State rejects slots at airport
(Saturday, December 19, 2009)DBPR Deny Application
No special session on gambling
(Tuesday, December 15, 2009)No more dithering!
Greyhound racing opponents brush off
broader agenda fueled by scare tactics
(Thursday, December 10, 2009)FGA President Addresses Grey2K Charges!
Indian casino revenues in state rose 19% in 2008
(Thursday December 10, 2009)Funds to State in Limbo!
Seminole deal may not add up
(Monday November 30, 2009)Other states' records suggest
open gambling more profitable
Gaming could shape South Florida's future
(Sunday November 29, 2009)Growth is inevitable...!
Seminole compact deals Florida a bad hand
(Sunday November 15, 2009)Legislature should reject it!
Time for real casinos in Florida
(Friday November 13, 2009)Editorial: A Postive Stand!
Groundswell forms for open gambling in Florida
(Thursday November 12, 2009)Florida House Changing Outlook!
House Committee Reviews Numbers
(November 3, 2009)Governor's Plan Gives Away Farm!
Comparison of CS/CS/SB 788 and Compact Accepts by Governor
Rep. Saunders drafts parimutuel bill
(Friday, October 30, 2009)Hopes for special session!
Gov. Charlie Crist hopeful for Seminoles gambling pact
(Tuesday, October 27, 2009)Governor Let Pari-Mutuals Down!
House Speaker Takes Over
(Wednesday, October 21, 2009)The Wagons are Circling!
FGA/NGA Florida Legislative Update
Wednesday,(October 21, 2009)Latest on Seminole Issue
State gambling agreement with Seminole tribe
may still be far away
(Monday, October 19, 2009)May be delayed til Regular Session
Crist Still Pushing Seminole Deal
(Thursday October 15, 2009)Lawmakers Still Skeptics
Poker Rooms Will Be Built at Pensacola
(Monday October 12, 2009)Awaiting State Approval
AIF Makes Gaming Deal Opposition Known
(Tuesday, September 22, 2009)Major Business Group Opposes Compact!
Senator Proposes Use of Internet Gambling Revenue
to Help Fund Health Care Reform
(Tuesday, Sept 21, 2009)National Press Release
Galvano: Crist gambling deal 'not acceptable'
(Saturday, September 19, 2009)Hope Lives on for Pari-Mutuals!
Derby Lane wants to add 1,500 slot machines
(Saturday, September 19, 2009)In Legislators Hands!
Crist wants October session,
but legislators are in no rush
(Thursday September 10, 2009)Not A Slam Dunk for Indians!
My Word: More gambling morally wrong
(Friday, August 28, 2009)Late Gov. Chiles' Son Speak Out!
Ft. Myes News Press: Seminole casino deal too flawed to approve
Tampa Tribune: State should OK gambling deal
(Tuesday, September 08, 2009)Legislatures Should Turn Down the Deal!
Cha-Ching! Flagler Dog Track
Makes Way for Shiny New Slots
(Thursday - September 03, 2009)Havenicks Feel Compact Bad Deal for Florida
Pari-mutuels will fight Seminole gambling deal
(Wednesday - September 02, 2009)Here's Hoping Tracks Show Unity!
Bonita track owner rips Seminole gaming deal
Deal may be a dud for local tracks - Derby Lane
No slots of any kind for Palm Beach in new gambling deal
(Wednesday - September 02, 2009)Pari-Mutuals' Reactions Around State
Gaming Foes, Spurned Tracks
Make Seminole Deal 'No Slam Sunk'
(Tuesday PM - September 01, 2009)Governor Puffed to Much on Pipe!
Gaming compact could be a bust for parimutuels
(Monday Night, August 31, 2009)Many Legislators Not Happy!
Crist, Seminoles have deal to expand gaming
(Monday, August 31, 2009)Governor Rolls Over for the Indians!
Pari-Mutuals Get Shafted - But not over yet!
Indian Tribe Gambles
(Sunday, August 30, 2009)Tribe Buys Controlling Interest in Pensacola Dog Track
Casino Deal Still Not Reached!
(Saturday, August 29, 2009)Monday is D-Day!
Here are details on gambling compact
(Friday, August 28, 2009)Still Needs Legislative Approval!
The rebirth of Hialeah Park: Racing returns Nov. 28
(Thursday - September 17, 2009)Turf Battles Will Soon Return to So. Florida!
