Jon Bleyer's Blog
News and views on Florida's political and environmental landscape.
Progress Florida's Best of the Blogs for the week ending 3-12-10 Go! Go! Ru-bi-o! By Beach Blogger Pensacola Beach Blog State representative Stephen Precourt (R-Orlando) has proposed using state tax dollars to promote the production of "family-friendly" movies and television productions. If Congress is banning earmarks, why should voters re-elect Bill Young? By Peter Schorsch St. Petersblog 2.0 Anyone else get the feeling that the race for Florida Congressional District 10 just got a whole lot more interesting now that House Democratic leaders on Wednesday banned budget earmarks to private industry, ending a practice that has steered billions of dollars in no-bid contracts to companies and set off corruption scandals. The Rubiolution will be televised By Joy Reid The Reid Report March sure is early to be going on television for a primary in August…which tells me Team Rubio is at least somewhat concerned that AMEXgate and the $134 back wax might begin to stick. The Big Oil roundup: news and information about Big Oil’s push to rig Florida’s coastline for the week ending 3-12-10: Many Florida coastal communities resolved against drilling  Progress Florida unveiled the "Resolved Against Drilling" map, a powerful illustration and visual reminder to lawmakers of the overwhelming opposition to legislation (SB 2622) that would end Florida's ban on oil drilling in state waters. The map shows that at least 55 cities, counties, chambers of commerce, and local agencies around the state have passed resolutions (you can view the list of resolutions here) opposing Speaker-Designate Dean Cannon's (R-Winter Park) and Senate-President Designate Mike Haridopolos's (R-Melbourne) effort to sell Florida's world famous coastline to Texas oilmen. From Key West to Pensacola, few other issues to be tackled this legislative session have met with such unified opposition from local communities. "This map demonstrates in clear terms that Floridians aren't buying the misleading claims and empty economic promises Big Oil is selling our state," said Mark Ferrulo, Executive Director of Progress Florida. TAKE ACTION NOW  Write Your State Senator: Big Oil's Promises Are "Empty" Big Oil and their hired hands in Tallahassee have sworn that drilling Florida’s coast would be “invisible” – that there would be no unsightly rigs just a few miles off our coast. We know different – and a recent eye opening story in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune has proven Big Oil’s promises completely “empty.” Click the picture above – keeping the pressure on by letting our State Senators know people like you are paying attention is how we’ll beat Big Oil.MORE ONLINE ACTIONS Pass a Resolution To Protect Florida's Beaches Now, via Audubon of Florida. Urge President Obama’s Ocean Policy Task Force to recommend against offshore drilling within any previously protected coastal waters, via Defenders of Wildlife. Tell Obama: Offshore Drilling is NOT the Answer to Energy Crisis, via Oceana. Help Drill for Solutions Not for Oil, via Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Let us decide! Petition to Governor Charlie Crist, Senate President Jeff Atwater, and House Speaker Larry Cretul, via Civic Concern. Contact Your Officials About New Drilling Off Florida's Coasts, via Civic Concern. Ask your state legislators to keep the rigs out, via Save the Manatee Club. Write a letter to the editor, via Audubon of Florida. Write your state legislators, via Audubon of Florida. Urge Senate President Jeff Atwater to oppose offshore oil drilling, via Progress Florida. Tell Sen. Atwater Not To Allow Oil Drilling In Special Session, via Audubon of Florida. Sign the petition against oil drilling, via Protect Florida’s Beaches. Tell Salazar: No drilling off Florida's Coast, via Environment Florida. Tell new Senator LeMieux to Repower America, via Environment Florida. Related action: Don't go drill crazy in the Everglades, via Center for Biological Diversity. Related action: Keep oil drilling out of climate change legislation, via Oceana. