Senate President Atwater Tours Northwest Florida
~Listens to those on the frontline of Florida’s Oil Disaster and Cleanup Efforts~
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, Senate President Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach) met with business leaders, local officials, and individuals in the fishing and hospitality industry. He heard firsthand reports about ongoing preparation and response efforts to protect Florida’s pristine beaches and Floridians’ way of life.
Northwest Florida is the state’s frontline of defense against economic catastrophe, and today President Atwater received direct, unfiltered reports on the continuing efforts and day-to-day impact to the region. He learned how bureaucracy in some governmental response impedes county, city and local volunteers from doing what they know is best to protect their community and secure their economic future.
Many of those meeting with Atwater expressed frustration with a breakdown in communication with Unified Command and BP, the cumbersome claims process, and the red-tape that is preventing them from managing and coordinating local cleanup efforts.
“In these communities, we have the know-how and expertise to protect this vibrant part of our state. These folks are committed to doing everything necessary to protect their beaches, and they are rightfully frustrated,” said President Atwater. “Barriers that are preventing effective response efforts must be removed and BP must be accountable for paying for the mess they’ve created.”
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