The Sunshine State is renowned for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters. Millions of tourists flock to Florida’s Gulf Coast each year, making tourism the backbone of the local economy. However, the state’s natural beauty and economic prosperity are under threat from a greater menace: offshore oil drilling. Our family has been in the vacation rental business for over 35 years, with one of our properties, Sarah’s Seaside, named in my honor as a child. As a business owner, I have witnessed the challenges to our coastline and economy firsthand. Yet, none pose a greater threat than the risk of an oil spill. The consequences of such a disaster would be catastrophic, and it is a risk that we should never take. The people of Florida have consistently opposed expanding offshore drilling, and we have urged our federal leaders to safeguard our shores. It is therefore heartening to see bipartisan cooperation in the introduction of the Florida Coastal Protection Act by U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor, Vern Buchanan, Darren Soto and Gus Bilirakis.
| Key Proponents of the Act | Positions | |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor | Co-chairs the Select Committee on Climate Change and Energy | |
| U.S. Vern Buchanan | U.S. Representative from Florida’s 16th Congressional District | |
| U.S. Darren Soto | U.S. Gus Bilirakis | Co-chairs the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy |
Sunday marked 15 years since the devastating BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, which killed 11 workers and unleashed one of the worst environmental catastrophes in U.S. history. The images of oil-drenched wildlife and devastated coastlines are etched into our collective memory. The economic toll was staggering, with over 25,000 jobs lost, billions in tourism revenue wiped out, and years of recovery. The lesson learned from this disaster is clear: when they drill, they spill, and we’re left with the bill. The environmental impact is devastating, and the economic cost is substantial. We can’t afford to gamble with the future of our coast.
“Clean beaches and healthy oceans are essential for our economy, our environment, and our way of life.”
The Florida Coastal Protection Act would make permanent what most Floridians already want: a future free from the threat of offshore oil drilling. By banning oil exploration, development, and production off Florida’s coast, we can safeguard our shores and protect our economy. As a business owner, I’m calling on the entire Florida congressional delegation to support this bill. The coast is our lifeblood, and we need to act now to protect it. We can’t afford to wait and see what the future holds. We must take bold action to safeguard our coast for generations to come. Why Offshore Drilling is a Threat
• The risk of a catastrophic oil spill is too high. • The environmental impact is devastating. • The economic cost is substantial, with billions in lost tourism revenue. Support for the Florida Coastal Protection Act
• Bipartisan cooperation in introducing the bill. • Over 400 municipalities and 2,300 local officials across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts have formally opposed offshore drilling expansion. • Polls show that two-thirds of voters, across party lines, support banning new offshore drilling. A Call to Action
We must act now to protect our coast. The Florida Coastal Protection Act is a vital step towards safeguarding our shores and protecting our economy. Let’s work together to make permanent what most Floridians already want: a future free from the threat of offshore oil drilling. As a coastal Florida business owner, I urge you to join me in supporting this bill and taking bold action to protect our coast.
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