Hands Across the Sand-Join us to stop near shore Oil Drilling In Florida Waters

**30A Skunkape** · 02-05-2010, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

http://skytruth.mediatools.org/sites...5/11938-lg.jpg

This is a picture of the oil spills after Katrina. Over 741,000 gallons spilled from 124 reported offshore sources. (An additional 7-9 million gallons were spilled onshore from refineries, pipelines, and storage tanks).

Please note that these were all rigs, wells, and pipelines that had been properly shut down prior to the storm.

As Mr. McLain stated, regulations* do NOT require that they purge the pieplines - so they don't because it is expensive. The pipes are still full of oil and when they break they spill all the oil in a matter of hours and this is the result.

*And another big issue is that Florida does not currently have any rules and regulations about drilling.

No problem. Our incumbent Florida House Representative has a rolodex fat with experts from Texas she can consult should we Floridians need 'guidance' in such matters.

**Beauty hunter** · 02-05-2010, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by 30A Skunkape

Here now. Look up the term 'sacrificial beach'!!

COLUMN: Don't sacrifice Florida's beaches to Big Oil | florida, oil, drilling - Opinion - TheDestinLog.com

**Teresa** · 02-05-2010, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Beauty hunter

COLUMN: Don't sacrifice Florida's beaches to Big Oil | florida, oil, drilling - Opinion - TheDestinLog.com

thanks Beauty. I saw that McLain's remarks about his experience with spill response operations made an impression . A sacrificial beach is some place to divert the oil to during a spill. SWCC provided the same link (as above) today in a fb discussion. The column was written by David McLain in July 2009 and published by the Destin Log.
here it is in full:

COLUMN: Don't sacrifice Florida's beaches to Big Oil

July 21, 2009 2:27 PM

David McLain
Many thanks to Sen. Bill Nelson for the strong stand he is taking in the face of the renewed push for drilling off Florida’s beaches.

This absolutely is the wrong way to secure long term energy independence. As a retired soldier with 28 years service and two sons on active duty today, I am as concerned as anybody about our dependence on Middle East supplies of petroleum.

And I know Senator Nelson, as senior member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, is as well. Much of the current clamor for drilling offshore of Florida is based in lack of information. Since I spent a fair amount of time after the Exxon Valdez catastrophe and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA90) in oil spill response planning, training, and operations, maybe I can offer some eyes-on/hands-on experience to fill that void.

During the early 90s, I was a training consultant and planner for the Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC), a national corporation, and creature of the large petroleum companies to meet their newly legislated liabilities to clean up petroleum spills of their making.

Refinery specific and/or geographic-specific response plans were written and training exercises conducted to improve preparedness to counter, or rather diminish, the horrific effects of petroleum products spilled in the marine environment.

It was my job to create such response plans and to conduct exercises to train employees in their execution. While at MSRC, I participated in spill response operations such as the San Jacinto River double pipeline rupture just east of Houston.

I developed a two-week hands-on spill response course that later became the Mobil Oil “Management of Major Spill Incidents” course taught to all their refinery managers in Louisiana and Texas. In 1995, I was part of an international effort to clean up a major pipeline spill in the Komi Republic in Siberia, funded by the World Bank.

If you walk on the beaches of Texas and Louisiana you cannot escape the “tar balls” that are the ubiquitous by-product of offshore drilling. They get tracked in by children and lay ruin to beach clothing, cottages, etc. Try walking on the beach at Padre Island off the Naval aviation training center in Corpus Christi.

These were not caused by a calamitous spill, but by normal, day-to-day operation of the existing rigs.

The right strategy for long term independence of foreign oil has to be to promote and subsidize the most promising combination of alternative sources of energy — and the infrastructure modernization necessary to exploit them.

Without a deliberate turning away from petroleum and toward a long term set of renewable energy, we’re simply “doubling down” on a long term mistake.

As spill response planners we had to consider a necessary “contingency plan” called a “sacrificial beach.” When the petroleum is in the water and we can’t recover it before it impacts landward resources like mangroves, salt marshes, estuaries, the plan must call for the identification of a “sacrificial beach” — some place we can divert the oil to for subsequent treatment by poisonous dispersants, bio-degradation, bulldozers, etc.

Even then, it will be years before that beach is useable again — if ever.

Don’t let our Florida become that sacrificial beach.

David McLain is a retired colonel who lives in Eastpoint near Apalachicola.

