Florida BP News

Florida CFO Alex Sink is asking Gulf Coast Claims Facility Administrator Kenneth Feinberg to 100 percent reinburst businesses that have lost money because of the Deep Horizon spill.

“Anything less than full accountability for Florida's impacted businesses is unacceptable. Florida's small businesses have been economically devastated by this disaster, whether they are located right on the beach or not. Our economy is based on a robust, $65 billion tourism industry, which includes some of the best restaurants, hotels, and beaches in the world— so many of which have been affected by the oil spill. All of the damage and economic impact to Florida’s small businesses and our unique economy must be covered in the claims process that Mr. Feinberg has been appointed to oversee. BP must be held accountable for the effects of their disaster, large and small, so our state and economy can recover.”

In related news: Gov. Charlie Crist is asking the Florida legislature to pass an amendment to permanently ban offshore drilling. If passed, the amendment will appear on the state ballot. The question is what year.

"A year ago they (the Legislature) tried to change that statute and drill holes three miles off the coast of Florida," said Crist, whose own stand on the issue has fluctuated over time. "The people should be heard. They ought to have the opportunity to put it into their constitution so that if the Legislature comes along and forgets what's happening out there this year, that that doesn't happen again."

The amendment would require 60 percent approval from voters in November.

Republicans are not going to be happy with being put in the position of either voting against oil special intertests or angering voters. Dean Cannon's head must be on the verge of exploding right now.

Dwayne Taylor wants BP to pay for the special session.

"To not burden our taxpayers, I suggest that we call on BP to pay for the expenses associated with calling a special session," Taylor wrote in a letter sent Thursday to Crist's office.

Somewhere a baby Rand Paul is crying.