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
Edited
Replies
338
Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGBWhat if we took the beach to the capital?
Can you imagine thousands of people in bathing suits, with beach chairs, and coolers all around the capital?
Can you imagine thousands of people in bathing suits, with beach chairs, and coolers all around the capital?
EverytimeEverytimeBeach FanaticShelby County, Alabama439 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
EverytimeBeach FanaticShelby County, Alabama439 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticWhat if we took the beach to the capital?
Can you imagine thousands of people in bathing suits, with beach chairs, and coolers all around the capital?
This may be the best idea I've heard yet. (And I'm a common-sense conservative who usually votes Republican, but I'm opposed to the expansion of Gulf drilling).
MinnieMinnieBeach FanaticMemphis4,328 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
MinnieBeach FanaticMemphis4,328 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticUnfortunately, although I am generally a positive person, I have always been a believer that Big Oil would eventually have their way with our state regardless of its citizen's wishes.
Please do not get discouraged thinking that citizens groups can not win against big business, lawyers, and even the government.
It can happen. During the interstate highway system's late 1950s and early 1960s building boom, public parks had been viewed as a desirable path. Building through them didn't require the federal government to use the power of eminent domain. With that mindset the Federal Department of Transportation divised a plan to take I-40 though Memphis and right through our oldest city park and our zoo.
A group called Citizens to Protect Overton Park dug in and went all the way to the Supreme Court and won.
Citizens to Preserve Overton Park versus Volpe, is a decision by the Supreme Court of the United States that established the basic legal framework for judicial review of the actions of administrative agencies.
It also stands as a notable example of the power of litigation by grassroots "not-in-my-backyard" and preservationist movements to block government action.
If this small group could stop a federal agency that had already completed a major Interstate highway right up to the doors of the zoo and stop the development right in its tracks, I know the citizens and friends of Florida beaches can do the same to preserve and protect this wonderful natural resource.
Edited
Matt JMatt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGBI completely understand where you are coming from Minnie, but the Federal Government of the 50's and 60's vs. current oil money is a whole different beast.
This lobby has essentially decided that they'll drill, to what degree they get to rape our natural resources is their only current debate.
As I understand it their big compromise right now is to move the line to 6 miles from the last attempt which was 3 miles. Even if this change occurs you will still see oil platforms from the beach. Currently you the line on the horizon is approximately 12 miles.
Despite all of that this is not a visual issue, it is an environmental, financial, military, and common sense issue.
Want to really stop the legislature in it's tracks? Send them a letter with a sample of our beautiful sugar white sand enclosed.
This lobby has essentially decided that they'll drill, to what degree they get to rape our natural resources is their only current debate.
As I understand it their big compromise right now is to move the line to 6 miles from the last attempt which was 3 miles. Even if this change occurs you will still see oil platforms from the beach. Currently you the line on the horizon is approximately 12 miles.
Despite all of that this is not a visual issue, it is an environmental, financial, military, and common sense issue.
Want to really stop the legislature in it's tracks? Send them a letter with a sample of our beautiful sugar white sand enclosed.
MinnieMinnieBeach FanaticMemphis4,328 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
MinnieBeach FanaticMemphis4,328 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI completely understand where you are coming from Minnie, but the Federal Government of the 50's and 60's vs. current oil money is a whole different beast.
This lobby has essentially decided that they'll drill, to what degree they get to rape our natural resources is their only current debate.
As I understand it their big compromise right now is to move the line to 6 miles from the last attempt which was 3 miles. Even if this change occurs you will still see oil platforms from the beach. Currently you the line on the horizon is approximately 12 miles.
Despite all of that this is not a visual issue, it is an environmental, financial, military, and common sense issue.
Want to really stop the legislature in it's tracks? Send them a letter with a sample of our beautiful sugar white sand enclosed.
This happened in the early 70's. And yes it might be a different beast but my point is a small group can make a difference.
In Memphis, the Federal government had already secured the right of way for the Interstate all the way through Memphis, dislocating many home owners, right up to the park and zoo. People literally laid down in front of bull dozers to stop the advancement until they got the court order. There was only a small section of highway to be completed, the park section, as the government was so sure they would win they went ahead and completed the highway on both sides of the Zoo and park.