**30atelevision** · 02-06-2010, 08:26 PM

No one mentioned this car
[ame="http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=50419 826"]Top Gear - Honda Clarity Video by Simon Atkinson - MySpace Video@@AMEPARAM@@http://mediaservices.myspace.com/Services/Media/Embed.aspx/m=50419826@@AMEPARAM@@mediaservices@@AMEPARAM@@mys pace@@AMEPARAM@@Services/Media/Embed@@AMEPARAM@@aspx/m@@AMEPARAM@@50419826[/ame]
Early days but wow
Perhaps those pushing the other alternatives like our food sources and other too expensive not ready yet options would like to keep it a secret

More states, more filling stations this ones a winner

**GoodWitch58** · 02-07-2010, 07:35 AM

Researchers warn of drilling dangers at symposium | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat

"Seismic testing associated with offshore oil and gas drilling could harm Florida's $6 billion commercial and recreational fishing industry, a Florida State University researcher warned on Monday."

**GoodWitch58** · 02-09-2010, 06:10 AM

Offshore drilling opponents to join hands in protest Saturday | tallahassee.com | Tallahassee Democrat

"Hands" gets coverage from Tallahassee Democrat's political writer...

**SWGB** · 02-09-2010, 11:20 AM

They have many more trolls than we do here on sowal.com.

**Jdarg** · 02-09-2010, 11:42 AM

The Hands Across the Sand Facebook page has attracted so many people from all over Florida (and around the country). Posts from people from different beaches everywhere raise the excitement of the event - this is not just a local issue!

Login | Facebook

Some good articles and links are posted as well.

See y'all at the beach on Saturday!

**Jdarg** · 02-09-2010, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by SWGB

They have many more trolls than we do here on sowal.com.

Yes, nothing like paid big oil trolls. Guess the profits need to go somewhere.

**SWGB** · 02-09-2010, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by jdarg

Yes, nothing like paid big oil trolls. Guess the profits need to go somewhere.

I'm curious if Satan still requires a blood signature or if he's modernized and accepts a digital signature on the contract?

**Dave Rauschkolb** · 02-10-2010, 06:44 PM

Massive Protest To Pack South Florida Beaches - cbs4.com

**Bobby J** · 02-10-2010, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by Dave Rauschkolb

Massive Protest To Pack South Florida Beaches - cbs4.com

Awesome! This thing is getting huge. For what its worth we have Surfrider Foundation members going to be at Pompanos in Destin and Ed Walline Park. Members are diving in from Atlanta to help hold hands!

**Dave Rauschkolb** · 02-10-2010, 07:18 PM

Many beaches on the east coast are being organized by Surfrider members!! Also Chambers of Commerce, Housewives, College Students, Business owners and Former and Current Legislators!

Hands Across The Sand - Google Maps

**Bobby J** · 02-10-2010, 07:37 PM

I really think it is cool how many of the folks that I have spoke with lately that are coming do not even live here.

**Beauty hunter** · 02-10-2010, 07:49 PM

I hope we get some aerial shots from the different beaches all over Florida.
Great organization with this map, Dave, good visual.
I am extremely excited about the participation statewide and beyond.
Thanks, surf on dude.
Thanks to everyone for protecting the beaches.

**SWGB** · 02-11-2010, 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by Beauty hunter

I hope we get some aerial shots from the different beaches all over Florida.
Great organization with this map, Dave, good visual.
I am extremely excited about the participation statewide and beyond.
Thanks, surf on dude.
Thanks to everyone for protecting the beaches.

I know that South Walton's beaches will be photographed and video taped. So don't panic when the Sheriff's helicopter flies over.

**Gidget** · 02-11-2010, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by jdarg

The Hands Across the Sand Facebook page has attracted so many people from all over Florida (and around the country). Posts from people from different beaches everywhere raise the excitement of the event - this is not just a local issue!

Login | Facebook

Some good articles and links are posted as well.

See y'all at the beach on Saturday!

I love it!!! I've linked to it on facebook!! Thanks!!

Got my shirts and ha ha! SWGB sold them to me

How cool is that!!

I'm just sayin' it may be "gloves across the sand" if this weather keeps up!!

We'll be at BMB. This is my first "act" as a "local". Thank you all for your hard work!!

Gidget

**Jdarg** · 02-11-2010, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by Gidget

I love it!!! I've linked to it on facebook!! Thanks!!

Got my shirts and ha ha! SWGB sold them to me

How cool is that!!

I'm just sayin' it may be "gloves across the sand" if this weather keeps up!!

We'll be at BMB. This is my first "act" as a "local". Thank you all for your hard work!!

Gidget

I was standing at the table right next to him- with the DeFuniak Herald/Beach Breeze newspapers!

**BeachSiO2** · 02-11-2010, 11:49 AM

Originally Posted by SWGB

I know that South Walton's beaches will be photographed and video taped. So don't panic when the Sheriff's helicopter flies over.

