1.   But even its more modest proposal for drilling in eastern gulf waters should be blocked for now by Congress.

2.   Critics of oil and gas exploration in the eastern gulf have warned that it could threaten the economic and environmental future of the Florida Panhandle.

3.   Norton made a similar pledge in July, saying the administration would consider no new leases in the eastern gulf for at least five years.

4.   Sierra Club members protested the Broward visit, saying the Bush administration has already gone too far in allowing drilling in the eastern gulf.

5.   The extremely wet weather that has plagued Florida will end as high pressure develops over the eastern gulf.