Governor Charlie Crist spent 30 minutes answering questions from a moving gaggle of reporters, talking about why the idea may now feasible.

"You know, it would all depend on the parameters. How far off the coast, how safe it would be, how much it would protect our beaches," said Crist.

The governor concedes his position is evolving. Just a week ago he was still saying no.

"There are several obvious factors. Let’s face it, the price of gas has gone through the roof and Florida families are suffering as a result," said Crist.

The sudden about face has environmentalists worried. Their decades long fight has never been so close to failure.

"Last year, President Bush signed a bill that opened up 8 million acres to offshore drilling. As a result, gas prices are through the roof, the price of oil is the highest its ever been, and the oil industry is awash with record profits," said Holly Binns, Environment Florida Spokesperson.

So as the governor’s gaggle moved from one location to another, the question came up...was he wavering because it improved his chances of being John McCain's running mate?

"No," said Crist.

What happens next and who decides it is still up in the air, but the Governor now favors getting a study to find out if the treasures of the Gulf could lower the price at the pump.