Sunshine Matters

The Senate Committee on Gaming is hosting a series of workshops throughout the state between October 23 and November 15 to hear public input, and have invited members of the Florida tourism industry to participate. The Committee is especially interested in public reactions to the two-part “Florida Gambling Impact Study,” commissioned by the Florida Legislature earlier this year.  To learn more, here is some information on the topic the Committee has provided.

Gaming is a well-established business sector in Florida with roots stretching back to the 1890s. In the past 25 years, gaming industries have been transformed, not just in Florida but all around the country.  Pari-mutuel wagering has declined.  The State Lottery, as well as cruises, card rooms, casinos and “Internet cafes” have emerged.  Meanwhile, Florida’s approach to regulating and taxing gaming activities has not kept pace, and the current layers of exceptions and patches are not working well to promote the state’s overall economic and social welfare.

During the 2014 Legislative Session, the Senate aims to replace the current makeshift structure with a comprehensive statewide approach to gaming policy.  In preparation for this important work, the Senate Gaming Committee is conducting public meetings across the state to listen to the views of as many citizens as possible.  In particular, we are interested in public reactions to the two-part “Florida Gambling Impact Study,” commissioned by the Florida Legislature earlier this year.  The study provides an independent and unbiased factual assessment of the social and economic impacts of gaming.

Understanding local perspectives and personal impacts is an instrumental component of public policy decisions that could impact the future of gaming in our state for generations.  Community leaders and interested citizens are encouraged to add their testimony to the committee record by submitting comments in writing or speaking at a public workshop.

Below are the details on the four workshops.  To submit an online request to speak at one of the workshops, click here.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013, 4:00 – 7:00 PM (Eastern)
Broward College, North Campus, OMNI Auditorium
1000 Coconut Creek Blvd, Coconut Creek, FL 33066
To be listed on the agenda, make request to speak on or before October 16, 2013

Wednesday, October 30, 2013, 3:00 – 6:00 PM (Eastern)
George Jenkins High School, Auditorium
6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL 33813
To be listed on the agenda, make request to speak on or before October 23, 2013

Thursday, November 14, 2013, 1:30 – 4:30 PM (Central)
WSRE-TV Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio
1000 College Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504
To be listed on the agenda, make request to speak on or before November 7, 2013

Friday, November 15, 2013, 2:00 – 5:00 PM (Eastern)
Florida State College at Jacksonville Downtown Campus, Advanced Technology Center
401 W. State St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
To be listed on the agenda, make request to speak on or before November 8, 2013

In addition, the Senate Gaming Committee will meet in Tallahassee on November 4 and December 9 to hear more public and industry reactions to the “Florida Gambling Impact Study.”  Members of the Florida Tourism Industry are welcome to attend the public workshops, share your perspectives, view meeting records, and track these important issues during the 2014 Session.