After this grass routes group won, basically the road became a highway to no where and the government had to back track and build the interstate around the city instead of through it. Alot of money, and man power was lost. And yes there were lobby groups that wanted the road to proceed and business groups that were going to benefit from the traffic generated into this area, as well as congressmen who stood to benefit from the road going through the city.
So while the specifics might be different it was a huge undertaking then, one few thought would succeed but they did.
Dave RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorJust the beginning of the clever filth the oil lobby will spew
This is just the beginning of the clever ploys the oil lobby has planned to try to soften the bellies of the citizens of Florida to drilling. Believe me, they have been planning this argument for a long, long time. No, it is not a forgone conclusion that drilling will occur, not even close.
Certainly we need to get our politicians to turn to Solar. Incentivizing Solar through oil? It's laughable. Hell, this is the Sunshine State! Yes we should all work towards converting to Solar but it should not be through oil it should be instead of oil. Our state should be the leader in Solar and not clinging to a prehistoric technology. We need politicians who have the guts to lead us away from the inefficiencies of oil and not be mesmerized by the money it will bring to their campaign chests.
We can and will succeed in stopping this nonsense. Our cause is as pure as our coastal waters and white sand. No amount of hackneyed logic will succeed in turning our tide black with filth. Once the citizens of Florida are heard in Tallahassee there won't be a politician in the house and senate that even breaths the word oil.
All it will take is our joining hands and drawing a line in the sand, a very, very long line. Inland and Coastal Floridians will soon unite to protect our clean waters, our pristine beaches, our tourism and our way of life. It's really very simple.
This is just the beginning of the clever ploys the oil lobby has planned to try to soften the bellies of the citizens of Florida to drilling. Believe me, they have been planning this argument for a long, long time. No, it is not a forgone conclusion that drilling will occur, not even close.
Certainly we need to get our politicians to turn to Solar. Incentivizing Solar through oil? It's laughable. Hell, this is the Sunshine State! Yes we should all work towards converting to Solar but it should not be through oil it should be instead of oil. Our state should be the leader in Solar and not clinging to a prehistoric technology. We need politicians who have the guts to lead us away from the inefficiencies of oil and not be mesmerized by the money it will bring to their campaign chests.
We can and will succeed in stopping this nonsense. Our cause is as pure as our coastal waters and white sand. No amount of hackneyed logic will succeed in turning our tide black with filth. Once the citizens of Florida are heard in Tallahassee there won't be a politician in the house and senate that even breaths the word oil.
All it will take is our joining hands and drawing a line in the sand, a very, very long line. Inland and Coastal Floridians will soon unite to protect our clean waters, our pristine beaches, our tourism and our way of life. It's really very simple.
Read this article today and thought it was appropriate to share on this thread. :shock:
› Solar Energy, Natural Gas: Florida's New Power Couple [Sentinel column]
Mike Thomas: The plan is to open up Florida's offshore water to oil drilling, then use some of the royalties to open up more rooftops to solar panels. This is the brainchild of future House Speaker Dean Cannon of Winter Park.
Edited
Grayton GirlGrayton GirlBeach FanaticSowal351 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Grayton GirlBeach FanaticSowal351 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticNews article - Not all Republican Senators are for drilling
State GOP senators skeptical on offshore oil drilling - St. Petersburg Times
Goodwitch58 posted this article from today's St. Pete Times under a different thread in the lounge, but I wanted to make sure that those keeping up with the oil drilling issue would see it.
Contrary to Mike Thomas's opinion (Orlando Sentinel) that a bill allowing drilling in State waters is inevitable, this article highlights that some republican senators are NOT in favor of drilling. It also highlights the political "players" involved in this bill, including Sen. Gaetz (who is likely to be the Senate President in 2012).
Here's a good quote from the article from one of our local delegation, Senator Durell Peaden, who represents the north parts of all counties from Escambia to Bay:
Anderson, George Oscar
Barnett, Martha W. ?WD? 09/21/2009
Benford, Brady J.
Bibeau, Brian H.
Bradshaw, Paul R.
Brown, Monesia T.
Castro, Edgar O.
Cohen, Kelly
Daniels, Doug
Daniels, Douglas A.
Diaz de la Portilla, Claudia
Diaz, Nelson D.
Dudley, Christopher F.
