common sense posts about fuel consumption!?! Guess I better hide since I thanked you for them. Talk about nonsense. :roll:
P.S. I actually know NOLA and can definitively say they are NOT a restaurant owner. :rofl:
GeoGeoBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach, FL2,740 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
GeoBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach, FL2,740 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
JdargJdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
JdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertThe Hands Across the Sand website is great- click on the link below to see the tools available to you to promote this event-- posters, web banner ads, etc.
I have some posters available- if you own a business and want to display a poster- PM me.
Hands Across The Sand | Organize your beach for Hands Across the Sand
I have some posters available- if you own a business and want to display a poster- PM me.
Hands Across The Sand | Organize your beach for Hands Across the Sand
JdargJdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
JdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertThe Hands Across the Sand website is great- click on the link below to see the tools available to you to promote this event-- posters, web banner ads, etc.
I have some posters available- if you own a business and want to display a poster- PM me.
Hands Across The Sand | Organize your beach for Hands Across the Sand
I have some posters available- if you own a business and want to display a poster- PM me.
Hands Across The Sand | Organize your beach for Hands Across the Sand
robertsondaviesrobertsondaviesBeach Fanatic500 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
I thought it was too, but I think someone has a golf cart/LSV business.
Why do you keep questioning everyones motive? I do not own a golf cart LSV biz, sorry.... Free world I guess ... rock on in your hardened and aggressive defensive of large SUV's and railing against oil drilling and electric vehicles.
I think someone sells large SUV's by day, and and Sierra Club, keep 30-A great bumper stickers at night.
the irony is humorous at best
John RJohn Rneeds to get out moreConflictinator6,782 postsJoined View profileMessageneeds to get out more
John Rneeds to get out moreConflictinator6,782 postsJoined View profileMessageneeds to get out more
Could go to brunch in this and be politically correct?
JdargJdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
JdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertWhy do you keep questioning everyones motive? I do not own a golf cart LSV biz, sorry.... Free world I guess ... rock on in your hardened and aggressive defensive of large SUV's and railing against oil drilling and electric vehicles.
I think someone sells large SUV's by day, and and Sierra Club, keep 30-A great bumper stickers at night.
the irony is humorous at best
You are the one hammering your LSV stats on several threads, and I am not the only one who finds it amazing that an average Joe would know soo much about them. I have said this before- I am against LSVs on public roadways for safety reasons, not because I love my own SUV. Having tourists (and locals) cruising around on 30A with small children in them and vacation mentality behind the wheel is a terrible idea, and I can say this because I have already seen it. They are totally appropriate in a resort setting, but totally inappropriate on public roadways that are used by people that are NOT on vacation- the entire 30A roadway is not one all-inclusive resort.
WaltonOne's post is a good one - and yes, "Citizens are Stronger When they Stick Together".
robertsondaviesrobertsondaviesBeach Fanatic500 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
WaltonOne's post is a good one - and yes, "Citizens are Stronger When they Stick Together".
let's just stick to discussing the issues, rather than people.
An interesting issue you raise, is the desirability of either overwhelming majority, either simple or pluralistic - its not clear.
I'm opposed to the group think mentality idea above you reference. I think citizens/community are/is only weakened by tamping down discussion of the issues under the guise of citizens sticking together. When you're dealing with complex issues, such as ingress egress roads, LSV usage, middle beach road options, energy conservation/optimization a muriad of concerns are on the table. For instance, some people's concern for personal safety, trumps their reverance for safety of the planet, and so on if only slightly, and only on weekdays. And for others, who for instance have homes on by example San Juan Ave. their property interest or related damage thereto, may trump the majorities interest in establishing new ingress/egress through their front porches to avoid congestion 4 months of the year. Others might be feeding their children by selling LSV's and yet others in our community might be working at an SUV dealership in PCB.... and yet still others might support themselves by selling grouper sandwiches or condo's, and therefore their interests in maintaining 30A as a resort area, may trump their desire to deal with congestion issues in ways that kill or delimit the golden resort goose that lays their eggs. and then again government employees with steady paychecks may be less interested in preservation of resort feel concerns, and more interested in saving many minutes a day for several days a year, as they make their way through life on 30A as residents who need to run errands, pick up children, buy groceries etc. 365 days a year, and strive for more quality of life.
