Activists protest oil drilling in Gulf of Mexico

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (WALA) - Enjoying the gorgeous water and sugar-white sands along Pensacola Beach can make it easy to forget 2010's Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, which threatened to ruin Gulf Coast beaches.

Dozens showed up on the beach Saturday, joining hands to show they haven't forgotten the spill.

Christian Wagley is one of many locals who turned out to show concern over offshore drilling.

"We really want to protect our local economy, which is based on clean beaches and clean water. By doing that, we want to keep oil drilling off the coast," said Wagley.

Activists say the showing is also to encourage alternative, cleaner forms of energy, such as wind and solar power.

The peaceful protest is part of the Hands Across the Sand initiative that happens worldwide on August 4.

Local organizations like the Parrotheads come out every year. Frances Yeo, a member of the organization, says the cause means a lot to her.

"Our motto is to party with a purpose, but you can't party without a planet,” said Yeo. “So it's up to us to protect it so we can enjoy it as well as future generations."

Onlookers said they oppose offshore drilling as well, but it's not a black and white issue. Phil Aldridge from Alabama says he has mixed feelings about it.

"You've got pros and cons because we can't live without oil. So you have to decide whether to get it here and save taxpayers millions or continue buying it overseas," said Aldridge.

Regardless, Wagley says his stance won't change.

"Most everybody loves the beaches and the water and that's part of why they're here. It motivates you to be part of events like this to raise awareness," Wagley said.