Special session on oil spill called off

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - - Lawmakers were called back to Tallahassee by Governor Charlie Crist in July to discuss a ban on offshore oil drilling. The legislature ignored the governor’s wishes and promised to come back in September for a more comprehensive look at the issues. In September they said they’d come back in November, but now according to Incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, it’s no longer an urgent issue.

 “Having just seen the message from the elections," Cannon said.  "I think starting out as our first act spending new money on items in a rushed fashion doesn’t make sense. I think long term it is something we certainly should look to do economic development all over the state.”

The legislature held work groups. One idea out of the groups was to create an economic development district in the five counties hardest hit.