Daytona & Orlando Newspapers Have Opinions
(Thursday - September 03, 2009)Speeding Cars & Mickey Mouse
only things wanted in Central Florida
Gaming talks continue as Monday deadline looms
(Thursday, August 27, 2009)VLT's Possible Around State!
Seminoles, state confident on deal
(Wednesday, August 26, 2009)If Deal Struck - Leg. Approval Still Needed!
Cops raid gaming rooms in Seminole
(Friday, August 21, 2009)About Time Someone Does Something!
Negotitators meet on compact but no deal yet
(Wednesday, August 19, 2009)Dealine Nears!
Stakes High
(Monday August 3, 2009)Statewide Gambling is a possibility!
Big gambling venture in Venice
(Monday August 3, 2009)A Slap in the face to Florida's Pari-Mutuals!
A) Gambling talks start and stop again
B) Open Letter to DBPR Sec'y from Miami Republican Legislator
(Saturday, August 1, 2009)Janurary-July 2009 News Links
No resolution in Sight!
Gambling talks stall with take-it-or-leave-it bill
(Tuesday July 28, 2009)August 31, 2009 is deadline!
Sen Jim King Dies
(Monday July 27, 2009)We Have all lost a Good Friend!
Sen. King Remembered
(Tuesday July 28, 2009)Tributes From Around Florida
Slots, horses could mix at Miami International Airport
(Wednesday July 22, 2009)Why UNITY is more important than ever!
Governor starts gambling talks with the tribe
(Thursday, July 02, 2009)Round 2 Compact Talks Begin!
What we think: Betting, but with limits
(Wednesday, June 24, 2009)Sanford/Orlando May Get Cardroom!
Greyhound trainer staying competitive with Dad
(Saturday, June 20, 2009)The Blanchards - Jim & James!
Seminole Deal Key to Gambling Expansion in Florida
(Saturday, June 20, 2009)Next move is up to Gov. Crist!
State gambling expansion still hinges on tribe
(Tuesday, June 16, 2009)Indians Circling the Wagons!
Florida-Seminole gambling deal in jeopardy
(Friday June 12, 2009)Stay Tune - Round 2 Soon to Begin!
Calder racing to get slots in time for Super Bowl
(Monday June 08, 2009)Other Pari-Mutual Changes hinge on Indian Compass being signed!
FGA Meeting Set for June 04, 2009 A Board of Directors’ meeting will be held on Thursday, June 04, 2009. All board meetings are open to the general membership of the FGA. We also invite you to enjoy lunch with us.
Red Rose Inn On the agenda for this meeting will be PAC and Jack Cory’s contract renewal. Also a review of the recently concluded Legislative Session will be given.
2011 North Wheeler Street (I4 Exit #21)
Plant City, FL 33563
(813) 752-3141
Thursday - June 04, 2009
Buffet luncheon – 11:30 to 12:45 PM in Dining Room
Meeting: 1 PM in Plantation Room
We hope to see you there, however, IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND please contact the FGA office and request a proxy. Your voice and your vote are very important to conduct the business of the association.
Philip G. Ruotolo, President
State Sen. King diagnose with pancreatic cancer
The news of Senator Jim King's health problems are deeply felt throughout the Florida greyhound industry.
During the 2009 Session, Senator King was co-sponsor of SB836 along with Senator Dennis Jones, chairman of the Senate Regulate Industries. FGA President Phil Ruotolo stated, "Jim King has always had the reputation of being a good and fair man. We could always depend on him doing the right thing for all involved."
Senator King is known for his quick wit and always manages to keep a committee meeting rolling along with his humor. He has never denied his close friendship with Howard Korman of the Jacksonville tracks. However, he never forgot that the greyhound men and women also had a dog in the hunt and always tried to help with fairness to both sides.
Our best wishes and prayers go out to Senator King and his family as he faces the latest challenge in his life. Please read the news articles below for more information.
FGA Board of Directors
State Sen. King receives cancer diagnosis
(May 18/19, 2009)One of the Legislature's Finest!
Bills Tracked and Monitored by Public Affairs
(Updated May 04, 2009)
Click Here for complete accounting of Bills of Interest!
A gamble on Hialeah
(Tuesday, May 12, 2009)Racetrack could see new life
House Completed Gambing Debate
(Friday - May 08, 2009)Sen. King 'takes umbrage' to Hialeah's special treatment
Deal reached on Seminole casino gambling
(Thursday - May 07, 2009)Now up to whole Legislature
House & Senate Reach Deal
(Wednesday May 06, 2009)Now will it fly or not!
