[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 77 (Thursday, May 20, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H3665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FLORIDA IS STILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS

  (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  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.

                          ____________________