"A federal official answered the Escambia County Commission’s question in the most direct manner possible. In a short letter, Donald Laverdure of the U.S. Department of the Interior stated clearly and succinctly that the land held by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians remains under federal jurisdiction.

So it’s time for the County Commission to stop trying to pull the rug out from under the Poarch Band and its gaming operations, including the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore. The harder the commission and its attorney (state Sen. Bryan Taylor) try, the more desperate they appear.

The commission says it is seeking millions of dollars in taxes from the tribe — taxes that it can’t charge as long as the land falls under federal jurisdiction. The taxes would bring an attractive $6 million to $12 million a year. "

Get the Story:
Editorial: Looks like Poarch Creek casino is here to stay (The Mobile Press-Register 6/8)

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