Hands Across the Sand – Join Together to Protect Florida and Oppose Oil Drilling

Date: January 11, 2010

Perhaps one of the most important issues facing sea turtles in Florida in 2010 is the continuing effort to remove the existing state ban on drilling in Florida’s near shore coastal waters. Leaders in Tallahassee are being courted by dozens of very high paid lobbyists representing the oil industry and are committed to bringing this up in the 2010 Legislature. Everyone who cares about sea turtles and the many habitats they rely on should be concerned. Turtles not only depend on Florida’s world class beaches for nesting, but also sea grass beds, unique coral and rock reefs, inshore lagoons, and estuaries are all important habitats utilized by different species of sea turtles during all their life stages. These resources are at risk if Florida opens the doors to oil drilling near the coast.

On February 13th, Floridians will have a powerful and fun opportunity to express their support for our natural resources and their opposition to drilling for oil next to our beaches. A grassroots effort called Hands Across the Sands will take place throughout Florida, when thousands of people will join hands on their favorite beach in a solid and dramatic expression of public opposition to oil drilling. CCC encourages those that love sea turtles and Florida to learn about this event and take part. All you have to do is spend an hour or two on the beach and let your voice be heard!

What to do on February 13, 2010:

• STEP 1 – Go to the beach at 1:00 PM Eastern/12:00 PM Central Time for one hour, rain or shine.
• STEP 2 – At 1:30 PM EST/12:30 PM CST, hold hands forming lines in the sand against oil drilling in our coastal waters.
• STEP – Leave only your footprints.Learn about Hands Across the Sand at www.handsacrossthesand.com. Click on the Florida map and see who is organizing an event on a beach near you.
  ###The Sea Turtle Conservancy, formerly known as the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization based in Florida with offices and projects in several other locations. The Sea Turtle Conservancy is the oldest and most accomplished sea turtle organization in the world. Since its founding in 1959, the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s work has greatly improved the survival outlook for several species of sea turtles. The Sea Turtle Conservancy has as its mission the protection of sea turtles and the habitats upon which they depend. To achieve its mission, the Sea Turtle Conservancy uses research, habitat protection, public education, community outreach, networking and advocacy as its basic tools. These tools are applied in both international and domestic programs focusing on geographic areas that are globally important to sea turtle survival. For more information, visit the STC website at www.conserveturtles.org or call (800) 678-7853.