Drilling in the Gulf

I've always had concerns about drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, even before the spill three years ago.  My biggest pet peeve is that the people pushing for Gulf oil drilling don't even live near the coast.  It's always easy to support something if you're not going to have to deal with the consequences if something goes wrong. 
I was initially open to the idea of limited drilling, but I was turned off by the attitude of pro-drilling advocates.  When people expressed legitimate concerns about how drilling would affect the environment, drilling supporters took a vindictive attitude.  They threatened to move drilling closer to the shore, just out of spite, showing no regard for the feelings of people along the coast.
That being said, I was wondering what locals have to say about drilling.  I know there are people in Florida who support drilling.  I'd like to know what your reasons are.  I promise I will be open about it.