Proposed Gambling Rules Released, Changes For Poarch Creek’s Gretna Facility
July 1, 2015
After almost two years in the works, state gambling regulators on Tuesday released the latest version of proposed pari-mutuel regulations governing everything from how much jockeys can weigh to the shape and size of horse tracks, including regulations that address changes at a Poarch Creek Indian facility..
But industry insiders predict that the rules face a challenge if they aren’t revised.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering, which oversees non-tribal gambling operations in the state, released the latest proposed rules on Tuesday. The agency held a variety of workshops on the issue since the first version of the rules was floated nearly two years ago.
Tuesday’s proposal closely mirrors the 2013 plan, but with changes that give some industry representatives pause.
Portions of the proposed regulation address a controversy about barrel racing at a Panhandle facility in Gretna operated by the Poarch Creek Indians of Atmore. State regulators initially granted a pari-mutuel license for the rodeo-style horse races — the first in the country — four years ago, but an appeals court later ruled that the license was granted in error.
Unlike a previous iteration of the rule, tracks would not have to be in an oval shape, something that would benefit the Gadsden County facility, where horses now run against each other in a straight line.
But, under the proposed rules, horse tracks would have to be a certain length, have “breakaway” rails, and require starting gates for horses. That would put an end to the “flag drop” races at tracks like Gretna Racing.
“This stuff is thrown out there as an economic barrier to keep the new tracks out,” said David Romanik, a lawyer who is also part owner of the Gretna track.
Romanik predicted that it would cost $4 million to modify the Gretna track to meet the requirements in the proposed rule, meaning that the Legislature would have to authorize the regulations. Under state law, rules that result in a cumulative cost of $200,000 or more to an industry in one year, or $1 million over five years, require the blessing of legislators.
Romanik and lawyers representing other tracks predicted that the rule, if not altered, will likely be challenged. Gretna Racing is also in the midst of a legal battle over slots. The 1st District Court of Appeal, in another decision related to the facility, recently ruled that gambling regulators erred in denying the facility a slots license. The state is asking that the full court rehear the case in what is called an “en banc” hearing.
Regulators, who have scheduled a July 20 hearing in Tallahassee on the proposed rule, did not explain what prompted the latest plan.
“The proposed rules are the result of a one and a half yearlong process with three workshops and several meetings to listen to what stakeholders all over the state have to say about the industry and the importance of public understanding, certain levels of clarity and uniform standards,” DBPR spokesman Jaime Florez said in an email.
The proposed rule also would shrink the maximum number of daily racing performances — each made up of eight races — from three to two, something that could also prompt a challenge. Tracks and jai alai frontons must run a certain number of performances in order to operate more lucrative card rooms.
Some tracks schedule multiple performances on the weekends, when attendance is higher. Reducing the maximum number of daily races would force tracks to run dogs or horses during the week and could increase their operational costs.
“My clients are genuinely concerned about a number of issues in these rules,” said John Lockwood, a lawyer who represents several Florida pari-mutuels.
And horse breeders and owners, who vehemently opposed the barrel-racing and flag-drop activities at Gretna and other tracks, also view the proposed rules with skepticism.
Bill White, president of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, which represents thoroughbred owners and trainers, said his organization is scrutinizing the proposal.
“We clearly have some concerns with what we’ve initially evaluated,” White said.
by Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida with contributions from NorthEscambia.com
Northview Graduate Bryan Receives Correctional Peace Officers Scholarship
July 1, 2015
Northview High School graduate Megan Bryan has received a scholarship from the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation. Bryan, who plans to attend Jefferson David Community College, was presented the scholarship Tuesday at Century Correctional Institution. On hand for the presentation were CPOF John Williams, mother Carrie Bryan, Megan Bryan, Warden Doug Sloan and CPOF Representative Gerard Van Der Ham. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
ECAT Introduces New Tech Features
July 1, 2015
ECAT is offering two new tech features to improve customer service.