captgeecaptgeeBeach Crab3 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Crab
i guess if everyone knew they are why we have tar balls, they're mainly coming from oiltankers. half of the oil is used to make plastic,which our economy now requires for everything we use,so lets not berate an SUV,or a LSV. a prius doesn't use leather, so it takes more plastic to make! we all need to use less plastic and have the drilling in only federal waters to help stop the endless(and mindless) banter of dilling in the gulf.oh by the way, there were drilling rigs south of Destin and Pensacola before. they didn't cause any tar balls to wash up on the beach! there was a senator from from Crestview who misrepresented his facts,but drilling and finding oil could help the Florida economy with much needed taxes and royalties.
ChandraChandraBeach FanaticPt. Washington347 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
ChandraBeach FanaticPt. Washington347 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticFinger pointing rarely has the intended result of making people take action, though NOLA's point is valid and one that I have believed from the beginning of the proposed rally, needs further discussion. We need people fighting the good fight of protecting our beaches to the best of our abilities, AND we need education and policies on how we can reduce the pressure on the extraction of our non-renewable resources.
Our high standard of living makes us the greatest energy consumer in the world, though that extra energy consumption hasn't necessarily equated to a better quality of life. As soon as I can find the stats on this, I'll post. With an increasing population and everyone in the world aspiring to our standard of living, energy security will continue to be a priority. The greatest challenge humans currently face is figuring out a way to reduce our energy consumption while achieving (in the case of developing countries) and maintaining quality of life standards.
Personal transportation vehicles are only a small part of the energy problem. A greater percentage of a barrel of oil actual goes to the production of diesel for on and off road transportation - think agriculture and shipping. So our food choices, building material choices, and consumption patterns, are equally as important as our mode of transportaion. Higher fuel efficient cars are not the silver bullet to reduce energy use. The way we inhabit the land has an even greater effect. We use less resources when we develop land in ways that allow us to live closer to the things we need.
Our high standard of living makes us the greatest energy consumer in the world, though that extra energy consumption hasn't necessarily equated to a better quality of life. As soon as I can find the stats on this, I'll post. With an increasing population and everyone in the world aspiring to our standard of living, energy security will continue to be a priority. The greatest challenge humans currently face is figuring out a way to reduce our energy consumption while achieving (in the case of developing countries) and maintaining quality of life standards.
Personal transportation vehicles are only a small part of the energy problem. A greater percentage of a barrel of oil actual goes to the production of diesel for on and off road transportation - think agriculture and shipping. So our food choices, building material choices, and consumption patterns, are equally as important as our mode of transportaion. Higher fuel efficient cars are not the silver bullet to reduce energy use. The way we inhabit the land has an even greater effect. We use less resources when we develop land in ways that allow us to live closer to the things we need.
TeresaTeresaSoWal GuideSouth Walton, FL30,970 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Guide
TeresaSoWal GuideSouth Walton, FL30,970 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal GuideAnother domestic oil spill. This could happen here.
http://m.cnn.com/primary/_ASuld1-iiqvYI5uh
thanks Geo. I couldn't open the link but found the article on CNN.. here is another link to oil spill 1/23, in Texas:
Oil spill at Texas port dumps 450,000 gallons
scooterbug44scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
scooterbug44SoWal ExpertSowal16,706 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertI really don't understand how anyone can think that oil drilling off our coast is a good idea.
In terms of both our economy and our natural resources it's like letting a 7 year old play with a chainsaw. Yes, there are safety features and there isn't a 100% guarantee that something awful will happen, but it's still a really bad idea w/ potentially disastrous consequences.
In terms of both our economy and our natural resources it's like letting a 7 year old play with a chainsaw. Yes, there are safety features and there isn't a 100% guarantee that something awful will happen, but it's still a really bad idea w/ potentially disastrous consequences.
