COCOA BEACH and CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — On Saturday August 4, 2012, people gathered for “Hands Across the Sand” in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral. Organizers say that the Hands Across the Sand events are aimed at steering America’s energy policy away from its dependence on fossil fuels and towards clean energy. The goal is to convince leaders like President Obama to move away from offshore oil drilling and adopt policies that encourage clean energy instead.
Participants at Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach gathered around 11 a.m. and conducted a beach clean up. After the cleanup, event organizer Tony Sasso spoke to the crowd about environmental education and participation. During his remarks, Sasso often commended U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) for his efforts in opposing off-shore drilling. Just after noon, the participants then created a human chain across the beach where participants held hands for 10 minutes.
Hands Across The Sand was founded by Floridian Dave Rauschkolb in October 2009. Hands Across The Sand is endorsed by national environmental organizations including Sierra Club, Audubon, Surfrider Foundation, Oceana, Florida Wildlife Federation, Alaska Wilderness League, 350.org, 1 Sky, Friends of the Earth, Conservation Law Foundation, Cleanenergy.org, Florida Coastal & Ocean Coalition Save Our Seas, Beaches and Shores,Inc. Sunetric, Gulf Restoration Network.