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OF NOTE Hands Across The Sand website; their Twitter page is here. Protect Florida’s Beaches, recently launched coalition website. Protect Florida’s Beaches on Facebook. Think, Baby, Think blog via Protect Florida’s Beaches. Don’t Drill Florida website. Don’t Drill Florida Facebook page. Save Our Shores Florida website; their Twitter page is here. Floridians Against Big Oil social network. Save Our Shores Florida Facebook page. Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition website. Environment Florida offshore drilling page. Southern Alliance for Clean Energy offshore drilling page. Skytruth blog, an excellent source of info. Not the Answer blog, courtesy Surfrider Foundation. Eye-opening map of oil and gas leases and infrastructure in Gulf of Mexico, via MMS. EnergyFLA.com, online hub of drilling proponents; their Twitter page is here. Our Editorial Cartoon of the Week feature is part of Progress Florida's popular FREE Daily Clips service:
The Big Oil roundup: news and information about Big Oil’s push to rig Florida’s coastline for the week ending 3-5-10: Drilling push continues despite findingsBy Keith Laing News Service of Florida via Sarasota Herald-TribuneDespite the Senate's seeming reluctance to lift a 20-year ban on offshore oil drilling in Florida waters, the first legislation on the subject was filed in the upper chamber. Senate 2622: Relating to Regulation of State Lands & Oil and Gas Resources General Bill by Haridopolos The Florida SenateRegulation of State Lands & Oil and Gas Resources; Provides for the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to accept and award bids for oil and gas leases on submerged lands underlying the territorial waters of the state. Lawmaker: Any drilling bill would ban 'visual blight' By Jim Ash Tallahassee DemocratFloridians won't have to worry about oil platforms spoiling their view if the Legislature opens Florida waters to offshore drilling this year, the chief House proponent said Monday. Pledge to keep oil rigs out of sight from coast falls flat By Laura Ruane Ft. Myers News-PressSouthwest Florida's tourism industry took no apparent cheer from a Florida legislator's remarks Monday that any bill permitting offshore oil drilling also would require that platforms be kept out of sight from shore. Oil drilling backer drops lobbying corps By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.comFlorida Energy Associates, one of the primary backers of the push to open Florida waters to oil drilling last year, recently trimmed its lobbying force to zero after having more than 30 last year. Offshore Florida oil: Not much there, there By Michael Peltier and Kathleen Haughney News Service of Florida via Orlando SentinelA new report says drilling in Florida waters would “have no discernible impact” on gas prices or the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, but could pump millions into state coffers. Report says oil supplies in Fla. waters negligible By Bill Kaczor The Associated PressEstimated reserves in Florida waters would provide the United States with less than a week's worth of oil and have no discernible effect on prices at the pump or U.S. reliance on foreign oil, says a report released Friday as part of a state Senate review of whether a ban on offshore drilling should be lifted. Century Commission report tackles oil drilling By Bruce RitchieFloridaEnvironments.com A state panel's draft report issued today takes on the major questions and concerns about allowing oil drilling off Florida's coastline.
In Florida, support for offshore drilling depends on where you live By Craig PittmanSt. Petersburg Times When it comes to drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico, it's as if there are two Floridas.
Palin slimes Florida with oil-drilling push By Tony PlakasSouth Florida Sun-Sentinel The unctuous Sarah Palin recently surfaced in Florida on a national tour like an unwanted oil spill, spewing her slippery nonsense to thousands of race fans at the Daytona International Speedway.
Experts: 2010 may not be make, break for drilling By Melissa NelsonThe Associated Press The Florida House last year voted to allow exploration for oil and natural gas in state waters, but the Senate didn't bring it up for a vote. This year the issue may not come up for a vote at all - but it will still weigh heavy in the upcoming session's background.