Dave RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorFlorida does not need rescuing from Big oil.
Florida does not need rescuing from Big oil. Florida needs rescuing from Florida. Much needed taxes and royalties? Gimme a break, if our legislators and local county governments had not got caught up in the feverish speculative real estate economy we would not be in this mess.
Our state government is responsible for keeping the state financially solid. So, the oil companies bail us out? And then what?? We let them do what ever they want because they "rescued" us and along the way risking our environment and a healthy tourism based economy? NO thanks boys. Our government got us in this mess and they can get us out. The oil companies would just love to be our saviors. NO thanks. Our tourism, sunshine, clean waters, clean beaches and just plain Florida Hospitality will create all the jobs we need to get us out of this mess.
Clean energy; solar specifically, is the answer to our future energy policy and it's about time we had some leaders who will advance solar instead of embracing pre-historic energy. Welcome to the Sunshine State on all fronts.
Join Hands Florida! February 13! It's Valentines Weekend.
You love your beach don't you?
Dave Rauschkolb
www.handsacrossthesand.org
Florida does not need rescuing from Big oil. Florida needs rescuing from Florida. Much needed taxes and royalties? Gimme a break, if our legislators and local county governments had not got caught up in the feverish speculative real estate economy we would not be in this mess.
Our state government is responsible for keeping the state financially solid. So, the oil companies bail us out? And then what?? We let them do what ever they want because they "rescued" us and along the way risking our environment and a healthy tourism based economy? NO thanks boys. Our government got us in this mess and they can get us out. The oil companies would just love to be our saviors. NO thanks. Our tourism, sunshine, clean waters, clean beaches and just plain Florida Hospitality will create all the jobs we need to get us out of this mess.
Clean energy; solar specifically, is the answer to our future energy policy and it's about time we had some leaders who will advance solar instead of embracing pre-historic energy. Welcome to the Sunshine State on all fronts.
Join Hands Florida! February 13! It's Valentines Weekend.
You love your beach don't you?
Dave Rauschkolb
www.handsacrossthesand.org
i guess if everyone knew they are why we have tar balls, they're mainly coming from oiltankers. half of the oil is used to make plastic,which our economy now requires for everything we use,so lets not berate an SUV,or a LSV. a prius doesn't use leather, so it takes more plastic to make! we all need to use less plastic and have the drilling in only federal waters to help stop the endless(and mindless) banter of dilling in the gulf.oh by the way, there were drilling rigs south of Destin and Pensacola before. they didn't cause any tar balls to wash up on the beach! there was a senator from from Crestview who misrepresented his facts,but drilling and finding oil could help the Florida economy with much needed taxes and royalties.
Dave RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorShaffer's post last week was laughable; I almost fell out of my chair. Very entertaining and no response needed. Yes, he very well could be credited with helping our cause. Thanks for joining hands with us on Feb 13th.
It's Valentines weekend...you love your beach don't you?
It's Valentines weekend...you love your beach don't you?
"Study says military missions, oil drilling can coexist in the gulf" - Read this Article in last weeks Sun.
Study says military missions, oil drilling can coexist in the gulf (DOCUMENT) | study, military, missions - Local News - WaltonSun.com
Well, it seems that oil drilling rigs can co-exist with the "chum fields" that R. Shaffer speaks of in the Sun. Gulf drilling has nothing on beach bombing | nothing, beach, well - Local News - WaltonSun.com
It seems we all should thank R. Shaffer for his articles in the Sun since November as it seems that the PR generated for Hands Across the Sand has been great !!!!! Someone should send a letter to the Editor of the Sun thanking Shaffer for his contribution to the event.
I hope the weather is nice on the 13th. See Y'all there.