Dudley, Fred R.
Fraser, Towson
Friedman, Bernie J.
Gosnell, Beth
Hopping, Wade L.
Jaber, Lila A.
Jackson, Yolanda Cash
Madden, Steven J.
Matthews, Frank E.
Mitchell, R. Paul
Montgomery, Matthew R.
Moore, James T. (Tim)
Phillips, Lance ?WD? 08/10/2009
Pittman, Sean A.
Rancourt, David A.
Sessions, Lewis
Smith, Jim
Stengle, Dan R.
Thrasher, John E. ?WD? 05/01/2009
Webb, Stacey S.
Williams, J. Larry
State GOP senators skeptical on offshore oil drilling - St. Petersburg Times
Goodwitch58 posted this article from today's St. Pete Times under a different thread in the lounge, but I wanted to make sure that those keeping up with the oil drilling issue would see it.
Contrary to Mike Thomas's opinion (Orlando Sentinel) that a bill allowing drilling in State waters is inevitable, this article highlights that some republican senators are NOT in favor of drilling. It also highlights the political "players" involved in this bill, including Sen. Gaetz (who is likely to be the Senate President in 2012).
Here's a good quote from the article from one of our local delegation, Senator Durell Peaden, who represents the north parts of all counties from Escambia to Bay:
"Once you ruin those pristine beaches, they're ruined forever," said Peaden, a retired doctor who worked for Texaco before he went to medical school. He describes out-of-state oilmen as "shysters" promoting a "shell game" at the expense of Florida's tourism economy.
"It's all about campaign money," Peaden said. "And it's one big crapshoot."
Another coastal senator is Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton. He says he is open to learning more about drilling but would vote no, "knowing what I know now."
"I don't think the Senate has the votes right now," said Bennett.
FYI - here is a list of Florida Lobbyists who signed up to lobby for Florida Energy Associates, the group proposing to open Florida's waters to oil and gas drilling. There are some real heavy hitters on this list:"It's all about campaign money," Peaden said. "And it's one big crapshoot."
Another coastal senator is Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton. He says he is open to learning more about drilling but would vote no, "knowing what I know now."
"I don't think the Senate has the votes right now," said Bennett.
Anderson, George Oscar
Barnett, Martha W. ?WD? 09/21/2009
Benford, Brady J.
Bibeau, Brian H.
Bradshaw, Paul R.
Brown, Monesia T.
Castro, Edgar O.
Cohen, Kelly
Daniels, Doug
Daniels, Douglas A.
Diaz de la Portilla, Claudia
Diaz, Nelson D.
Dudley, Christopher F.
Dudley, Fred R.
Fraser, Towson
Friedman, Bernie J.
Gosnell, Beth
Hopping, Wade L.
Jaber, Lila A.
Jackson, Yolanda Cash
Madden, Steven J.
Matthews, Frank E.
Mitchell, R. Paul
Montgomery, Matthew R.
Moore, James T. (Tim)
Phillips, Lance ?WD? 08/10/2009
Pittman, Sean A.
Rancourt, David A.
Sessions, Lewis
Smith, Jim
Stengle, Dan R.
Thrasher, John E. ?WD? 05/01/2009
Webb, Stacey S.
Williams, J. Larry
Dave RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorHands Across The Sand Mission Statement and Event Date
HANDS ACROSS THE SAND
Hands Across The Sand is a non profit organization devoted to protecting our coastlines and waterways from the devastating environmental effects of oil exploration and support industries. We are protesting to protect.
Mission Statement:
1. To raise awareness about pending Florida legislation to drill for oil within 15 miles of our coast
2. To organize a Gulf coast wide and perhaps a statewide coastal movement to protest this legislation. This protest will bring thousands of Florida citizens to our beaches and will draw metaphorical and actual lines in the sand; human lines in the sand against near shore oil drilling in our waters. This event will be held on Saturday February 13, 2010
3. To convince our Legislators and Governor to drop any and all Legislation that would allow this folly.
In the near future The Citizens of Florida will have an opportunity to show their opposition to near shore oil drilling as close as 3 to 10 miles off our coast. This movement will be made of people of all walks of life and will cross political affiliations. This movement is not about politics it is about protection of our shoreline, our tourism, our valuable properties and our way of life. Let us share our knowledge, energies and passion for protecting our waterways and beaches from the devastating effects of oil drilling.
