Miccosukee Tribe delays Class III discussions

Friday, January 11, 2008  

Citing ongoing legal issues, the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida has delayed talks over Class III gaming.

The tribe is entitled to certain forms of Class III games, the Interior Department said in a November 17, 2007, letter [PDF]. County voters legalized slot machines in 2004.

Tribal, state and federal officials were due to discuss Class III options but a Miccosukee lawyer on Wednesday called for a delay [PDF]. The letter did not give a specific reason, but it's likely the tribe is referring to a lawsuit over the Seminole Tribe's Class III gaming compact.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved the Seminole compact. But the state Supreme Court is due to hear a lawsuit this month to determine whether Gov. Charlie Crist (R) exceeded his authority in signing the agreement.

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Miccosukees' casino talks on hold (The Miami Herald 1/11)