Another reason I hope there are no vehicles on the beach that day.

**Andy A** · 02-11-2010, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Gidget

I love it!!! I've linked to it on facebook!! Thanks!!

Got my shirts and ha ha! SWGB sold them to me

How cool is that!!

I'm just sayin' it may be "gloves across the sand" if this weather keeps up!!

We'll be at BMB. This is my first "act" as a "local". Thank you all for your hard work!!

Gidget

You and your husband should join us at Sea Bluff if you are so inclined. You would be most welcome. Afterall, you only live practically across the street. Please come and descend and climb our 69 steps with us.

All others are welcome as well.

**Teresa** · 02-11-2010, 05:12 PM

Hands articles from Tampa Bay area... interesting to see news from other parts of the state - this is a really big region - I hope the turn out is huge. Where is TFT? We need her expert reporting!

‘Hands Across the Sand’ this Saturday: Beach locations and press conference information

February 11, 2010 at 11:35 am by Katie M.

As Mitch Perry reported in this week’s Creative Loafing cover story, this Saturday, February 13, Florida residents and tourists will be gathering at Pinellas Suncoast beaches and dozens of beaches statewide, joining hands to show a united front to defend Florida’s beaches against offshore and nearshore oil drilling during the ‘Hands Across the Sand’ event.......

Prior to the event, Pinellas County elected officials will join with local businesses at noon to explain why Florida’s coastal economy must now be protected in both Tallahassee an Washington.

see the rest: Daily Loaf

**Gidget** · 02-11-2010, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A.

You and your husband should join us at Sea Bluff if you are so inclined. You would be most welcome. Afterall, you only live practically across the street. Please come and descend and climb our 69 steps with us.

All others are welcome as well.

Thanks! If there's nothing gonna on at our little beach access then we will. We are on deadline to get floor stained so getting my dh out of the house for even a sec will be a huge accomplishment!!

Jdarg - I sent you a pm!

Stay warm folks! It was sleeting on us on the way to Destin from BMB!

G

**SWGB** · 02-12-2010, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by Gidget

Thanks! If there's nothing gonna on at our little beach access then we will. We are on deadline to get floor stained so getting my dh out of the house for even a sec will be a huge accomplishment!!

Jdarg - I sent you a pm!

Stay warm folks! It was sleeting on us on the way to Destin from BMB!

G

Take him up on the offer, it'll be a shorter walk and you'll get to meet another sowaller.

**sunspotbaby** · 02-12-2010, 06:57 AM

I saw this in the Daily Loaf article. How neat!

Join the ‘Hands Across the Sand’ event to help protect Florida’s coast against oil drilling | Daily Loaf

Disney has recently added �Hands Across the Sand� to their Give a Day, Get a Day volunteer program, where you can get a free one day pass to any Disney theme park by volunteering for one of the programs listed on their site. Search for the event and sign up here: Give A Day Get A Disney Day | What Will You Celebrate? | Disney Parks (Search for the event under the �Animals and Environment� category.)

**Gidget** · 02-12-2010, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by SWGB

Take him up on the offer, it'll be a shorter walk and you'll get to meet another sowaller.

Meeting SoWallers is such fun!!

So is it gated to get into Sea Bluff? What time are you meeting - a little before noon?

Thanks again!

G

**Andy A** · 02-12-2010, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by SWGB

Take him up on the offer, it'll be a shorter walk and you'll get to meet another sowaller.

We've met previously at a contractor's house though I doubt if she remembers. No, it isn't gated and is next to White Cliffs.

**Gidget** · 02-12-2010, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by Andy A.

We've met previously at a contractor's house though I doubt if she remembers. No, it isn't gated and is next to White Cliffs.

Thanks Andy!!

G

**SWGB** · 02-12-2010, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A.

We've met previously at a contractor's house though I doubt if she remembers. No, it isn't gated and is next to White Cliffs.

Was that the Hill's Christmas party?

**Dave Rauschkolb** · 02-12-2010, 01:06 PM

Florida beach towns plan anti-oil drilling protest MiamiHerald.com - ‎Beachside communities and environmentalists have planned a statewide protest against offshore oil-drilling for Saturday. ``Hands Across the Sand'' calls for ...

� 'Hands Across The Sand' to protest drilling Cape Coral Daily Breeze - Bob Petcher, Jeff Lysiak - ‎Charlie Crist and state legislators to oppose any legislation that would allow oil drilling as close as three to 10 miles off the Florida coastland, ...

� Perdido Chamber backs Feb. 13 Hands Across the Sand protest Mullet Wrapper - ‎... protest will convince the Florida Legislators and Governor Crist to drop any and all legislation that would allow oil drilling on Florida's Coasts. ...