There’s now free wi-fi service on all ECAT buses, and there is a new website feature that offers a “where’s my bus” feature.
Users can use the map to see the real-time location of buses and find out how many minutes until the bus is due to arrive at any scheduled stop. To see the map, visit goecat.com or use a smartphone to scan the QR code on select bus stop signs.
Pictured top: A screenshot showing bus routes and the exact position of two buses on new ECAT “where’s my bus” map.
Economic Development Group Launches FloridaWest
July 1, 2015
The area’s newest economic development agency was announced Tuesday night.
The new organization, dubbed FloridaWest, announced its new name and provided a broad outline of its strategy for “building, growing, and sustaining the economic potential and prosperity of Northwest Florida.”
Former Gulf Power executive John Hutchinson, president of the FloridaWest board, said that Florida West was a product of a broader reorganization of economic development efforts in the area.
“In the past, the economic development department was part of the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. Late last year we moved the economic development staff out of the chamber and set up a separate organization, focused solely on economic development. Tonight we launch that new organization’s name, focus, and plans to build our economy even stronger,” said Hutchinson.
The unveiling ceremony launched the organization’s new name, logo, and strategic focus. According to the FloridaWest brochure, there are four key components to the organization’s efforts:
- Wealth Development – building individual, corporate, and community wealth that contribute to greater quality of life in the area
- Economic Partnerships – linking policy makers, educational institutions, private sector leaders, entrepreneurs and investors to maximize the economic potential of northwest Florida.
- Sustainable Growth - ensuring the longevity and prosperity of our existing business partners, clients, and the community.
- Transformed Workforce – working with local education partners to build and train a workforce that attracts new businesses and supports existing businesses.
Scott Luth, chief executive officer of FloridaWest, said that the new organization’s name and brand are a natural extension of its mission and the community it serves.
“When we were working on names for the organization, we wanted to incorporate some of the great aspects of our community. First, we are the westernmost part of Florida. As the late Mayor Whibbs used to say, we are the ‘Western Gate to the Sunshine State.’ We also believe that the concept of ‘the west’ has always been one that inspired exploration and opportunity,” said Luth.
“So, we decided that FloridaWest would mark us geographically, but also mark us culturally and send a message that this is a great place to do business,” Luth continued.
In the future, organizers said that FloridaWest would continue aggressively seeking new businesses to move to the area, while supporting policies and partnerships that build workforce skills and economic opportunity for the entire community.
Key sectors of the group’s focus include: financial and professional services; information technology and business outsourcing; offshore vessel service and support; aviation manufacturing and repair; cybersecurity and manufacturing.
Henry Joel Day
July 1, 2015
Henry Joel Day, 93 of Atmore, passed away June 28, 2015, in Atmore. He was born on June 23, 1922, in Huxford, AL, to the late John Bernard and Vera Dreadin Day. He worked at Bateson Furniture Store as salesmen for many years and had owned Day’s Grocery in Atmore. He was instrumental in securing the VFW building in Atmore and was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He served in the United States Army during WW II and fought in the battle of the bulge and two other major battles. He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother Raymond Day.
He is survived by his wife Louise Watford Day of Atmore. Two sons Sammy (Sandra) Day and Randy (Kitty) Day both of Atmore and one daughter Sybil Day of Fairhope; two brothers Winston Day of Cantonment; Wendell (Diane) Day of Petaluma, CA; one sister Mildred Jones of Atmore.; four grandchildren Marla Driver, Kelly Gurganus, Natalie Sandoval and Jarrod Day; and six great grandchildren Caleb, Canaan, Zane, Ava, Samuel and Sawyer.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 2, 2015, at 11 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Grindle officiating.
Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery with military honors.
Active pallbearers will be Jarrod Day, Jay Driver, Roland Sandoval, Caleb Driver, Billy Watford and Mike Franklin. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Atmore VFW.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 2, 2015, from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. from the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.