Offshore oil drilling still worrying Pasco commissioners

Pasco County commissioners want to get to the bottom of the oil drilling issue, so they are planning a local workshop in January.

"They said it's a done deal," Commission Chairwoman Pat Mulieri said Tuesday about proposals to lift a ban on drilling near Florida coasts.

State lawmakers could face heavy pressure next year from oil industry lobbyists to allow drilling in the gulf as close as three miles from shore, some commissioners lamented.

Commissioner Ann Hildebrand snapped the prospect of oil rigs within three miles of the Pasco coast into perspective. "That's just the other side of Anclote Island," she said.

The possible impact on tourism remains a big concern, Mulieri commented. Nor is it clear how much additional oil-drilling royalty revenue might flow into state coffers.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said the Florida Association of Counties recently held a workshop about oil drilling.

Also, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council is drafting a letter expressing concerns about oil drilling close to shore, Mariano said. The letter could be sent to the governor soon.

The document will suggest legislators study all advantages and disadvantages before voting.

Mulieri suggested the local workshop, although a date has not been picked yet.