Florida Senate to offer 'substantial' gambling compromise
(Monday - May 04, 2009)Everything Still Up in Air!
Crist: vetoes could follow if no deal on gaming
(Sunday - May 03, 2009)Talks resume Monday!
Conference Committees Worked Weeskend
(Sunday - May 03, 2009)3Gambling Not Discussed!
House offers new Seminole gambling plan
(Friday - May 01, 2009)From Around the State!
A Message from FGA/NGA Lobbyist Jack Cory
(May 11, 2009 - 1st day of preparation for next session!)
Senate President Jeff Atwater: “WE MAY BE BACK”
Just moments after the adjournment of the 2009 legislative session, Senate President Jeff Atwater said the Seminole gaming compact approved on the final day could bring lawmakers back to Tallahassee for another round. Atwater said that because the $66.5 billion budget agreed upon by the Legislature relies so much on money from the compact, which has to be ratified again if it is accepted by the tribe, it may be necessary for another session well before next spring. "If we're going to go down this route and those dollars are going to be provided for education....waiting around until next April to ratify a compact that may become available to us as early as August would be leaving those dollars off,"
Atwater told reporters after the traditional Sine Die (end of Session) ceremony in the 4th floor rotunda.
But Atwater said it would not reflect poorly on the just-completed session if lawmakers are forced to return before 2010. "We had to work with the information that we had (and) we had to work with our best projection on the outlook of our economy," Atwater said. "Rather than cut deeper or rather than extract more dollars now in revenue which would come out of the pockets of Floridians or the business model of the small business owner, we chose to find an equilibrium for where we are at this particular moment." Atwater added that Friday's balance could be easily be tipped in the future.
"If we come back, whether it be fall or whether it be winter before session begins, and need to adjust the budget, from my standpoint that is not failure," Atwater said. "That is not an indication that we couldn't see the tea leaves or we couldn't create a budget that could carry us through the year. These are the most extraordinary economic times that we have been in."
Any Special Session may be a opportunity to get purse protection included in any Pari-mutuel Bill.
The Tracks are not happy with the Bill that passed and, some of them have asked to talk to us this summer before the next Special Session.
The Florida Legislative Session has been extended until Friday May 8th to complete the Budget. The Pari-mutuel issue will probably be part of this extended Legislative Session. A final draft of the Bill is still not available as of 9 PM Thursday night. The details of this Bill are very important. We will release them as soon as we can review the Bill.
This is NOT the time for any false rumors! If you do not read it here PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE IT! That includes your morning Newspaper. Please remember what ever you read in the News Paper was written 12 hours before. 12 Hours during the Legislative Session is a life time. Newspapers and most other News Services report what happened yesterday. We are working on what is happening TODAY!
The Florida Legislative Conference Committee on Gaming negotiators met in three conference committee meetings Today, making minimal progress on proposals. But they remained firmly divided on the big tickets items -- whether to allow the tribe to operate black jack and banked card games exclusively at its facilities.
The Committee Chairs agreed at the first meeting this morning to take the issues that they have already agreed to off the table. Purse enhancement from machine gaming is one of those issues.
To get a new compact passed, gambling proponents have to win over lawmakers who want to protect their hometown horse and dog tracks.
The Senate wants to give parimutuels more gambling options, including video lottery terminals, which are slot machine look-a-likes. The anti-gaming House, however, rejects the idea of giving the parimutuels more games and also wants to limit the games the Seminoles can offer at their seven reservations.
The negotiations are complicated by two outside forces. Owners of the Palm Beach Kennel Club -- located in Senate President Jeff Atwater's hometown -- want a chance to hold a local vote to determine whether they can offer slot machines. And Hialeah Park race track, shuttered for years, wants to re-open with quarter-horse racing, a card room and slot machines.
These issues are capable of blowing up the entire parimutuel bill.
For the second time Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp arrived at the Evening conference committee meeting on gambling to let them know “obviously this is important to the governor and we want them to continue moving it along.’’ Just as the meeting began, Gov. Charlie Crist arrived as well, after speaking with the key negotiators, Sen. J.D. Alexander and Rep. Bill Galvano, earlier in the day.
"I'm encouraged that they continued to work hard,'' Crist said.
SPECIAL SESSION?
If they don't reach agreement, Senator J D Alexander Chairman of the Senate Committee said lawmakers may have to call a another Special Session.
