Press Release

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>>

As a parent of four older children, I had the good fortune to live in Okaloosa County when all four kids went through the Okaloosa County Public School System. I have always maintained that one of the great litmus tests for any education system is how well children do once they graduate from a public high school. As a proud parent, I have the local public school teachers and administrators to thank for a medical student, a school teacher, an accountant and a soon-to-graduate Senior at the University of Georgia graduating with honors near the top of her class. Their achievements are due in no small part to the dedicated teachers and administrators in Okaloosa County that helped them from elementary school to graduation at Fort Walton Beach High School.

It is because of the debt and gratitude that I owe our public school system in Florida, including local school teachers and administrators, that as a Candidate for District 7 House of Representatives, I strongly oppose Senate Bill 6 and House Bill 7189. Read more>>

‘Drill Bill’ shortsighted and a danger to economy
By David Pleat Published in The Destin Log- Opinion section and the Walton Sun 
Destin Chamber of Commerce and candidate, Florida House of Representatives, Dist. 7
 
In July more than 58,000 gallons of raw crude oil spilled into the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico 30 miles off of the coast of Louisiana. That spill soon spread over 80 square miles, threatening sea life and coastline.
Yet, on the heels of that disaster, our Florida elected officials are poised to pass landmark legislation that will forever change our coastline and undo 30 years of bipartisan opposition to invading the integrity of our state sovereign waters.
In April, HB 1219 passed the House by 70-43 margin with all Panhandle representatives voting in favor. The bill passed without debate or media disclosure with all but one Republican voting in favor of the bill.
It was submitted on one of the last days of the session and was championed by the Florida Energy Associates, a group that refuses to name its members but is supported by oil lobbyists who will only say it is made up of Texas oilmen.
Texas Oil and its Florida lobbyists are pouring huge sums of money into Tallahassee. FEA has enlisted the help of Rep. Dean Cannon and Sen. Mike Haridopolos to spearhead the cause.
The Bill allows for drilling and exploration as close as three miles off of our coastline. It allows local government to permit drilling in tidal waters inside the three-mile mark.
It also allows easements to the shoreline from the rigs and above ground facilities.
It provides that surety bond requirements for applicants to offset environmental damage may be waived if the successful bidder shows that the environmental damage is not “foreseeable”.
It places the bidding process in the hands of a newly created Board of Trustees and it was to have become law July 1, had the Senate voted in favor last session.
This Bill is short sighted and reflects a failure of responsible leadership in Tallahassee. While it was not voted on by the Senate before the end of session last spring, movements are ongoing to place the bill, or versions of it, before the House and Senate for final vote in either special session this fall or, certainly at next general session in March of 2010. Read more>>

The Democratic gubernatorial candidate has cross-party appeal, one supporter says

By TOM McLAUGHLIN Northwest Florida Daily News 315-4435 | tomm@nwfdailynews.com

    DESTIN — Alex Sink, Florida’s chief financial officer and the leading Democratic candidate for governor, said she’s following “very closely” state legislation that would allow oil drilling near the coast.

    Sink, who spoke at a closed-door fundraiser at Harbor Docks restaurant Wednesday, wouldn’t take a stand on the proposal, which was introduced late in last year’s legislative session.

    However, she did boast of being “one of the loudest voices” against state Rep. Dean Cannon’s effort to slip through a bill “literally at the last minute” to allow drilling in state waters.

    “That was horribly bad timing,” she said.  Read more>>

Submitted by Nancy James

Destin attorney David B. Pleat announced on Thursday (Aug. 27) that he is a candidate for the District 7 seat in the Florida House of Representatives. He spoke to an audience of more than 50 people attending an open meeting of the Walton County Democratic Executive Committee at the Coastal Branch Library. Pleat lives in Sandestin in Walton County.

Jeremy Solomon, who chairs the Walton Democrats and introduced Pleat, said securing Pleat's candidacy was “knocking the ball out of the park.” He said no Democrat has run for that seat in 16 years. The current occupant is Rep. Marti Coley, who has held it unopposed since 2005.

Solomon also pointed out that the Seventh District is the second largest in Florida, taking in parts of nine counties.

Pleat, who said he started out as a Republican many years ago, called Democrats the “big-tent” party which understands and embraces diversity. Read more>>

Read the press release published in the DeFuniak Herald/Beach Breeze by clicking this link