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Seminole gambling deal on hold in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- As reported by The Miami Herald: "Negotiations over a gambling deal between the governor and Seminole Tribe have been on hold for the last two weeks as they await word on whether the House and Senate will modify their take-it or leave-it offer.

"'The ball is kind of in their court,' said George LeMieux, the former chief of staff to Gov. Charlie Crist who is on the legal team representing the governor in the talks.

"But Rep. Bill Galvano, the Bradenton Republican who has been the House's point man on the issue, said Monday he believes the blueprint passed by lawmakers for negotiations was the final word.

"...The Legislature gave the governor until Aug. 31 to complete a compact with the tribe that would formally give them the right to operate slot machines and blackjack, baccarat and chemin de fer at their casinos in South Florida.

"The deal also allows the tribe the exclusive right to operate slot machines at its casinos in Tampa, Central and Southwest Florida and in exchange, the tribe would pay the state at least $150 million a year..."

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