Community leaders are largely opposed to President Barack Obama’s plan to expand oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.

The federal plan, announced this week, would allow drilling in the eastern Gulf, 125 miles from Florida’s west coast. Current regulations prohibit drilling within 230 miles of Tampa Bay, an area used for military training exercises.

A state legislative proposal that recommended allowing drilling between three and 10 miles from the coast failed last year. 

“I’m appalled that they would consider drilling off the coast of Florida,” said David Teitelbaum, vice chairman of the Manatee County Tourist Development Council (TDC). “There are tremendous consequences.”

The fact that the new proposal is significantly farther from shore than the state Legislature’s 2009 proposal “doesn’t matter,” he said. “It’s a very big mistake.”

“I’m not for any drilling period,” agreed Ed Chiles, a TDC member, restaurateur and Anna Maria Island developer.

The distance is equally insignificant to Manatee County Commissioner and Bradenton Beach resident John Chappie.

“I hate to see it,” he said. “The economy is in bad shape as it is, and in Manatee County, we’re so dependent on tourism, to risk that on technology that is flawed - I don’t see how we can take that risk.”

Limiting drilling to 125 miles from the coast also does not change environmental group ManaSota-88’s stand: “Not here, not now, not ever,” according to spokesman Glenn Compton, who favors an energy plan that emphasizes conservation.

Surfrider Foundation’s Sarasota chapter also remains opposed to any new offshore drilling, according to spokeswoman Jessica Respondek, citing the risk of spills to the recreational, economic and ecological benefits of oceans and beaches.

“We can’t lose the beach,” Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Larry White said. “That’s what we are.”