Protesters gather outside Florida agency to fight oil drilling near Apalachicola River

Xochitl Bervera’s commute takes about 15 minutes, and she’ll argue it’s the prettiest drive on earth.

Each morning, Bervera boats into the middle of Apalachicola Bay, where she has raised oysters full-time for two years.

The ride, surrounded by the salt marshes and seagrass beds, reminds Bervera of why she loves her job in Northwest Florida — and it underscores what she could soon stand to lose.

A few months ago, Bervera learned of a company that wants to drill an exploratory oil well just up the river from her farm. She worried for the more than 125,000 baby oysters she tends to each day.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2024/12/09/florida-oil-gas-drilling-apalachicola-bay-oysters/

Coming soon -- Apalachicola Bay oysters with that unique petroleum flavor. Ummm Ummm!