"Citizens are stronger when they stick together" (quote from WaltonIsOne)
Dave RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorSAFE? or "Swift Boat Veterans For Truth and Death Panels"
Securing America?s Future Energy (SAFE), AHH, SAFE, go to the website and consider the source. Just have a look at the people on the board and you will see it is an Oil Industry tool. Lot's of well paid retired military. NO one who is active duty and they are well paid to refute the actual active duty people who are making the decisions. They can't escape the fact that the ACTIVE DUTY BASE COMMANDER of Eglin emphatically said oil drilling would have a negative effect on the military mission.
Securing America's Future Energy | Biographies
Securing America?s Future Energy (SAFE), AHH, SAFE, go to the website and consider the source. Just have a look at the people on the board and you will see it is an Oil Industry tool. Lot's of well paid retired military. NO one who is active duty and they are well paid to refute the actual active duty people who are making the decisions. They can't escape the fact that the ACTIVE DUTY BASE COMMANDER of Eglin emphatically said oil drilling would have a negative effect on the military mission.
Securing America's Future Energy | Biographies
"Study says military missions, oil drilling can coexist in the gulf" - Read this Article in last weeks Sun.
Study says military missions, oil drilling can coexist in the gulf (DOCUMENT) | study, military, missions - Local News - WaltonSun.com
Well, it seems that oil drilling rigs can co-exist with the "chum fields" that R. Shaffer speaks of in the Sun. Gulf drilling has nothing on beach bombing | nothing, beach, well - Local News - WaltonSun.com
It seems we all should thank R. Shaffer for his articles in the Sun since November as it seems that the PR generated for Hands Across the Sand has been great !!!!! Someone should send a letter to the Editor of the Sun thanking Shaffer for his contribution to the event.
I hope the weather is nice on the 13th. See Y'all there.
"Citizens are stronger when they stick together" (quote from WaltonIsOne)
sunspotbabysunspotbabySoWal InsiderSanta Rosa Beach5,000 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
sunspotbabySoWal InsiderSanta Rosa Beach5,000 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderJohn RJohn Rneeds to get out moreConflictinator6,782 postsJoined View profileMessageneeds to get out more
John Rneeds to get out moreConflictinator6,782 postsJoined View profileMessageneeds to get out moreExxon just doesn't seem to be able to transport oil very well.
Beauty hunterBeauty hunterBeach Fanatic1,206 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Beauty hunterBeach Fanatic1,206 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic"Study says military missions, oil drilling can coexist in the gulf" - Read this Article in last weeks Sun.
Study says military missions, oil drilling can coexist in the gulf (DOCUMENT) | study, military, missions - Local News - WaltonSun.com
Well, it seems that oil drilling rigs can co-exist with the "chum fields" that R. Shaffer speaks of in the Sun. Gulf drilling has nothing on beach bombing | nothing, beach, well - Local News - WaltonSun.com
It seems we all should thank R. Shaffer for his articles in the Sun since November as it seems that the PR generated for Hands Across the Sand has been great !!!!! Someone should send a letter to the Editor of the Sun thanking Shaffer for his contribution to the event.
I hope the weather is nice on the 13th. See Y'all there.
"Citizens are stronger when they stick together" (quote from
WaltonIsOne)
I am truly working on my diplomacy skills as there are rules on this board all of which I'm not sure of, but am a little rusty this morning with it.
If you think the citizen quote at the bottom of your post is so true then you should include all the names of the people involved in this effort to keep our beaches beautiful, but I've noticed they are just doing their best to get the job done and not looking to have their picture in the paper. It seems like most everytime Dave posts, you pop up and ask for the credit- this is not a one man band operation. Dave's motive is clear, but yours is a bit muddy. I'm sorry, it wasn't in your post, who did you say you worked for?
There is a big difference between what our military needs to do for national security and what corporations do to further their income- let's not mix the two as if they are one and the same. The "chum fields" are to prevent our families from being chum. Chum and oil do not mix.
I smell a rat here somewhere, but can't quite place my finger on it.
Please clear this up as I have nothing personal against you, but I want to know the truth, something isn't adding up here.:wave:
Also, my personal apologies if I am misinterpreting the situation here.
Note to Kurt, If I am out of line as to how I expressed myself feel free to delete, this was the diplomatic version for me.
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