Edited from several Blogs Posted by Mary Ellen Klas on Miami Herald.com
Update from Jack Cory - May 05, 2009
Senate Budget Chairman JD Alexander, R-Lake Wales, said Monday that there are still a lot of differences between the House and Senate as lawmakers try to hammer out a gaming agreement.
“Balancing all those interests for people like me who are reluctant to expand gaming too far or broadly across the state is a balancing act that we'll have to work through,” he said. Alexander said since the Legislature was able to get the 500 page budget done, it should be able to strike a gaming deal.
But, there's still no guarantee that the Seminoles will agree. Without a compact, “we wouldn't get the money, so we might end up in a special session trying to deal with the budget or the issue,” he said.
Alexander and House negotiators will meet over the next few days to try to settle their differences on what the compact should include.
Update from Jack Cory - May 04, 2009
The Senate Passed its Pari-Mutuel Bill (SB 836) this afternoon at 3:45 PM (April 29). We are one step closer as Bill heads back to House. If not accepted by House the whole thing will move to Conference. More information to come!
Senate backs off full casinos,
suggests voter referendum for black jack
(Wednesday, April 29, 2009)Talks Start in Good Faith
Legislative Session To Be Extended a Week!
In separate statements on the floor of the Florida House and Senate, Speaker Cretul and President Atwater just announced the release of 2009-2010 budget allocations.
The budget conference process began Tuesday, April 28, 2009 around 6 PM. The individual budget conference committees annouced the Tuesday night meeting just prior to the Senate recessing at 4:35 p.m. Senate will host the conference process, and all budget conference committees will meet in the rooms that the Senate Appropriations committees usually meet in.
It was also announced that the Session should be extented into the week of May 4 through 8, 2009.
A tentative timeline of the budget conference process is as follows:
- Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 4:00 pm - Budget conference process begins.
- Friday, May 1, 2009 - 12:00 pm - Any unresolved issues will bump to budget conference chairs
- Sunday, May 3, 2009 - 12:00 pm - Any further unresolved issues will bump to House and Senate Leadership
- Monday, May 4, 2009 - Conference Committee Reports will go to printers
- Tuesday, May 5, 2009 - 12:00 pm - The public review process, also known as the 72-hour cooling off period, will begin.
Senate Parimutuel Bill for VLT's with Purse protection is still on the Senate Special Order Calendar. It was expected to be heard today, however, the Senate recessed its Floor Session until Thursday morning without addressing any major legislation.
The House Parimutuel Bill with Historic racing machines but no VLT’s and no purse protection was passed on the House floor Tuesday, April 21. The House also approved HB 788 on the Seminole Compact.
The Florida House yesterday passed their version of the Parimutuel Bill HB 7145, by a Vote of 83 to 33.
House Speaker Larry Cretul made the following statement from the floor of the House regarding the joint budget conference process:
“We have informed the Senate that we would be willing to consider supporting nearly all of the proposals for additional revenues contained in their budget.”
This would include the Senate Parimutuel Bill with VLT’s and Purse protection. This is the first time the House has publicly proposed to go along with the Senate on VLT’s and Purse Protection.
When the Bill passes the Senate, the House and Senate Bills will go to a Conference Committee. We expect that the House will go along with the Senate on your purse protection language and some kind of machines will be approved.
Parimutuel Bills are tied to the Indian Compact. No Parimutuel Bill - No Indian Compact, and that result will probably mean a Special Session to Balance the Budget.
The Commercial Dog Breeding Bill passed its Senate Committee on Tuesday. The amendment to exempt NGA/FGA members was approved and added to the Bill. Whether it makes it to the Senate Floor is questionable at this time, but in either case the NGA/FGA is covered.
The Grey2K Bill has not moved. But Grey2K is very active in the State this year. They have hired 2 Lobbyist and a Public Relations Firm. The PR Firm has been trying to get a Veterinarian to do TV Commercials against Greyhound Racing. The Lobbyists are experienced in doing Referendum Campaigns. Grey2K is probably getting ready to try a Massachusetts type Referendum for the 2010 Ballot.
For your information, Grey2K was in Tallahassee today, Friday, April 17th and held a press conference in the Capitol Courtyard. The purpose was to detail their plans to kill live greyhound racing in Florida. As the House was in Session, no reporters were on hand except one and he chose not to cover it!
Everyone will need to double down on their Grass Roots in their local area BUT please only in their local area over the next 3 weeks!
A new Bill Track will be posted below on Monday.To see the text of a Florida Senate Bill click here and enter Bill number To check a Bill in the house click here!
