Florida Retailers, Seminole Tribe come out against ‘Destination Resorts’ legislation
The list of forces arrayed against the ‘Destination Resorts’ legislation that would expand casino gambling in the state expanded with the official addition of the Seminole Tribe and the Florida Retail Federation, which announced on Monday its opposition to the proposal.
The Sunshine State News’ Kenric Ward reported that Seminole Tribal Chairman James Billie said: “We will vigorously fight against any attack on our [gaming] compact with the state. We urge Florida legislators to step forward in support of our compact and refuse to pass any legislation that violates contractual agreements with the Seminole Tribe.”
Asked about Rep. Eric Fresen’s comments last week which described the Seminole compact as “toast”, Billie called such comments “incorrect and inappropriate.”
That was on Sunday. Monday saw yet another interest group join the growing chorus of organizations voicing their opposition to expanded casino gambling.
“Florida has a healthy and vibrant retail economy that is driven by residents and visitors alike,” FRF President and CEO Rick McAllister said in a statement released on Monday. “We don’t believe new resort casinos will help our state’s retail economy grow. In fact, there’s a lot of evidence that suggests the destination resorts that are being proposed will hurt the businesses already here.”
“For Florida retailers, the short-term employment gains of expanding casino gambling would not be worth the long-term damage we might inflict on Florida’s family-friendly brand,” McAllister continued. “The Florida Retail Federation is opposing the casino legislation, and we are encouraging our members to contact their legislators directly with their concerns.”
[...] and FRLA praised the economic benefits the Seminole compact. More recently, however, they each strongly denounced destination resorts. Hard Rock International sits on the FRF board of directors and is [...]
[...] and FRLA praised the economic benefits the Seminole compact. More recently, however, they each strongly denounced destination resorts. Hard Rock International sits on the FRF board of directors and is [...]