Concerns raised about potential oil drilling announced by Trump administration
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - On Thursday afternoon, Congressman Jimmy Patronis expressed his concerns about the Trump administration’s announcement about potential oil drilling off the Coast of Florida.
[RELATED: Trump administration announces plan for new oil drilling off the coasts of California and Florida]
Patronis wrote a letter asking the President to reconsider the areas included in the drilling plans because of how he believes they could impact military operations.
Several other members of Congress also signed the letter, including Neal Dunn.
Governor Ron DeSantis responded to the issue on X, saying, “President Trump’s 2020 memorandum protecting Florida’s eastern Gulf waters represents a thoughtful approach to the issue.” His full statement is available below.
President Trump’s 2020 memorandum protecting Florida’s eastern Gulf waters represents a thoughtful approach to the issue.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) November 20, 2025
The Interior Department should not depart from the 2020 policy. https://t.co/H2slIU8wzK
Senator Ashley Moody also stated on X that the maps released today are “HIGHLY concerning.” You can view the full post below:
The new maps released today by @SecretaryBurgum and @Interior outlining potential new offshore oil drilling sites in the Gulf of America are HIGHLY concerning—and we will be engaging directly with the department on this issue.
— Senator Ashley Moody (@SenAshleyMoody) November 20, 2025
Preserving our state’s natural beauty is deeply…
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