An August 1993 collision of two oil tankers caused a massive oil spill along Pinellas beaches, including Redington Beach (shown here). Oil derricks in the Gulf enhance the risk.
Photo by James SchnurDon’t Risk Our Environment or Our Economy with Oil Drilling Expansion
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber, representing hundreds of businesses in Tampa Bay, is urging President Donald J. Trump and federal leaders to reconsider any efforts to allow oil and gas drilling in the Eastern Gulf of America.
Our local economy relies on clean beaches, a thriving marine environment, and a strong tourism industry. Opening the Eastern Gulf to drilling presents risks that far outweigh any potential benefits.
Just in the last few days, elected leaders throughout Florida including Congress Members Kathy Castor, Gus Bilirakis and Vern Buchannon have publicly stated their concerns with allowing drilling this close to the western Florida coastline.
We at the Chamber are highlighting several key concerns:
Tourism Industry Dependence:
Tourism is the backbone of the local economy. More than 100,000 families in Pinellas County rely in one way or another on tourism. A single incident could devastate our tourism industry. Our businesses cannot afford that kind of risk, nor can our residents who rely on tourism-driven employment.
We respectfully urge President Trump and his administration to maintain the long-standing protections for the Eastern Gulf that have been defended by our congressional delegation throughout the years. Both Republicans and Democrats have recognized that our future’s success is directly tied to the Gulf. Protecting our beaches means protecting our jobs, our communities, and our future. Once harmed, these natural assets cannot easily be restored.
Environmental Risk:
Offshore drilling introduces the possibility of spills or leaks that can inflict long-term harm on delicate coastal ecosystems, fisheries, and wildlife. The Gulf Coast knows firsthand the effects of past spills. Locals understand how vulnerable and valuable these resources truly are.
Real Estate Values:
Tampa Bay depends heavily on not just being on the water, but being on clean water. Studies by the Tampa Bay Estuary Program clearly delineate the value of a healthy estuary as compared to simply being waterfront. Even the perception of environmental threat — can depress coastal property values and deter investment, affecting homeowners and businesses alike.
Earlier this year the Chamber traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the passage of the Florida Coastal Protection Act which would have enshrined longstanding protections into law as opposed to being subject to individual Presidential decision making.
We are asking residents and business owners to come together and express our concerns to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. There is a public comment period going on right now.
The comment period on the 1st Analysis and Proposal will end on Jan. 23, 2026.
The preferred method is to visit Regulations.gov (Docket ID: BOEM-2025-0483) to submit comments and view other comments. You man also comment in writing.
Mail your comments in an envelope labeled “Comments for the 11th National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program.”
Address for comment:
Ms. Kelly Hammerle
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (VAM-LD)
45600 Woodland Road
Sterling, VA 20166-9216
The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber stands ready to work with federal, state, and local partners to support policies that balance economic strength with responsible environmental stewardship.
About Charlie Justice
Charlie Justice is the President & CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber. He previously served as a Pinellas County Commissioner, a Florida State Senator and State Representative.
Photo via Charlie Justice
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