Orlando Florida Tourist Map
By Josh Hafenbrack, Tallahassee Bureau
TALLAHASSEE – Picture a Vegas-style Bellagio on the beach. Rows of neon-lit slot machines, blackjack dealers and craps dice.
In Florida? It might not be as unlikely as it seems. For the first time, the Florida Legislature’s conservative, anti-gambling façade is showing cracks.
As Gov. Charlie Crist pushes his Seminole gambling deal yet again, legislators are beginning to think bigger — with even anti-gambling conservatives weighing the idea of trying to use Florida’s tourist appeal to create lucrative casino complexes.
Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, who strongly opposed the expansion of slots in South Florida, now says that since gambling is everywhere in Florida, she supports a “free market” approach. She is pitching a “Gaming Equalization Act” to lure a half-dozen gambling executives to build beachside hotel-casinos.
One of the Legislature’s staunchest conservatives, Rep. Alan Hays, says he wants the state to get into the gambling business directly by owning casinos and hiring private operators, similar to the state Lottery.
Hays noted that under the governor’s proposed deal with the Seminoles, if the tribe makes $4 billion in gambling profits, the state would net around $800 million. That leaves $3.2 billion for the Seminoles.
“That one line right there shows you, there is a ton of money that can go into Floridians’ pockets,” said Hays, R-Umatilla. “We can reduce taxes or we can certainly fund a whole lot more education with $3.2 billion than we can with $800 million.”
The pro-casino stance is a shift for Hays, who is perhaps most well-known for sponsoring an anti-evolution bill to allow creationism in Florida classrooms. Since being elected to the House in 2004, he has been a consistent “no” vote on gambling expansion.
“No matter what my personal views are, that doesn’t mean gambling is going to go away,” Hays said. “With that in mind, I feel it’s my obligation to people of Florida to try to get the best deal we can.”
Keep reading.
When you think of vacationing in Florida, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Walt Disney, Sea World and all of the other World renowned attractions right? Although these are the most popular attractions in the world, there are thousands of other attractions that can be found throughout Florida.
In Fort Lauderdale, you will find a variety of different attractions; there is something for everyone.
Fort Lauderdale tourist attractions are diverse. There are museums for those who want to see works of Florida’s most prominent artists. The museum of history allows tourists to view relics from the history of Florida. The International Game Fish Association also has a museum complete with interactive exhibits that allow sports fishermen to practice their techniques without leaving land!
For those who want to kick back and relax, taking a cruise on a beautiful clear day can be incredible. Watersports such as diving or sailing can be found along the beaches of Fort Lauderdale complete with instructors for those who are novices.
For those who want to gamble, Fort Lauderdale is home to many different racetracks and Casinos. Whether you want to play cards, ponies or dogs, there is a place for you in this incredible city.
Studies show that the majority of vacationers have children. In Fort Lauderdale, there are many different attractions that are geared toward children. Museums, zoos, video game arcades and a planetarium are just a few of the attractions for children.
