Column: Florida needs compact with Seminole Tribe

Thursday, May 13, 2004  

"A state gambling compact with the Seminoles (and the Miccosukees) would limit casinos to reservations. The Hard Rock in Hollywood was built on the site of a trailer park along a depressing stretch of U.S. 441. Not on the beaches or in other tourist areas that might have been altered by hordes of gamblers. It could bring in millions in tax revenue that could be earmarked for education.

The tribes, already rich, would get even richer.

The problem, of course, is one of mind-set, after a generation of governors and attorneys general have warred, in the courts, with the Seminoles since the tribe opened a tax-free cigarette shop on U.S. 441 in 1977. Two years later, the tribe opened a 1,500-seat bingo hall. Ever since, state officials have been campaigning like country preachers against Indian gambling."

Get the Story:
Fred Grimm: State loses big at Hard Rock virtual casino (The Miami Herald 5/13)
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