WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
This week, following Governor Rick Scott’s meeting with United States Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, the Department of the Interior announced that Florida’s coastline has been removed from consideration for future oil drilling. Last week, Governor Scott requested to immediately meet with Secretary Zinke to discuss his concerns with the federal oil drilling plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. Here’s what Florida leaders are saying:
Mayor of Tampa Bob Buckhorn said, “Protecting Florida’s world class beaches that help bring in millions of visitors every year is not a partisan issue. It is an issue that touches every Floridian in a uniquely personal way. I am proud to join Governor Scott and all of our elected officials who joined hands to ensure our states shoreline remains pristine and our natural environment protected.”
Mayor of Jacksonville Lenny Curry said, “I am grateful to Governor Scott for his work with federal officials to protect Florida’s beaches and natural treasures. One need only study the economic impact of our beaches and coastal communities to understand that we cannot afford to change this policy at this time.”
Mayor of Pensacola Ashton Hayward said, “Thank you to Governor Scott and the Department of the Interior for opposing oil drilling in Florida. Tourism is a driving factor for our local economy and provides hundreds of jobs to our families- this news ensures our continued economic growth and success.”
Congressman Bill Posey said, “The Trump Administration made the right call in protecting and preserving Florida’s coastline and beaches. Central Florida is home to some of the world’s greatest environmental treasures, from our beaches to the Indian River Lagoon, and so much of our economy, wildlife and livelihoods depend on our ability to maintain the natural beauty of our communities. I commend President Trump, Secretary Zinke, Governor Scott and all our state’s leaders for their efforts to ensure that all of Florida’s natural resources are protected and preserved,” said Congressman Bill Posey, lead sponsor of legislation to place a moratorium on seismic testing off of Florida’s shoreline.”
Congressman Dennis A. Ross said, “Governor Scott has taken an important step in protecting Florida’s vital tourism industry and our natural resources. I’m thankful for his constructive efforts with the administration.”
Congressman Daniel Webster said, “I thank Secretary Zinke for hearing and responding to the calls by Governor Scott and the Florida congressional delegation to protect Florida’s coast from offshore drilling. His decision to remove Florida from consideration is a positive step in the right direction. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration, Governor Scott and my colleagues in Florida Delegation to extend the Eastern Gulf of Mexico moratorium and protect Florida’s unique ecosystem.”
Congressman Ted S. Yoho said, “I applaud the decision of Secretary Ryan Zinke and President Trump to exempt the state of Florida from the expansion of any offshore drilling of oil and natural gas. Florida’s economy relies heavily on the health of the waters off our beautiful coast. I stand with Governor Rick Scott and the Florida delegation, in his efforts to keep them pristine for future generations.”
Mayor of Bonita Springs Peter Simmons said, “I applaud Governor Scott for opposing drilling along our beaches and fighting for environmental preservation across the state of Florida. Bonita Springs prides itself on our beautiful shorelines that we work to protect every day.”
Mayor of Clearwater George Cretekos said, “From the time I was a member of Congressman Bill Young’s staff, I recognized that Pinellas County residents have opposed offshore oil drilling, and families, businesses, and visitors to the sugar-sand beaches of Clearwater appreciate the efforts of Governor Scott to protect our shorelines from that environmental threat.”
Mayor of Key West Craig Cates said, “After the oil spill in 2010, we all know what damage offshore drilling can cause to our beautiful coast. Governor Scott and Florida leaders sent a clear message that we do not support offshore drilling. Thank you, Governor, for your leadership.”
Mayor of Mexico Beach City of Mexico Beach Mayor Al Cathey said, “After the oil spill in 2010, we all know what damage offshore drilling can cause to our beautiful coast. Governor Scott and Florida leaders sent a clear message that we do not support offshore drilling. Thank you, Governor, for your leadership.”
Mayor of Naples Bill Barnett said, “I want to thank Governor Scott for aggressively fighting to protect our world-class beaches by meeting with Secretary Zinke and securing Florida’s removal from consideration for future oil drilling. This decision will help protect the millions of families and businesses that depend on visitors from across the globe continuing to come to Florida.”
Mayor of New Port Richey Rob Marlowe said, “I am proud that the concerns of our state were heard and that through Governor Scott’s leadership, Florida has been removed from consideration for future offshore oil drilling. Florida’s incredible natural treasures and tourism industry are entirely unique, and I am glad that they will remain protected thanks to this announcement.”
Mayor of Panama City Greg Brudnicki said, “This announcement comes with a great relief to the families and businesses of our community. I’m grateful for the Governor’s actions to defend our coastlines and protect our environment.”
Mayor of Panama City Beach Mike Thomas said, “The impacts of oil drilling could have devastated the millions of Floridians who depend on the success of our tourism industry. Thank you to Governor Scott, Secretary Zinke and leaders across the state who fought to remove Florida from consideration of possible drilling sites.”
Mayor of Palm Coast Milissa Holland said, “Governor Scott ensured the protection of Florida’s most valuable natural resources by taking Florida out of consideration for offshore drilling projects. I want to thank Governor Scott for his steadfast leadership and commitment to the preservation of our environment.”
Mayor of the City of Sarasota Shelli Freeland Eddie said, “Drilling off the coast of Florida could have a significant impact on our economy. Thank you, Governor Scott, for your swift action to protect our beautiful coasts.”
Mayor of St. Augustine Nancy Shaver said, “I applaud Governor Scott for working with the Secretary Zinke to exclude Florida from the offshore drilling project. Our gorgeous beaches are what draws millions of tourists to our state every year and we cannot afford to let them be harmed by offshore drilling.”
Ed Kelley, Volusia County Commission Chair said, “Each year, millions of visitors flock to our state and our community to enjoy our one-of-a-kind natural treasures, including our world-class beaches and unmatched coastline. The commitment of no offshore oil drilling is a major victory for our state and our families and I am grateful to Governor Scott for his leadership on this critical issue.”
Esteban L. Bovo, Jr., Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners Chairman, said, “Our beautiful beaches help bring millions of visitors from all over the world to Miami-Dade County each year, supporting our local economy and providing new opportunities for our residents and their families. We are thankful to Governor Scott for ensuring the risk of offshore oil drilling will not be a concern for Floridians throughout our great State.”
Jimmy Johns, St. Johns County Commissioner District 1, said, “Our elected officials on all levels took a stand against offshore drilling. I could not be more proud of Governor Scott’s efforts to protect our most valuable natural resources. We will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to ensure that Florida’s beaches remain untouched.”
