http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/water/hundreds-line-pinellas-beaches-to-protest-near-shore-oil-drilling/1073098TampaBay.com
St. Pete Times

By Curtis Krueger, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Feb 13, 2010 03:30 PM
 
ST. PETE BEACH – Hundreds of people linked hands and lined Pinellas County’s beaches on Saturday, taking a stand against oil drilling along Florida’s coastline.

“We’re not going to stand here and allow drilling right off these beautiful beaches,” U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young, R-Indian Shores, said at a gathering of elected officials and organizers at the Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center.   Later, hundreds joined hands on the windy beaches, as waves crashed to the shore. The demonstrations in Pinellas County were part of a statewide effort on more than 70 beaches.

Bob Ullmark, 53, said he came to the event because “we don’t want any nasty oil in the water.”

“We don’t want to see any environmental catastrophes,” added Kathy Sterling, 30, of St. Petersburg, who brought her 1-year-old daughter Lily.

State political leaders traditionally have opposed drilling near Florida beaches, fearing the devastating impact an oil spill could have on the tourism industry.   But high oil prices, the faltering economy and a quest for U.S. energy independence have led some to push for more drilling.

The speakers and demonstrators on Saturday wanted to present a united front against that idea.
“This is bipartisan, you have Republicans and Democrats,” said state Rep. Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg.

Special thanks to Richard Charter