AN EXCELLENT IDEA TO KEEP THE OIL/GAS RIGS AWAY FROM FLORIDA'S COAST

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, a longtime opponent of oil and gas rigs being allowed to be constructed closer to the Florida coastline, has another idea in mind, and it involves the military.

In an interview with the Lakeland Ledger prior to participating in a patriotic ceremony before the Lakeland - George Jenkins high school football game Friday evening, Nelson says he has spoken with military and fellow Senate Armed Services Committee members seeking their support for a "Mission Management Line" beyond which oil and gas rigs could not be constructed.

"The Gulf all along Florida's coast is the largest range for training our military in the nation. Planes and ships train there daily. Gas and oil rigs would get in the way of that surface training, and the transmission from those rigs could foul and endanger both surface and aircraft training in the area."

Such a line, if approved, would keep drilling 200 - 250 miles off the coast. He says the Senate Armed Services Committee could take up the idea as early as November.

EXTRA NOTES: Senator Nelson's Web site has been revamped. Looks a heck 'o a lot better than the old one.

And the Lakeland Drednaughts --- America's top ranked high school football team (USA Today poll) --- overwhelmed Jenkins on their home field, leading 40-3 at halftime and rackin' up a final score of 54-3.