Florida Exchanging Suntan Oil for Crude Oil?

In the final weeks of the spring legislative session, a bill was introduced to give the Florida Cabinet the power to grant oil and gas drilling leases in state waters. The proposal has the backing of the oil industry, as well as key business lobbyists. The Florida Senate has not yet voted on the bill approved by the Floria House. Proponents plan to file a similar proposal again, though the details are not yet set. Governor Charlie Crist has said he thinks the proposal is worth considering as early as this year during the special session; however, legislative leaders say it’s more likely to be considered next year in the 2010 regular session.

It's no surprise that environmental groups, as well as some tourism-industry associations, are opposed to offshore drilling. They are concerned drilling may negatively impact state beaches and natural resources.

Listeners, this is a topic that Talkin' Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast wants you to know about. Both the pros and cons of this topic needs public thought and comment. To quote Bob Gabordi, executive editor of the Tallahassee Democrat (http://www.news-press.com/): "On an issue this important, with implications this far reaching, Floridians deserve the best thinking and information. Our concern is to make the process as fair as possible so that the best ideas, not the best politics, win the day.”

This week, Talkin' Tourism is honored to have the Honorable William “Bill" B. Snyder, Florida House of Representatives, District 82, in the studio to help educate the listening audience on this issue. Not only is this a Florida issue, it's an issue of global impact to the energy industry, as well as the tourism industry.

Get informed! Tune in Friday (October 16) to WPSL 1590 a.m. or to http://www.wpsl.com/ (to listen to the show's livestream via computer) at 10 a.m. to learn more about this issue and its possible implications.