Legislature says ‘No’ to Mardi Gras Way
A day after Fat Tuesday, the House declined to name a Hallandale Beach street after Mardi Gras Casino amid concerns that it sent the wrong message about whether the state endorsing casino gambling, via the News Service of Florida. The propoal to designate part of State Road 824 in Broward County as “Mardi Gras Way” was part of a broader bill (HB 7039) that designates parts of several roads around the state in honor of people. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Brad Drake, R-Eucheeanna, said the measure honored a lot of people who did extraordinary things, including military heroes. “Mardi Gras Way would not fit into that group,” said Drake. Broward lawmakers argued to include the designation. “The street is being named for an origanization .. that does a lot in our community,” said Rep. Joe Gibbons, D-Hallandale Beach, who also reminded the House that the same naming provision passed the House last year, though the bill died in the Senate. “This doesn’t say the state sponsors anything,” said Gibbons. The amendment to remove the designation of Mardi Gras Way was adopted, 77-38. The bill is set for a final vote on Thursday.