This event is planned for Saturday February 13, 2010, President's Day Weekend
Hands Across the Sand is coming to a beach near you.
It's simple
Step 1. Go to the Beach
Step 2. Hold hands forming lines in the sand against Oil Drilling in our Coastal Waters.
Step 3. Leave only your footprints.
Rules of the day:
Use only approved beach accesses and parking
Create as long a line or as many lines as you wish
Be courteous and respectful to those who disagree with your view
HANDS ACROSS THE SAND
Hands Across The Sand is a non profit organization devoted to protecting our coastlines and waterways from the devastating environmental effects of oil exploration and support industries. We are protesting to protect.
Mission Statement:
1. To raise awareness about pending Florida legislation to drill for oil within 15 miles of our coast
2. To organize a Gulf coast wide and perhaps a statewide coastal movement to protest this legislation. This protest will bring thousands of Florida citizens to our beaches and will draw metaphorical and actual lines in the sand; human lines in the sand against near shore oil drilling in our waters. This event will be held on Saturday February 13, 2010
3. To convince our Legislators and Governor to drop any and all Legislation that would allow this folly.
In the near future The Citizens of Florida will have an opportunity to show their opposition to near shore oil drilling as close as 3 to 10 miles off our coast. This movement will be made of people of all walks of life and will cross political affiliations. This movement is not about politics it is about protection of our shoreline, our tourism, our valuable properties and our way of life. Let us share our knowledge, energies and passion for protecting our waterways and beaches from the devastating effects of oil drilling.
This event is planned for Saturday February 13, 2010, President's Day Weekend
Hands Across the Sand is coming to a beach near you.
It's simple
Step 1. Go to the Beach
Step 2. Hold hands forming lines in the sand against Oil Drilling in our Coastal Waters.
Step 3. Leave only your footprints.
Rules of the day:
Use only approved beach accesses and parking
Create as long a line or as many lines as you wish
Be courteous and respectful to those who disagree with your view
Edited
GeoGeoBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach, FL2,740 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
GeoBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach, FL2,740 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticHi Dave, good stuff but just curious-
Why are you specifying a distance? I am under the impression that a spill/accident 13 miles or 15 miles out would have the same catastrophic consequences to our beaches as would one that is closer. Is Hands Across the Sand not opposed to any/all Florida drilling irrespective of distance from shore? Thanks! G
Why are you specifying a distance? I am under the impression that a spill/accident 13 miles or 15 miles out would have the same catastrophic consequences to our beaches as would one that is closer. Is Hands Across the Sand not opposed to any/all Florida drilling irrespective of distance from shore? Thanks! G
Dave RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorWe are specifically targeting the current House Bill that was just passed and any changes they might make as well regarding distances. We oppose drilling anywhere in Florida waters. I'll clarify it on the website. Thanks!!
Hi Dave, good stuff but just curious-
Why are you specifying a distance? I am under the impression that a spill/accident 13 miles or 15 miles out would have the same catastrophic consequences to our beaches as would one that is closer. Is Hands Across the Sand not opposed to any/all Florida drilling irrespective of distance from shore? Thanks! G
Edited
CamelliaCamelliaBeach Fanatic418 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
CamelliaBeach Fanatic418 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticWanted to share this e-mail received today about a workshop Wednesday to address off shore drilling.
As you may know, there was a bill proposed in the Florida House of Representatives this past April that would have allowed oil and gas drilling in State waters. For the Gulf coast, state waters are from the mean high water mark along the beach to 10 miles out.
The County Commissioners and the Walton County Chamber of Commerce passed resolutions opposing the bill.
The Bill passed the House of Representatives on April 27. As it was being considered in the House an uproar developed over the of introduction of such a significant piece of legislation in the closing days of the legislative session. On May 2nd, the Bill died ?in messages? to the Senate. ?In messages? refers to the location of a bill in referral from one Chamber to the other. The proponents of the Bill indicated it would be reintroduced in the next General session or a Special Session. I have been told the Bill will return in the General Session. That session begins in early March. If you google ?oil and gas in Florida waters? you will get a lot of information on the topic. I have been told by Walton County officials that the Governor, in a meeting with them recently, indicated he felt drilling in State waters ?could work? and that he would consider the Bill.
