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

[jack S]

Andy; I mean the republican elected legislators, where ever they are. read the reports, the news stories, even the last campaign... remember "drill, baby, drill". I did not intend to insult all republican people, but you all keep electing these officials who do not have the peoples best interests at heart. They sure do have a rape the planet attitude. every republican legislator in the panhandle voted to drill!
You remember after Ivan? For 2 and a half years after that, until turtle season of 06, we at blue mtn had to endure constant machinery and destruction of our access communitee. Running the beach was a constant hassle to avoid machines, And arrogant miserable workers.
Now, imagine how that would be magnified by an oil derrick washed on shore, with an oil spill!!!!! I would guess more years would pass, and the wise elected ones will say that that was unforeseen, when we already know it will happen.
I did not intend to make this thread political, but Hell Andy read the stuff, it ain't dem's who are in this rush to ruin!!!

 

[jodiFL]

We are in and look forward to making a strong statement. Media exposure would be great. Perhaps if we have matching t-shirts our voices would be heard louder???

I think everyone wearing a black shirt (something everyone has at least one of) would be a good choice since that black line in the sand would be exactly what would be seen from one SMALL spill (see Lebanon below). Probably just from the lubricants and diesel that are used on those rigs and the boats that supply them.

 

[Matt J]

I would never discourage anyone from joining the fight, but I think it needs to be made very clear that this is a bare knuckle street brawl to the death. Whoever these interests are that hide behind LLC's, Lawyers, and Lobbyists are in it for the long haul. One has to wonder if these are even US companies or if this is a huge smoke screen for China or India?

Something stinks and it's not the refinery planned for Nature Walk.

 

[2bohemians]

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.

 

[Grayton Girl]

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.

What a biased article!! The writer basically states that drilling off the Gulf Coast in state waters is a foregone conclusion....and that it's all good because they can use some of the profits to support the introduction of more solar energy.

This article makes me really sad....and mad!!

 

[Valerie L]

My family will be there whenever the date is posted! Being a true sunshine state native, I know how our beaches are enjoyed by so many and how important they are to nature. Now, can we move some of the houses backward a bit and off the beach front so I can see?

 

[Matt J]

What 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?

 

[Everytime]

What 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).

 

[Minnie]

Unfortunately, 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.

 

[Matt J]

I 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.