Charlie Crist asks BP for $50 million more

Charlie Crist is asking BP for another $50 million in relation to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Crist made the request in a letter to BP’s chief operating officer, Doug Suttles. Crist said the additional funds were needed for advertising the state’s tourism industry, which has been negatively impacted by the oil spill.

Late week, oil began washing ashore on the Florida Panhandle and with it the pressure has increased on Crist to take a more active role.  Hurricane Alex is expected to greatly increase the amount of oil collecting on beaches as skimmers and beach cleaners may have to remain indoors.

Crist said the state has already “deployed” $25 million in advertising and is looking to double that amount in the coming weeks as Florida hits the peak of tourist season.

“Your investment in Florida’s tourism marketing not only helps Floridians, but it also benefits your company,” Crist wrote. “Remember that visitors coming to Florida beaches, staying in Florida hotels and eating in Florida restaurants results in fewer claims for economic losses.”

Earlier this week, Crist met with Vice President Joe Biden concerning the oil spill.