Bills Being Tracks and Monitored by Public Affairs
(Updated April 20, 2009)
Click Here for the full list under watch and updated comments!
House, Senate agree on broad budget outline
(Wednesday, April 29, 2009)Both Sides still talking!
Budget allocations; absent gambling money!
(Tuesday, April 28, 2009)Process Not for the Faint of Heart!
Legislative Session Hits Crunch Time
(Friday, April 24, 2009)Talks continue - NO Gambling Deal Yet!
Seminoles offer $1 billion to seal gambling deal
(Thursday, April 23, 2009)Only South Florida Benefits!!
House Wants Indian Cards Games Shut Down
(Wednesday, April 22, 2009)Bill will rendezvous with Senate Bill!
Fast Friends
(Monday, April 20, 2009)Breeders and rescuers race to find homes for greyhounds
Divided Florida House OK's budget plan
(Saturday, April 18, 2009)House position weaking on Gaming Expansion
Senate passes plan for Seminole gambling
(Thursday, April 16, 2009)Pari-Mutuels Bill Waiting In Line
Legislators gambling you'll ignore hypocrisy
(Wednesday, April 15, 2009)Orlando Columnist Speaks Out!
Pari-Mutuel Bill Passes House Committee
(Tuesday, April 14, 2009)News Reports From Around the State
Legislators may revive quarter horse racing
(Tuesday, April 14, 2009)South Florida Pari-Mutuels Not Happy!
Gambling would financially help Florida
(Tuesday - April 07, 2009)Emotions YoYo Up and Down!
House Committee Passes Compact Bill out
(Saturday, April 04, 2009)Session Half Over - Compromise Foreseen
House should get over its gaming aversion
(Thursday, April 02, 2009)Sun-Herald Editorial
Crist's gambling deal trashed in advance
Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe announced today that they've got an agreement for an up front loan from the Tribe of $500 million next year and another $500 million following that to help the state out of its fiscal crisis in return for approval of the gaming compact he and the tribe inked in November 2007.
But before the announcement was made the deal was already eliciting significant criticism from the House and Senate leaders.
Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, the Senate's lead gambling negotiator, said that when the governor called him at home two weeks ago, he was supportive of the Senate plan to offer additional games to horse and dog tracks in Florida. But "now that there's more money up front, the Indians don't want parimutuels to have any expansion and that's probably not going to sit well in the Senate."
Jones' counterpart, Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, also doesn't like it. "Our approach to the compact is not about filling a fiscal need,'' he said. "Just front loading a bunch of money - basically the Seminole Indian line of credit is not the way to go.''
"It means the same amount of money and it also means status quo for the parimutuels,'' he said, which is not acceptable. He expects that the governor will offer to allow additional card games at the horse and dog tracks around the state, as well as free alcohol but he basically said the governor is not on track.
"My focus is going to be with the Senate and to get some agreements that as a legislature we can decide what's best,'' he said.
Galvano was optimistic, however, that "it shows movement. It shows there's a big difference from just take what we have, and that's a positive thing.''
Posted by Mary Ellen Klas at 3:53:18 PM on April 22, 2009. © 2009 St. Petersburg Times/The Miami Herald
Senate Regulated Industries Moves Pari-Mutuel Legislation
The Senate Regulated Industries met this morning, March 25, 2009. This is just the beginning and Chairman Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, constructed legislation that will give perks to the Seminole Indians, massages the South Florida pari-mutuels and gives much hope to the other pari-mutuels throughout the state.
The Bill (SB 788) CLICK HERE would give Gov. Charlie Crist until the end of the year to work out a deal that would allow the tribe to operate full casinos at all seven Seminole Tribe operations. In return, the state would get at least $400 million per year
The Senate proposal also would give South Florida pari-mutuels the right to run blackjack and other banked card games. And,lawmakers also are trying to do a deal that would offer Type 2 gaming to the other pari-mutuel facilities throughout the state.
Also passed out of Regulated Industries is SB 836 by Senator Jones.SB 836 CLICK HERE This Bill provides for the establishment, operation, and regulation of electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines would be authorized for pari-mutuel facilities which do not operate Vega-style slot machines.
The FGA Board of Directors
HB1437 by Rep.Horner HAS NOT been assigned as of yet to a committee, according to Jack Cory, FGA/NGA Chief Lobbyist. This is the Bill that would eliminate the LIVE Racing Mandate.
