The disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has made it clear that it is time to permanently protect Florida's coastal waters from the dangers of offshore drilling by allowing citizens to vote on a constitutional amendment to ban it from our shores.

Our marine environment is home to hundreds of unique marine species and birds, brings in nearly $75 billion tourist dollars annually, and provides jobs for thousands of Florida residents. We cannot afford to lose all of this by inviting a catastrophic spill as close as 3 miles from our world class beaches. 

Larry Cretul is Speaker of the House of Representatives of the State of Florida. He has the power to prevent the question of offshore drilling from making its way onto the November ballot where the citizens have a chance to voice their opinion. Don't let him do it!