I will be sending a synopsis of the Bill shortly.
This Wednesday, October 21st, there is a very important meeting on the oil and gas issue in Tallahassee. It is a workshop on ?Energy Exploration in State Waters? in the House of Representatives. The workshop is from
1:30 to 6:00 PM and is located at Webster Hall (212 Knott). It is open to the public.
This will be the first public opportunity to get more information on this very important issue.
We will keep you updated on this significant issue.
Anita Page
SWCC Executive Director
As you may know, there was a bill proposed in the Florida House of Representatives this past April that would have allowed oil and gas drilling in State waters. For the Gulf coast, state waters are from the mean high water mark along the beach to 10 miles out.
The County Commissioners and the Walton County Chamber of Commerce passed resolutions opposing the bill.
The Bill passed the House of Representatives on April 27. As it was being considered in the House an uproar developed over the of introduction of such a significant piece of legislation in the closing days of the legislative session. On May 2nd, the Bill died ?in messages? to the Senate. ?In messages? refers to the location of a bill in referral from one Chamber to the other. The proponents of the Bill indicated it would be reintroduced in the next General session or a Special Session. I have been told the Bill will return in the General Session. That session begins in early March. If you google ?oil and gas in Florida waters? you will get a lot of information on the topic. I have been told by Walton County officials that the Governor, in a meeting with them recently, indicated he felt drilling in State waters ?could work? and that he would consider the Bill.
I will be sending a synopsis of the Bill shortly.
This Wednesday, October 21st, there is a very important meeting on the oil and gas issue in Tallahassee. It is a workshop on ?Energy Exploration in State Waters? in the House of Representatives. The workshop is from
1:30 to 6:00 PM and is located at Webster Hall (212 Knott). It is open to the public.
This will be the first public opportunity to get more information on this very important issue.
We will keep you updated on this significant issue.
Anita Page
SWCC Executive Director
Free2beFree2beBeach Crab2 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Crab
HANDS ACROSS THE SAND
Hands Across The Sand is a non profit organization devoted to protecting our coastlines and waterways from the devastating environmental effects of oil exploration and support industries. We are protesting to protect.
Mission Statement:
1. To raise awareness about pending Florida legislation to drill for oil within 15 miles of our coast
2. To organize a Gulf coast wide and perhaps a statewide coastal movement to protest this legislation. This protest will bring thousands of Florida citizens to our beaches and will draw metaphorical and actual lines in the sand; human lines in the sand against near shore oil drilling in our waters. This event will be held on Saturday February 13, 2010
3. To convince our Legislators and Governor to drop any and all Legislation that would allow this folly.
In the near future The Citizens of Florida will have an opportunity to show their opposition to near shore oil drilling as close as 3 to 10 miles off our coast. This movement will be made of people of all walks of life and will cross political affiliations. This movement is not about politics it is about protection of our shoreline, our tourism, our valuable properties and our way of life. Let us share our knowledge, energies and passion for protecting our waterways and beaches from the devastating effects of oil drilling.
This event is planned for Saturday February 13, 2010, President's Day Weekend
Hands Across the Sand is coming to a beach near you.
It's simple
Step 1. Go to the Beach
Step 2. Hold hands forming lines in the sand against Oil Drilling in our Coastal Waters.
Step 3. Leave only your footprints.
Rules of the day:
Use only approved beach accesses and parking
Create as long a line or as many lines as you wish
Be courteous and respectful to those who disagree with your view
What time?
I've never replied to anything on sowal before but this is something that I very much want to be a part of. I want my kids and grandkids to enjoy the beaches that we have now.
Dave RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorWhat time?
It's a little early to pick the time but more than likely it will be around 12:00 noon. Thanks for your support.
It's a little early to pick the time but more than likely it will be around 12:00 noon. Thanks for your support.
jack Sjack SBeach Lover173 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
jack SBeach Lover173 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach LoverAs we know, the oil people and their pawns will tell us that the technology has come SO far that spills will not happen! Well here is another article about a current spill that they CAN'T STOP! So much for the lies!
Call for action as oil spill gushes | The Australian
Call for action as oil spill gushes | The Australian
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