South Floridians protest oil spill

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Thousands of South Florida residents gathered in an international protest against offshore drilling.

The protest took place on South Beach, Saturday. Floridians, along with residents from New York, Los Angeles and other US cities, joined hands on the beach to demonstrate against the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. One protester, Alina Cauce, said, "It's disgusting what is going on in the Gulf with the oil spill."

Among the protesters was 10-year-old Jaden Gurbez. When asked about the sign he was holding at Saturday's demonstration, Gurbez said, "It says, what about the world I live in. No more drilling, no more oil. Think about us."

On Wednesday, Florida felt the effects of the oil spill, when tons of tar balls and oil appeared on Pensacola Beach. Ned Stone of the Florida Wildlife Federation said, "We need the legislature to call a special session and the governor to call a special session to protect our waters."

Saturday's protest was organized by Hands Across the Sand, whose aim is to eventually eliminate US dependence on oil. "It is a simple, powerful image, and really the message is to send a strong message to President Obama and Congress," said Dave Rauschkolb of Hands Across The Sand.

Protesters on South Beach even placed a black tarp over the beach to symbolize of what could happen if the spill continues. "What's going on with oil spill is just heartbreaking. Anything is better than nothing," said Craig Southern, a protester.

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