Offshore oil drilling not in Florida session By Lindsay Ubinas10 Connects News Tampa Bay Florida legislators agree that offshore oil drilling is an important issue but they still might not tackle it during their upcoming session.State lawmakers expected to discuss oil drilling, but little action expected By Michael Peltier Palm Beach PostExpect a lot of talk but possibly little action as lawmakers continue the debate on offshore drilling when they return Tuesday to begin the 2010 legislative session. Offshore oil bill is viewed as risky Staff Report Florida TodayDespite the backing of two heavy-hitting Republicans, Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos of Merritt Island and House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon of Winter Park, the push for offshore drilling has slowed to a crawl. Florida's offshore drilling panel convenes today By Jim Ash Ft. Myers News-PressThe House panel looking into oil and gas drilling in Florida waters convenes this morning, a day before the start of the legislative session and after the release of an academic report that proponents are already criticizing. Hands Across the Sand Spreads Message "Love Tourists, Not Drilling" By Heidi Lux Tampa Bay InformerHands Across the Sand, a statewide, peaceful protest against offshore drilling, was held throughout Florida's beaches on February 13th. Area lawmakers still opposed to offshore drilling By Matt Dixon Panama City News HeraldA predictable sequence of events played out over the past few days. State House hopeful Barker comes out against offshore drilling By Tom McLaughlin Northwest Florida Daily NewsCraig Barker, who is running for the District 4 state House seat, took a bold step Tuesday when he declared his unequivocal opposition to offshore drilling close to Florida’s coast. Local politicians weigh in on drilling Staff Report Bradenton HeraldState Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton: “Offshore drilling? I oppose it. Although there are ebbs and flows from a public perspective, there are better ways to address it than to put at risk our coastline.” Another push for offshore oil drilling looms Editorial Bradenton HeraldWhen the state Legislature opens its annual 60-day regular session on Tuesday, the primary issue will be grappling with yet another multibillion budget shortfall. Sticking with the drill: What do proponents of coastal oil exploration really want? Editorial Sarasota Herald-TribuneThe Legislature's chief proponents of drilling for oil near Florida's coastline are nothing if not determined. Oily facts Editorial Orlando SentinelDespite a new study that concludes drilling in Florida waters would produce less than a week's worth of oil for the U.S., no noticeable effect on domestic gasoline prices and nothing to lower the nation's dependency on foreign oil, Sen. Mike Haridopolos filed his bill Friday lifting the state's offshore drilling ban.
TAKE ACTION NOW
Write Your State Senator: Big Oil's Promises Are "Empty" Big Oil and their hired hands in Tallahassee have sworn that drilling Florida’s coast would be “invisible” – that there would be no unsightly rigs just a few miles off our coast. We know different – and a recent eye opening story in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune has proven Big Oil’s promises completely “empty.” Click the picture above – keeping the pressure on by letting our State Senators know people like you are paying attention is how we’ll beat Big Oil. MORE ONLINE ACTIONSPass a Resolution To Protect Florida's Beaches Now, via Audubon of Florida. Urge President Obama’s Ocean Policy Task Force to recommend against offshore drilling within any previously protected coastal waters, via Defenders of Wildlife. Tell Obama: Offshore Drilling is NOT the Answer to Energy Crisis, via Oceana. Help Drill for Solutions Not for Oil, via Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Let us decide! Petition to Governor Charlie Crist, Senate President Jeff Atwater, and House Speaker Larry Cretul, via Civic Concern. Contact Your Officials About New Drilling Off Florida's Coasts, via Civic Concern. Ask your state legislators to keep the rigs out, via Save the Manatee Club. Write a letter to the editor, via Audubon of Florida. Write your state legislators, via Audubon of Florida. Urge Senate President Jeff Atwater to oppose offshore oil drilling, via Progress Florida. Tell Sen. Atwater Not To Allow Oil Drilling In Special Session, via Audubon of Florida. Sign the petition against oil drilling, via Protect Florida’s Beaches. Tell Salazar: No drilling off Florida's Coast, via Environment Florida. Tell new Senator LeMieux to Repower America, via Environment Florida. Related action: Don't go drill crazy in the Everglades, via Center for Biological Diversity. Related action: Keep oil drilling out of climate change legislation, via Oceana. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OF NOTE Hands Across The Sand website; their Twitter page is here. Protect Florida’s Beaches, recently launched coalition website. Protect Florida’s Beaches on Facebook. Think, Baby, Think blog via Protect Florida’s Beaches. Don’t Drill Florida website. Don’t Drill Florida Facebook page. Save Our Shores Florida website; their Twitter page is here. Floridians Against Big Oil social network. Save Our Shores Florida Facebook page. Florida Coastal and Ocean Coalition website. Environment Florida offshore drilling page. Southern Alliance for Clean Energy offshore drilling page. Skytruth blog, an excellent source of info. Not the Answer blog, courtesy Surfrider Foundation. Eye-opening map of oil and gas leases and infrastructure in Gulf of Mexico, via MMS. EnergyFLA.com, online hub of drilling proponents; their Twitter page is here.  Cumulative oil slick "footprint" resulting from the 10-week Montara oil platform blowout and spill that occurred in the Timor Sea off Western Australia in 2009; superimposed on the Gulf coast of Florida for scale. More info here. Progress Florida's Best of the Blogs for the week ending 3-5-10 Bilked: another story from South Florida For Florida, A Time for Leadership Lying to Our Kids Our Editorial Cartoon of the Week feature is part of Progress Florida's popular FREE Daily Clips service:
Progress Florida's Best of the Blogs for the week ending 2-26-10 Is Crist laying the groundwork for an independent bid? By Juan Saaa Progress Florida Florida as a whole has seen a increased upwelling in the area of immigration reform lately, mostly in part from youth activists who have had enough of living in the shadows and are mobilizing all across the state to make a push to move the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, otherwise known as the DREAM Act.Ray Sansom Resigns to Avoid Ethics Hearing By Beach Blogger Pensacola Beach Blog Northwest Florida state representative Ray Sansom (R-Ft. Walton Beach) resigned his seat at 8 pm last night rather than proceed with the state ethics hearing he had requested.  Why Florida's ethics laws need an upgrade! By Ed Gamble, Florida Times-Union Related editorial: State ethics: the hall of shame BONUS CARTOONS  By Jeff Parker, Florida Today  By Andy Marlette, Pensacola News Journal The Big Oil roundup: news and information about Big Oil’s push to rig Florida’s coastline for the week ending 2-19-10:
Hands Across The Sand coverage Hundreds line Pinellas County beaches to protest near-shore oil drilling By Curtis KruegerSt. Petersburg Times Hundreds lined Pinellas County's beaches and many more came to more than 70 coastal locations around Florida to protest the idea of drilling close to the state's shoreline.Protesters across Florida rally against offshore oil drilling By Maria Herrera South Florida Sun-SentinelRelated video: Raging Grannies at Hands Across the Sand, Delray Beach They looked like dark spots of tar freshly washed upon the shore.Protesters draw line in sand over oil drilling By Sarah OwenPanama City News Herald Chains of hand-holding Floridians stretched across shorelines from Pensacola to Key West to show solidarity in their opposition of offshore oil drilling.Hundreds hold 'Hands Across the Sand' to protest oil drilling off Florida's coast By Adam PlayfordPalm Beach Post The man on the stage says it's time, and Ian, who is 8, is ready.Protesters gather at the beach By Todd RugerSarasota Herald-Tribune More than 250 people joined hands on the famous powdery sands of Siesta Public Beach on Saturday to show opposition to oil drilling as close as three to 10 miles offshore.Floridians protest offshore oil drilling By Robert GreenReuters Thousands of Floridians demonstrated against moves to allow offshore oil drilling on Saturday along the east and west coasts of the state in a protest dubbed "Hands Across the Sand."Hundreds say 'no' to offshore drilling By Rebecca RossPensacola News Journal The line of black-clad protesters was stark against thesugar-white sand. Hands clasped, they stood shoulder-to-shoulder, staring out to sea. Activists unite on beach in protest against oil drilling By Cammy Clark and Robert Samuels Miami HeraldDressed in black, some 200 people stood hand in hand on South Beach on Saturday afternoon, raising and lowering their arms as surfers behind them rode the waves. Offshore drilling protesters join hands By Richard Dymond Bradenton HeraldAn event didn’t take place Saturday at Manatee Public Beach — officially — because there was no permit for one. Floridians join hands to protest offshore drilling By Jeff Barker Northwest Florida Daily NewsHundreds of people clasped hands along the beach Saturday to show their opposition to proposed offshore oil drilling. Naples protesters drill home the message: No oil rigs off Florida's Gulf coast By Sarah Donovan Naples NewsDespite biting winds, a small group of protesters held Hands Across the Sand at a Naples beach Saturday to send a message to Florida lawmakers and coastal communities statewide. 1,000 strong at ‘Hands Across the Sand’ on St. Pete Beach By Cathy Harrelson Creative LoafingOur experience with the three ‘Hands Across the Sand’ locations on St. Pete Beach, from the public beach to the Sirata Beach Resort and past the Tradewinds Resort, was thrilling. Surfers, Scientists Say No to Oil Drilling Off Florida Coast By Natalie O'Neill Miami New TimesJesse Bull, a surfer with a tidy goatee, rides a four-foot wave to shore on a blustery South Beach day. "Hands Across the Sand" Protest of Oil Drilling off Florida's Coast By Geniusofdespair Eye on MiamiThe protest went on all over Florida yesterday. People dressed in black, to signify an oil slick, joined hands at about 2pm in solidarity against oil drilling off Florida's Coast. Thank you Miami Surfriders and Progress Florida for bringing Hands Across the Sand to my attention. Hands Across the Sand Was A Huge Success: Human Chain Creates Line Around State to Protect Florida's Beaches Audubon of Florida Advocate Thousands of people at scores of locations throughout Florida showed up to hold hands and form a human chain to protect Florida's beaches.Oil drilling could change Florida for the worse EditorialTC Palm The Treasure Coast chapter of Surfrider and others concerned with the environment got together Saturday at Stuart Beach for “Hands Across the Sand,” a statewide protest of efforts to open Florida waters to offshore oil drilling.