Please be assured Mr. Cory of Public Affairs Consultants and Ramon Maury of Maury Management Group are both working in the interests of all FGA/NGA greyhound men and women who race in Florida.
To view this Bill and keep track of its progress CLICK HERE
We are also watching SB 2002 / HB 1249 Commerical Dog Breeding Rep. Soto
1) Florida's gambling industry holds political sway
2) Expanded Gaming May Leave State With Lighter Purse
(Tuesday, March 31, 2009)Governor Lending to Expansion
1) It's a big deal: No-limit poker on state's horizon
2) The Senate's bet is too big, but House bet is too small
3) Rubio, professor warn of expanded gambling’s human costs
4) Bill Gives Seminole Tribe Slot Monopoly
5) Gambling, or school closures
(Weekend Wrap UP!)And the opinions keep coming!
1) Florida Senate vote paves way for more gaming
2)Orlando Legislator doesn't think expansion will hurt tourism
3) Tampa Bay Pari-Mutuels In Mix
4) Tampa Tribune Chimes In - Another prespective!
(Thursday, March 26, 2009)Reactions Around Florida!
Senate Committee Pushes through Gambling Bills
(Wednesday, March 25, 2009)South Florida Press Coverage
Tribal gaming compact not in Florida's best interests
(Wednesday, March 25, 2009)Rep. Galvano Speaks Out!
Florida Legislature to continue gambling debate
Monday, March 23, 2009)House, Senate differ on deal with Seminoles
Stakes huge for Sarasota Kennel Club
Sunday, March 22, 2009)Finally, A Shout Out for Tracks
Casino plans could cut into state's tourism business
Saturday, March 21, 2009)State Betting on Indians isn't too Bright!
Galvano panel should OK Crist compact
Friday, March 20, 2009)Florida Press Doesn't Get It!!!
Senate and House draw lines over blackjack
(Sunday, March 15, 2009)Senate Favors Helping ALL Pari-Mutuals!!!
Seminole casinos would lose card games in new deal
(Friday, March 13, 2009)And the Drums Beat On!!!
Gulfstream track owner files for bankruptcy
(Thursday, March 05, 2009)Hmmmmmm - Makes one wonder!!
Florida lawmakers won't OK current Seminole gambling compact
(Wednesday, March 04, 2009)Legislators want to protect non-Indian gambling ventures
Games make gains, but dogs are fading
(Monday, March 02, 2009)There would be NO tracks - if it hadn't been for dog racing!
High-stakes gambling battle:
tribe vs. parimutuels
(Sunday, March 01, 2009)Legislative Session Opens Tuesday, March 3rd!
Blackjack addiction on rise in Florida
Don't Let Gambling Conquer State
(Sunday - February 22, 2009)Newspapers Chime In on Gambling!
Poker rooms OK'd at greyhound track
(Friday - February 20, 2009)Pensacola Dogmen Association Backed Measure!
Port Canaveral floats idea for dockside gambling
(Thursday - February 19, 2009)Cruises to Nowhere Back In Picture! !
Voters Say Seminole Gaming Deal Is A Good Bet
(Wednesday - February 18, 2009)But favors Expansion for Pari-Mutuals too!
Culp offers one up for the dogs
(Friday - February 13, 2009)If Not Stopped Bill Could Kill Live Dog Racing!
Parimutuels Warn Florida About Tribe Compact
Jobs become focus of Seminole-tracks' casino battle
(Friday - February 13, 2009)House Committee Meeting on Indian Compact Summary
Editorial: Rich promises
(Wednesday - February 4, 2009)But state needs better gambling deal
Seminoles dangle carrots
Seminole Tribe: Casino deal would create 45,000 Fla. jobs
(Tuesday - February 3, 2009)House Committee Hears the War Cries!!
Seminole Tribe to defend gambling deal
Monday at House panel hearing
(© 2009 St. Persburg Times - Sunday, February 1, 2009)No time for bluffs at gaming hearing
The Seminole Tribe of Florida will defend its gambling deal with the state before a House panel today. Seminole Gaming chief executive James Allen will lay out what the compact means in revenue to the state, economic development and jobs. The House select committee on the deal plans to look into why Gov. Charlie Crist signed the compact, consider ways to change it and decide whether to ratify it.
Speaker May Quit Postion!
(January 30, 2009)Amid criminal probe, Florida House speaker might quit -- for now
Gambling our way out of hard times is nothing new
Gov. Crist, lawmakers differ on Indian deal
(Week of January 11 thru 17, 2009)Upcoming Session to Address Issues
