Politics & slots in Florida

One Florida legislator says there is no chance of having slots at Broward County pari-mutuel facilities this year, but another said the process of passing enabling legislation is far from over.



According to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Florida Senate President Tom Lee said Wednesday he doubts the legislature will pass bills to allow slot machines in Broward County this year.



"I would say it's less than a 50-50 chance right now," Lee said.



On the other hand, House Speaker Alan Bense (R-Panama City) said he expected the two chambers to reach an agreement. Bense told the media the delay is because of the numerous lobbyists "getting members churned up."



"We have a week or so to go," he said. "We both have our bills postured. There's a lot of talking that can occur over the next several days."



Rep. Ron Greenstein (D-Coconut Creek) said he thought Lee's pessimism could just be "posturing."



"I'm more optimistic," he said. "Anything could happen in the next week and a half."



Dan Adkins, who heads Hollywood Greyhound Track, which is owned by Michigan's Hartmann & Tyner partnership (which also owns Hazel Park Harness Raceway), said if enabling legislation is not passed, his track--located in Broward County--will consider filing a lawsuit.



"We're just starting to have some of those discussions with our attorneys," he said Wednesday.

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