U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson visited the panhandle today. This morning, Nelson made a quick stop at the Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce to address local business leaders. He had two announcements he wanted to make.

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson's visit to the Ft. Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce was more than just a news conference for some longtime supporters.

Alice Coffman remembers when Nelson first ran for office in Melbourne.

Alice Coffman said, "Well, he was just so young. Used to yell, 'Go Bill, go! You've got our vote.’ "

About 40 people showed up Thursday morning to hear Nelson speak about two issues he says are very important to him. The first is offshore drilling. Nelson doesn't agree with people who say tapping into the gulf's oil source will solve high gas prices. In fact, Nelson says he's working on another solution: alternative energy sources.

Sen. Bill Nelson said, "We are right on the cusp of a major breakthrough of making sugar from cellulose of fiber, not from things we eat. I'm talking about prairie grass. I'm talking about the cornstalk."

Nelson made one other point during his short stop. He denied rumors that nearly 3,000 jobs would be transferred from Eglin to Edwards Air Force Base in California.

"Air Force T and E is not currently pursuing any actions that would involve reorganizing or modifying and units or missions that would affect the military or civilian workforce at Eglin Air Force Base."

The crowd seemed pleased with Nelson's brief announcements, especially Alice Coffman.

"He's such a good Christian man, besides being a fantastic politician. He doesn't hesitate to talk to people and tell him his views.”

Nelson’s next stop on his northwest Florida visit was in Crestview.