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
338GoodWitch58GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic4,810 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
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 RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorYes!! Thank you! Our chain of hands is growing
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
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
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 RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthorA letter to Senator Don Gaetz
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.
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.
GoodWitch58GoodWitch58Beach Fanatic4,810 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
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.
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.
jodiFLjodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
jodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI 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 RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor"Hands" covered on statewide News service of Florida
---------- 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
---------- 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 RauschkolbDave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor
Dave RauschkolbBeach FanaticSanta Rosa Beach1,004 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticAuthor"Hands" interview on News Channel 7, Panama City tonight at 6:00
"Hands" interview on News Channel 7, Panama City tonight at 6:00
"Hands" interview on News Channel 7, Panama City tonight at 6:00
Miss CritterMiss CritterBeach FanaticMy perfect beach3,397 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Miss CritterBeach FanaticMy perfect beach3,397 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticA 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?
jodiFLjodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
jodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticHehehe... 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.
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.
Edited
jodiFLjodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
jodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticFrom 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.The names of the ones with the power have been posted... lets get on them...
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.
Edited
Grayton GirlGrayton GirlBeach FanaticSowal351 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Grayton GirlBeach FanaticSowal351 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticTaking a Stand In Grayton!
Edited
JdargJdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Expert
JdargSoWal Expert18,040 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal ExpertWhoa!!!!!:clap:
ImatrucountrygirlImatrucountrygirlBeach LoverLiberty, FL....(north of De Funiak Springs)109 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover
ImatrucountrygirlBeach LoverLiberty, FL....(north of De Funiak Springs)109 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Lover:clap: awesome.. picture...
30A Skunkape30A SkunkapeSkunkyBackatown Seagrove10,329 postsJoined View profileMessageSkunky
30A SkunkapeSkunkyBackatown Seagrove10,329 postsJoined View profileMessageSkunkySign code violation.
Walking on the dunes violation.
Parking on the dunes violation.
Hating on Houston Oilers logo violation.
Bring purell to the hand holdathon.
Walking on the dunes violation.
Parking on the dunes violation.
Hating on Houston Oilers logo violation.
Bring purell to the hand holdathon.
MangoMangoSoWal InsiderNew York/ Santa Rosa Beach9,699 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal Insider
MangoSoWal InsiderNew York/ Santa Rosa Beach9,699 postsJoined View profileMessageSoWal InsiderFrom Miami Herald a couple of days ago.
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.:roll:
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.''
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.:roll:
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 AAndy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Andy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticI 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!!!
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!!!
jodiFLjodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
jodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticDEAN 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
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
Edited
jodiFLjodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
jodiFLBeach FanaticSOWAL,FL2,469 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach FanaticSign 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.
murphrgmurphrgBeach ComberGrayton Beach7 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Comber
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!
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!
Edited
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