Other drilling news Rep. Seth McKeel Pushes For End To Off-Shore Drilling Moratorium By Bill RuftyLakeland Ledger Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Seth McKeel, R-Lakeland, asking the U.S. Congress to remove the moratorium on oil drilling in federal waters surrounding Florida, cleared the House General Government Policy Council on Wednesday.Experts: 2010 may not be make, break for drilling By Melissa NelsonThe Associated Press The Florida Legislature has considered for several years changing state law to allow exploration for oil and natural gas but hasn't brought the issue up for a vote. This year may be no different - but it will still weigh heavy in the upcoming session's background.Oil drilling legislation not likely this year, lawmakers say By Daniel CarsonPanama City News Herald Area legislators expressed doubts Friday that the Florida Legislature will pass any offshore oil drilling-related bills in 2010 due to concerns about impacts on military missions, the region’s tourism industry and the environment.Florida lawmakers hear good, bad of Gulf oil drilling By Brandon LarrabeeFlorida Times-Union Those involved in responding to offshore drilling incidents in the Gulf of Mexico told lawmakers Thursday about the steps that had been taken to minimize the impact of oil spills, as others warned that the consequences of exploring for oil in state waters might not be clear.League of Women Voters opposes offshore, near-shore drilling By Clara Anne Graham and Laura MillerFt. Myers News-Press The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.TAKE ACTION NOW Write Your State Senator: Big Oil's Promises Are "Empty" Big Oil and their hired hands in Tallahassee have sworn that drilling Florida’s coast would be “invisible” – that there would be no unsightly rigs just a few miles off our coast. We know different – and a recent eye opening story in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune has proven Big Oil’s promises completely “empty.” Click the picture above – keeping the pressure on by letting our State Senators know people like you are paying attention is how we’ll beat Big Oil.
Progress Florida's Best of the Blogs for the week ending 2-19-10 Note to Florida Voters: throw out the vultures and speculators By R.S. Pienta Leave a Comment A teacher I met via Facebook recently vented her frustration about the No Child Left Behind policy and how it is implemented via rules about FCAT in the state of Florida.  By Andy Marlette, Pensacola News Journal BONUS CARTOON  By Andy Marlette, Pensacola News Journal The Big Oil roundup: news and information about Big Oil’s push to rig Florida’s coastline for the week ending 2-12-10:
Hands Across The Sand coverage Offshore drilling opponents to join hands in protest Saturday By Bill CotterellTallahassee Democrat Related: Google map of Sat. Feb 13th Hands Across the Sand events in your areaBlack-clad opponents of offshore oil drilling hope to mount the biggest protest in Florida history by joining hands along the coastline Saturday. A Line in the Florida Sand By Glen Gardner Public News Service FloridaOn Saturday, thousands of Floridians will literally draw a line in the sand to fight near-shore oil and gas drilling. "Hands Across the Sand" - People gather in protest of Florida off-shore oil drilling By Kathryn Bursch 10 Connects Tampa BayEven on a cool day, the Dahl family from North Dakota enjoys looking for shells and walking along St. Pete Beach. One man draws a line in the sand against oil drilling: Dave Rauschkolb is hoping opponents will join hands on Feb. 13 By Deborah Wheeler Ft. Walton SunWhen Bud & Alley’s owner Dave Rauschkolb hosted House of Representatives hopeful David Pleat at his 30A restaurant in October, he heard him issue a call to action against drilling for oil off his beautiful beaches. Florida beach towns plan protest against oil drilling By Curtis Morgan Miami HeraldBeachside communities and environmentalists have planned a statewide protest against offshore oil-drilling on Saturday. Offshore oil drilling foes to protest on beaches By Craig Pittman St. Petersburg TimesOpponents of offshore drilling are hoping thousands of people dressed in