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Special thanks to Richard Charter Saturday, February 06, 2010 5:52 PM

Source: The Walton Sun (Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.  By Deborah Wheeler, Walton Sun, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

Feb. 6–Big Oil might face big opposition in South Walton, a recent informal poll from The Sun reveals.

If the fiery responses are any indication, there should be plenty in South Walton joining hands Feb. 13 when citizens across the state of Florida protest proposed drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico.  More than 200 area locals were polled by The Sun to find out where the community stands on the measure, and many were not shy about expressing their thoughts — especially those who were opposed to the possibility of drilling 3 to 10 miles off Florida’s beaches.

“I think it would be the most irrational, emotionally charged blunder for the state of Florida and the entire country,” said artist Ari Zalace. “Coal and oil are dying technologies [and not worth] sacrificing environmental treasures for. Let’s learn something from the rest of the world. Other countries are pouring billions into sustainable energy, like wind and solar, and yet the good ol’ boy politicians in this country are still going head strong for the remaining oil and gas reserves. At what cost?”
“I will fight it with all of my energy,” said financial consultant Jane Burns. “I don’t want a bunch of Texas oil men ruining our biggest and most beautiful asset.”

Former County Commissioner Cindy Meadows agreed. “No drilling! Period,” she said.

“Tourism is our biggest asset, and it’s hard enough dealing with hurricane season. The beaches, coastal lakes and the fishing industry deserve our respect,” said art teacher Billie Gaffrey.

Although the vast majority of responses opposed nearby Gulf drilling, other residents are still squarely on the other side of the line in the sand.”With gas at $2.80 a gallon, let’s drill, baby,” said Destin’s Ernie Shillingburg.   “I am for it, why not?” said Sandestin’s Connie Niehaus.”We need to do anything and everything to decrease, or better yet end, our dependence on foreign oil,” said Niceville’s John Morris. “If it means drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, then so be it.”   “Our oil or foreign oil? Seems like an easy choice,” said Destin’s Frank Macon.

But for those on the other side, the choice was also crystal clear.   “It really is amazing. Here we have Southwest Airlines, which we hope will bring in tourists to experience our paradise. I bet they aren’t coming to see Walmart or oil drills offshore!” said Donna Pelous of Rosemary Beach.   Freeport’s Bill Stephenson’s thoughtful response was, “Only when the economy returns will it more than offset the cost of the environmental damage and the cost of repairs.    Realize our environment is priceless.”

Fears of a spill were a common thread among many respondents.   “I am against it big time!” said Realtor Harry Millsaps. “It will only be a matter of time before we have a major oil spill hit our beaches. “In this area, the benefits are not worth the risks,” said restaurant owner George Barnes.

Some suggested that those eager to drill should go west or north.  “I’ll agree to it once California does,” said Point Washington’s Karen White.
“Why not drill in Alaska; they have plenty of crude and keep our beaches white,” said Point Washington resident June Holm. “However, go ahead and drill; the sooner we run out, the sooner they will have to find an alternative fuel.”   “I’m opposed,” said Jackie Gibson. “Go to the frigid north where no one lives!”   One respondent said we could learn a thing or two from our European neighbors. “I lived in Europe 30 years ago, and when you left the house, all the lights went off,” said Seaside resident Karen Tucker. “If we would only do that – problem solved.”

But for many, the problem ran deeper.  “We can’t keep putting off finding alternative energy sources,” said Freeport resident Eileen West. “The more we avoid finding other ways to power our lives, the more we give control of our destiny to foreign governments. Drilling to get more fossil fuels to help us in the short term will not solve the problem in the long run. Americans are inventive enough to find ways to make oil obsolete. New technology is being tested everyday. Let’s move forward.”