FLORIDA, USA — Florida lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are pushing back on new initiatives by the Trump administration for offshore oil drilling off the state's Gulf coast.

In a direct letter to President Donald Trump, eight republican Florida congressmen say they are concerned that oil drilling could have negative impacts on the state's economy and tourism.

Among the lawmakers who signed the letter are Tampa Bay-area Reps. Vern Buchanan and Laurel Lee, as well as Rep. Byron Donalds, who Trump has endorsed to be the next Florida governor .

The letter reads in part:

"Beyond these operational challenges, further oil exploration could have severe economic consequences for the region by reducing the economic impact of the military in Northwest Florida, which contributes $21.8

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