black will join them Saturday holding hands on beaches around the state for 10 minutes. Oil-drilling protest planned Saturday on Pinellas beaches By Dennis Joyce Tampa TribuneThere may be more hand-holding in Pinellas than anywhere in Florida on Saturday when people at a dozen local beaches join a statewide oil-drilling protest. Offshore drilling opponents plan beach lineup By Dinah Voyles Pulver Daytona Beach News-JournalVolunteers are expected to line up along the coast Saturday in Florida to protest proposals for oil drilling in the state's offshore waters. Oppose offshore drilling with strong show of hands By Cathy Harrelson Tampa TribuneIt isn't always easy to organize people in a far-flung state like Florida. But we're trying to do it to stand up for our beaches.  Other drilling news Drilling off Florida: A closer look at the risks Offshore Drilling FactsheetFlorida Coastal and Ocean Coalition A closer look at the facts proves hands-down that drilling is shortsighted, reckless, and simply not worth the economic or environmental risk.Offshore oil drilling supporters prize access to federal waters By Paul FlemmingFt. Myers News-Press Sometimes the money quote takes some time.House panel hears about oil spills, beach sand By Bruce RitchieFloridaEnvironments.com Members of a House panel Wednesday were provided with oil spill figures and they were told that seismic research is needed to find offshore deposits of beach sand before oil drilling is allowed.Ag commish candidate: 'No, baby, no' to drilling By Matt DixonPanama City News Herald Democratic candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Scott Maddox held a press conference Wednesday with Mayor Scott Clemons regarding their opposition to offshore oil drilling.Offshore oil drilling forum draws more than 125 on both sides of the issue By Eric StaatsNaples News Florida legislators in Tallahassee are teeing up a debate over drilling for oil in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico.A Dark Cloud Lingers Over Our Beaches (scroll down to page 7) By Sarah E. GerardPinellas Scene On Saturday, February 13, thousands of Florida residents will stand up on their local beaches in protest of a legislative bill threatening offshore drilling within 3 to 10 miles of the shoreline.Don’t drill the heart out of economy By Citizen ContributorCollier Citizen As a concern citizen of Southwest Florida (Naples) I’d like to draw the attention onto the Florida Drilling issue.To drill or not to drill: South Walton High School holds forum By Angel McCurdyNorthwest Florida Daily News Just weeks before the Legislature takes up the issue, supporters and opponents had their say Thursday on a proposal to drill for oil off Florida’s coast.Sun takes the pulse of the region on gulf drilling By Deborah WheelerFt. Walton Sun Big Oil may face big opposition in South Walton, a recent informal poll from The Sun reveals.Transcript of Skytruth’s John Amos to Senate on Offshore Oil Drilling By Congressional AidThatsMyCongress.com The following is our transcription of the November 19, 2009 testimony of John Amos of Skytruth, a non-profit environmental imaging organization, to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Environmental monitoring 'tardy and superficial' By David WeberABC News Related: Too early to assess oil spill damageThe environmental monitoring program in the wake of last year's oil spill in the Timor Sea has been described as 'superficial'. TAKE ACTION NOW
Write Your State Senator: Big Oil's Promises Are "Empty" Big Oil and their hired hands in Tallahassee have sworn that drilling Florida’s coast would be “invisible” – that there would be no unsightly rigs just a few miles off our coast. We know different – and a recent eye opening story in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune has proven Big Oil’s promises completely “empty.” Click the picture above – keeping the pressure on by letting our State Senators know people like you are paying attention is how we’ll beat Big Oil.MORE ONLINE ACTIONS Urge President Obama’s Ocean Policy Task Force to recommend against offshore drilling within any previously protected coastal waters, via Defenders of Wildlife.
