MANATEE — The controversial issue of whether oil drilling should be expanded off the Florida coast moves back into the Manatee spotlight next week.
The county commission is set to consider the pros and cons of the issue 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. There has been pressure from some quarters to expand oil drilling along the Gulf Coast, given America’s dependence on foreign oil, the down economy and the high unemployment rate.
In June 2008, Manatee commissioners considered a resolution urging the state legislature to “stand strong and united against any attempt to allow oil or gas drilling along Florida’s coastline,” but took no action, according to an agenda memorandum.
Carol Whitmore, vice chair of the commission, said Friday that members of the Manatee legislative delegation have been invited to the meeting.
As to whether oil drilling should be allowed off Manatee’s coastline, Whitmore said she has issues with it, considering she lives on a barrier island.
Concerns about the fragile nature of the Florida coast, the threat of a possible spill and the possible effects on the local quality of life and tourism, the bread and butter of the local economy, have always weighed against the expansion of drilling.
In addition to members of the legislative delegation, Whitmore also expects oil industry lobbyists to attend and make their pitch.
Commissioner Ron Getman said he has heard from some of those lobbyists who talk about new technology and how clean and safe it is.
But Getman said he has also heard from many of his constituents and they overwhelmingly oppose the expansion of drilling.
“The majority of my district does not support offshore oil drilling. I’m their representative,” Getman said, adding that he intended for his vote to reflect the desires of his constituents.
Offshore oil drilling also is slated to be discussed at noon Monday, when Glenn Compton, chairman of environmental watchdog ManaSota-88, discusses the topic at the Anna Maria Island Democratic Club meeting at the Beach House restaurant, 200 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach.
Tuesday’s county commission meeting begins at 9 a.m.
In other business, commissioners:
n Are expected to vote not to pursue a land exchange for the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish due to a lack of funding. The museum wants to purchase 5 acres it is now leasing at the site.
n Will vote on spending $140,000 for three follow-up treatments at the 22,500-acre Duette Preserve for Tropical Soda Apple infestation, an invasive species. The treatment would be funded by the Phosphate Severance Fund. Staff will be directed to work with the Manatee sheriff’s office to relocate all cattle from the preserve within 120 days. The infestation in the preserve was introduced by hay brought in to feed cattle.
n Will execute the contract for purchase of 1 acre on Eighth Avenue West, Palmetto, at a cost of $874,782, for a proposed Palmetto park and ride facility.
James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee editor, can be contacted at 748-0411, ext. 7021.
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