"Just one day after the Republican leadership in Tallahassee announced that there was no need to have a special session on oil drilling and the Deepwater Horizon disaster and after the Republicans refused to allow the citizens of Florida to vote this November on banning oil drilling in State waters, another oil rig disaster has occurred in the Gulf of Mexico 90 miles South of Louisiana.

Fortunately, early reports indicate no casualties but the rig is reported on fire and heavily damages.  No reports on extent of environmental damage as of yet.  We need Representatives who will protect us, our environment, our economy and waters from the dangers and damage of coastal oil drilling.  I will protect this District.  My opponent, when the opportunity arose to allow us to vote on banning oil drilling in State Waters, voted to adjourn and end the special session called to place a ballot initiative for voters to vote on banning oil drilling in State waters.  We do not need a Representative who will abandon our Coastal communities." - - David Pleat.

July 27, 2010

Walton County Economic Development Alliance

Re: Renewable, Clean and New Energy Economy Opportunities for
Walton County and Region

Dear Sir or Madam:

There is a burgeoning new economy growing in this Country and around the World that provides a perfect opportunity for Walton County and the surrounding region to develop jobs and new business.  On June 28, I attended the Florida Clean Energy Congress held in the Capital (Tallahassee) House Chambers.  The Clean Energy Congress (“CEC”) was enlightening, invigorating and energizing (no pun intended). The CEC galvanized, in my mind, what I had already learned, studied and been made aware of: That we have the technology right now to turn to clean and renewable energy sources to create jobs, enhance our economy and make for a better and cleaner World.  There is nothing but an upside to changing the paradigm from dependence on fossil fuels to the ever growing clean and green energy industry. While we are working for a cleaner World, providing for less dependence on fossil fuels and foreign imports and making our Country and State more self sufficient, we will be creating jobs and opportunities for those areas that are taking advantage of this new economy.

The topics discussed at the CEC included growing economies within the clean energy industry, Florida’s potential for clean energy, economics proving that clean energy is cost effective now, and how local governments can lead the way in this energy shift. Read more>>

Today, July 20th in a special session called by Governor Crist:

The House voted "YES"...to go home after arriving at the Capitol.

No constitutional amendment banning oil drilling in State waters will be on the ballot allowing voters to have their say forever banning oil drilling in State waters. 

"The Republican leadership in the House of Representatives just killed the attempt to place constitutional ban on oil drilling on ballot.  We have Republican leadership and local elected officials who represent Big Oil and will continue to champion the cause of Big Oil to the detriment of our State."

 All eyes continue to watch a growing oil slick from the Deepwater Horizon disaster.  Our elected officials, from Governor on through the Representatives and Senators so eager to bring the Oil industry to State waters, should be holding special meetings to prepare for potential disaster heading to Northwest Florida.

-David B. Pleat
 

"Static kill" holding while "Final kill" scheduled sometime after Labor Day

The static kill that is basically the same as the top kill that did not work earlier is still caping the well head.  The process to kill the well has been delayed for multiple reasons but should be completed within the next few weeks.

Federal website available for real-time information and tracking of the oil spill.

http://www.geoplatform.gov/gulfresponse/

NOAA Assists Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Efforts - Updated Daily>>