Florida's Still Open for Business

Floor Speech

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday the U.S. Coast Guard announced that the tar balls discovered on the Florida Keys shoreline were not linked to the gulf oil spill. What does this mean? It means that Florida is still open for business.

Mr. Speaker, public beaches in my congressional district of Miami Beach and the Florida Keys are open. Their waters are warm and inviting. Charter boat captains eagerly await the opportunity to take tourists deep sea fishing. Similarly, dive shops stand by to take visitors on a tour of some of the greatest underwater treasures in this world, the Florida Keys coral reef.

For those outside of Florida, it is important to note that fresh-caught fish from our Sunshine State is just as fresh as ever, as are our stone crabs, spiny lobster, and shrimp. Recent news reports have caused a premature panic for visitors. And while it is important that coastal communities prepare for the possibility of oil coming ashore, Florida is open for business.

Come on down; the water's fine.

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