� Oppose offshore drilling with strong show of hands Tampa Tribune - Cathy Harrelson - ‎We want to let our state leaders know that we don't want them to open Florida's waters to offshore oil drilling. We're going to wear black to symbolize an ...

� Offshore oil drilling foes to protest on beaches Tampabay.com - Craig Pittman - ‎Organizers are asking opponents of drilling to dress in black � the color of an oil spill � and gather at their designated beach at 1 pm They want them to ...

� Things to do in North Pinellas from Valentine's Day dances to boating classes Tampabay.com - ‎Hands across the sand: A gathering to oppose oil drilling off Florida's coasts begins at noon at the northwest corner of Fred Howard Beach, ...

� Massive Protest To Pack South Florida Beaches CBS 4 - "Hands across the sand" is planning a massive statewide gathering to protest expanded offshore drilling in Florida's waters. Organizers say that the protest ...

� Offshore drilling opponents plan beach lineup Daytona Beach News-Journal - Dinah Voyles Pulver - ‎Volunteers are expected to line up along the coast Saturday in Florida to protest proposals for oil drilling in the state's offshore ...

� Tiffany Jackson: Join the fight for Florida's coasts TCPalm - ‎Everyone is urged to come out and �draw a line� in the sand against the devastating effects that oil drilling would have on our beaches, tourism and our way ...

� The good times roll this weekend for Mardi Gras Gulf Breeze News - ‎Have a negative opinion on the oil drilling to be conducted in the Gulf of Mexico? Come and support the others who seek to drive out the drilling at 12 p m. ...

� JACKSONVILLE JOURNAL: Activist group to protest drilling off Florida's coast Florida Times-Union - ‎Opponents of plans to allow oil and gas drilling off Florida's coast have scheduled demonstrations Saturday at Jacksonville Beach. ...

� Anne Schultz: 'Hands Across the Sand' stands for solidarity in beach protection Tallahassee Democrat - Anne W. Schultz - ‎For Rauschkolb, as for many others, protecting these waters from oil drilling means far more than economics or politics. Many speak in reverence of the ...

� Drilling opponents mounting 'Hands Across Sand' protest Tallahassee.com - Bill Cotterell - ‎Black-clad opponents of offshore oil drilling hope to mount the biggest protest in Florida ...

**GoodWitch58** · 02-12-2010, 01:56 PM

way to go...it's a statewide "line in the sand"...! Congrats Everyone.
See you on the beach tomorrow! And, they will "see" us in the halls of Tallahassee.

**Andy A** · 02-12-2010, 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

Was that the Hill's Christmas party?

I think so.

**Andy A** · 02-12-2010, 02:16 PM

Since it now appears all coasts are involved, the time should be clarified. 12PM local, central or eastern.

**sunspotbaby** · 02-12-2010, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A.

Since it now appears all coasts are involved, the time should be clarified. 12PM local, central or eastern.

12 noon your time Andy.

**Lake View Too** · 02-12-2010, 03:25 PM

Dave: Since it's gonna be kinda cold, can we change the configuration from holding hands facing the gulf to maybe a conga line, so we can shake our booties to keep warm?

**SWGB** · 02-12-2010, 06:05 PM

Word came in that the helicopter won't be flying. Apparently it's going to be too gusty tomorrow.

If anyone has a private helicopter feel free to PM me.

**GoodWitch58** · 02-12-2010, 08:04 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

Word came in that the helicopter won't be flying. Apparently it's going to be too gusty tomorrow.

If anyone has a private helicopter feel free to PM me.

Or a connection to a satellite uplink ....

**Lake View Too** · 02-12-2010, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

Word came in that the helicopter won't be flying. Apparently it's going to be too gusty tomorrow.

If anyone has a private helicopter feel free to PM me.

Sorry, I loaned mine to Stephen Colbert to shoot shots of the skiiers in Vancouver.

**GoodWitch58** · 02-12-2010, 09:50 PM

where is Singin Chicken and his jet?

**kurt** · 02-13-2010, 07:35 AM

This thread closed for awhile. Post today's Hands Across the sand activities on this thread > http://www.sowal.com/bb/all-about-so...ling-gulf.html

Please post which beach you are headed to.

Post from the beach on your smart phone - bookmark www.SoWal.com/bb

Let us know afterward what you saw.

Email photos to hands@SoWal.com - or post on this thread, or the gallery.

Your photos may be published in news sites and publications anywhere in the world, including SoWal.com - include your name if you would like credit.

Thanks Everyone!!!

Time to draw the line!