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A grass roots movement to lift the state’s ban on offshore oil drilling is gaining momentum. The group Floridaoil.org is planning a petition drive to put the drilling question before voters in 2010. As Whitney Ray tells us, if the measure makes the ballot it could become the main issue in the US Senate and Gubernatorial races.

The battle over offshore oil drilling has a new face. FloridaOil.org has started a grass roots movement to lift the state’s ban on offshore oil drilling. Pace Allen, a spokesman for the group, said public interest is growing.

“These polls have revealed that citizens understand, or are beginning to understand that technology has improved and oil drilling can be done safely,” said Allen.

But environmentalists still aren’t convinced. They defeated an 11th hour legislative attempt to let the state cabinet lift the ban. Environmentalist Charles Pattison said drilling could ruin the state’s beaches.

“That’s a unique part of what Florida offers and we are potentially going to give that up,” Pattison said.

Drivers seem ready to dig into the issue. Recent polls show support for drilling at all time highs.

If last summer is any indicator the support for offshore oil drilling will go up if the gas prices do.

Governor Charlie Crist will be watching the polls in his bid for the US Senate. Crist dodged questions about whether or not he would support a drilling amendment.

“I’d have to read it before I decide if I support it,” said Crist.

And before anyone will get a chance to support the issue with their vote, Floridaoil.org will have to get the signatures of nearly 700,000 voters. Floridaoil.org has until February 1st of 2010 to gather the signatures needed to put the proposed drilling amendment on the November ballot.