The Seminole Tribe of Florida wants to add 45 acres to one of its casino sites amid opposition from local officials. In a land-into-trust application that was submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the tribe envisions a hotel, retail center and other development adjacent to the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino. The draft environmental impact statement states that the acquisition is not being treated as gaming-related. "Although the property is adjacent to the existing STOF Coconut Creek Casino and would support the casino operations, neither the proposed project nor any of the alternatives considered in detail would expand gaming activities," the draft EIS states. Officials in Broward County doesn't see it the same way. Commissioners passed a resolution calling on the BIA to treat the application under the two-part determination provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, meaning state approval would be required. The draft EIS was published in August 2012. A final document hasn't been released. Get the Story:
West Boca leaders worry about huge expansion at nearby Seminole Casino on Highway 441 (WPEC-TV 7/1)
Lawmakers release report on Florida gaming (AP 7/1)
Study: Florida Does Not Need Indian Or International Casinos To Be Major Gaming State (The News Service of Florida 7/2) Federal Register Notice:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Seminole Tribe of Florida Fee-to-Trust, City of Coconut Creek, Broward County, FL (August 31, 2012)
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