Protesters to join hands to defy drilling on Saturday

This Saturday, citizens of Florida and Destin will have the opportunity to show their opposition to oil drilling off Florida’s coastline.

Hands Across the Sand encourages Florida residents concerned with pending drilling legislation to gather on beaches around the state at noon.

“The movement will be made up of people from all walks of life and will cross political affiliations,” reads the organization’s Web site. “This movement is not about politics; it is about protection of our shoreline, our tourism, our valuable properties and our way of life. Let us share our knowledge, energies and passion for protecting our waterways and beaches from the devastating effects of oil drilling.”

From Pensacola to Miami and back up to Jacksonville, legislators, candidates and organizations are showing their support for the day and the organization from both sides of the aisle. Locally, Florida House of Representatives candidate David Pleat has joined the protest, as well as the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I don’t see how oil wells can be beneficial to Destin’s best interests,” said Brian Haugen, the chamber’s chairman. “From tourism, to beach preservation, to the military interests, drilling conflicts with all these things. Lobbyists try to say how much money it could bring to the region, but if you look at Louisiana, it is one of the largest oil producers and continues to be one of the poorest states. Why take the risk over something hypothetical?”

Haugen anticipates that chamber members will be “out in force” on Saturday, many of which will be gathering at James Lee State Park on Scenic Hwy. 98, next to the Crab Trap.

If you would like to show your support, Hands Across the Sand has three simple steps. One, go to the beach at 12 p.m. for one hour, rain or shine; two, at 12:30 p.m. hold hands forming lines in the sand against oil drilling in coastal waters; and three, leave only your footprints.

They have also provided a few tips so that those involved can make a significant impact. Use only approved beach accesses and parking, create as long a line or as many lines as you wish, be courteous and respectful to those who disagree with your view and enjoy yourself, because “it’s the beach!”

“I applaud the bi-partisan effort,” said Pleat, a Destin attorney. “This is something that reflects the community and it’s a wonderful symbolic gesture. The citizens are trying to protect the beach they love.”

For more information, visit handsacrossthesand.com, or view their facebook and twitter pages.

To read about a recent survey of citizens on the topic, click here.

To read about the protest's founder, click here.

WANT TO JOIN HANDS?
The main protest site is between Seagrove Beach and Grayton Beach. In Destin, protesters will gather at Sandpiper Cove on Holiday Isle, James Lee Park, behind the Crab Trap Restaurant, Pompano Joe’s Restaurant & Parking Area (Whale’s Tail Beach if James Lee and Pompano Joe’s are too crowded), and Sandestin Beach Resort.