Progress Florida's Best of the Blogs for the week ending 2-12-10 I Suspect This Is Where We're Going By Gimleteye Eye on Miami In a 2 PM press conference, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson will announce that she will not run for re-election.  By Jim Morin, Miami Herald BONUS CARTOON  By Jeff Parker, Florida Today The Big Oil roundup: news and information about Big Oil’s push to rig Florida’s coastline for the period ending 2-5-10:  Save the Date: Hands Across the Sand Happens on February 13th, 2010 The Audubon of Florida Advocate More info at HandsAcrosstheSand.org.Thousands of Floridians from all walks of life will gather on beaches from Pensacola to Key West and Miami to Jacksonville Feb. 13, 2010, in a statewide coastal protest against legislative proposals to open Florida's waters to offshore oil drilling. Candidates for governor agree offshore oil drilling a threat By Bill Cotterell Florida TodayCompeting candidates for governor agreed today that proposed offshore oil drilling is a threat to Florida's beaches but took sharply differing positions on national health care. Florida CFO Alex Sink opposed to offshore drilling By Abel Harding Florida Times-UnionSink says the biggest question surrounding the offshore drilling debate is knowing who is actually behind it. Gov. candidates cold toward drilling -- but not Crist, Rubio By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.comThe three major candidates for governor on Wednesday largely rejected the idea of allowing drilling off Florida's Gulf coast during remarks at the 2010 Associated Press Legislative Planning Session at the Capitol. Candidates Cold to Near-Shore Drilling By Lloyd Dunkelberger Lakeland LedgerAlthough they may differ on other issues, Florida's top three contenders for governor appear united in their skepticism over plans to bring oil drilling rigs close to the state's beaches. McCollum says oil drilling could 'terrorize our beaches' By Mary Ellen Klas Miami HeraldAttorney General Bill McCollum told reporters that oil drilling three to 10 miles out "is very close,'' could interfere with the tourism economy, "It would just completely terrorize our beaches.….That’s a risk I would not be willing to take.'' Researchers warn of drilling dangers at symposium By Jim Ash Tallahassee DemocratSeismic testing associated with offshore oil and gas drilling could harm Florida's $6 billion commercial and recreational fishing industry, a Florida State University researcher warned on Monday. Understanding of Gulf ecology lacking in drilling debate By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.comScientists' lack of understanding about the complex relationships between marine organisms should be considered in the debate about oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, Florida State University researchers said today. Cannon says oil lobby group's funding unimportant By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.comRep. Dean Cannon, chairman of a House council that is holding hearings on whether to allow oil drilling within 10 miles of Florida's Gulf coast, said today that he isn't interested in who's behind the firm that's been pushing for drilling legislation. Sub-sea drilling technology shown to House By Bruce Ritchie FloridaEnvironments.comMembers of a House panel today were told that oil and gas production platforms built more than 13 miles offshore would not be visible from the coast. Offshore drilling could hurt military operations in Florida, group says By Judson Parker Tallahassee Environmental News ExaminerThe risk offshore drilling poses to Eglin Air Force Base Ranges is real enough to warrant careful consideration. When that risk is paired with the meager reward that exists off Florida’s shores, the idea of even potentially impairing military exercises in the Gulf becomes completely unthinkable Offshore drilling resolution delayed again By Drew Harwell St. Petersburg TimesCity commissioners Thursday night discussed for the second time their position on offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, a proposal opposed last year by nearly every coastal city across Tampa Bay. Crews try to protect wildlife from Texas oil spill By Schuyler Dixon The Associated PressCrews worked Sunday to protect two sensitive wildlife areas after a crude oil spill shut down parts of a major southeast Texas port, state Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said. Oil drilling: Protect state's beaches, economy By Sarah Owen Gledhill Florida Times-UnionFlorida's beaches and coastlines define and unite us as Floridians. They are what brought us here and they are what keep us here. Oil drilling bill must balance our interests Editorial Ft. Myers News-PressLegislators have been moving forward with hearings on the costs and benefits of lifting the 20-year-old ban on oil drilling off Florida’s coast and a bill could be filed this year.  Big Oil’s idea of job creation? TAKE ACTION NOW
Write Your State Senator: Big Oil's Promises Are "Empty" Big Oil and their hired hands in Tallahassee have sworn that drilling Florida’s coast would be “invisible” – that there would be no unsightly rigs just a few miles off our coast. We know different – and a recent eye opening story in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune has proven Big Oil’s promises completely “empty.” Click the picture above – keeping the pressure on by letting our State Senators know people like you are paying attention is how we’ll beat Big Oil.MORE ONLINE ACTIONS Tell Obama: Offshore Drilling is NOT the Answer to Energy Crisis, via Oceana. Help Drill for Solutions Not for Oil, via Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.Let us decide! Petition to Governor Charlie Crist, Senate President Jeff Atwater, and House Speaker Larry Cretul, via Civic Concern. Contact Your Officials About New Drilling Off Florida's Coasts, via Civic Concern.Ask your state legislators to keep the rigs out, via Save the Manatee Club. Write a letter to the editor, via Audubon of Florida.Write your state legislators, via Audubon of Florida. Urge Senate President Jeff Atwater to oppose offshore oil drilling, via Progress Florida.Tell Sen. Atwater Not To Allow Oil Drilling In Special Session, via Audubon of Florida. Sign the petition against oil drilling, via Protect Florida’s Beaches.Tell Salazar: No drilling off Florida's Coast, via Environment Florida. Tell new Senator LeMieux to Repower America, via Environment Florida.\Related action: Don't go drill crazy in the Everglades, via Center for Biological Diversity. Related action: Keep oil drilling out of climate change legislation, via Oceana.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OF NOTE Hands Across The Sand website; their Twitter page is here.Protect Florida’s Beaches, recently launched coalition website. Protect Florida’s Beaches on Facebook.Think, Baby, Think blog via Protect Florida’s Beaches. Don’t Drill Florida website.Don’t Drill Florida Facebook page. Save Our Shores Florida website; their Twitter page is here.Save Our Shores Florida Facebook page. Environment Florida offshore drilling page.Southern Alliance for Clean Energy offshore drilling page. Skytruth blog, an excellent source of info.Not the Answer blog, courtesy Surfrider Foundation. Eye-opening map of oil and gas leases and infrastructure in Gulf of Mexico, via MMS.EnergyFLA.com, online hub of drilling proponents; their Twitter page is here. Progress Florida's Best of the Blogs for the week ending 1-22-10 What's Crist to do (besides dropping out and endorsing Kendrick Meek)? By Geniusofdespair Eye on Miami The only person who signed the Corporate papers (filed January 21st) for this 501c4 is Richard E. Coates, a Tallahassee lobbyist, who also happens to have as a client Barney Bishop's "Associated Industries of Florida".CBS Tainting Super Bowl Broadcast By Daniel Tilson Progress Florida In rolling out what they claim is a new policy to begin broadcasting "approved" paid advocacy group advertisements, the CBS TV network is clearly taking the sensitive, low-key high road - airing the first such spot during Super Bowl 44, being played Sunday in our South Florida backyard, with a few additional folks tuning in from around the globe.Six amendments make the ballot By Bill Newton FCAN Blog It will be another busy year for voters. The Legislature wants us to give up public campaign finance, and we have a chance to make Florida's election districts more fair and eliminate gerrymandering.  By Jeff Parker, Florida Today BONUS CARTOON  By Jim Morin, Miami Herald Progress Florida's Best of the Blogs for the week ending 1-22-10 The myth of limited government By Peter Schorsch St. Petersblog 2.0 First of all, to the anonymous bloggers who attempted to discredit the good name of one of Tampa's finest families, you should be ashamed of yourselves. With fundraising totals for 2009 now having been reported, let's examine how the major candidates for statewide office fundraising efforts compare with their internet and social networking footprints entering 2010 (a similar earlier comparison courtesy Progress Florida’s summer 2009 intern Joe Eagleton may be found here). In addition to providing a snapshot of the internet presence for the leading 2010 candidates, this post provides links to easily find and follow their web and social networking activity. Feel free to comment with your own thoughts or analysis. Notes on the below information: Gubernatorial race Our Editorial Cartoon of the Week feature is part of Progress Florida's popular FREE Daily Clips service:
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