Florida Blog » Entertainment

Seminole Tribe praises Bondi for slots opinion

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:41:48 +0000

Sun-Sentinel gambling guru Nick Sortal has this tidbit on the Seminole Tribe. **** Less than a month after criticizing her for false claims of money laundering at their Tampa casino, the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s top leaders are praising Attorney General Pam Bondi. They are applauding her recent opinion that any effort to expand slot machine gaming in Florida via public referendum is illegal, and say it is a strong defense of the 2010 Gaming Compact between the tribe and the State. “Given the highly charged, extremely complicated atmosphere surrounding the so-called ‘destination resorts’ casino legislation now creeping through the Florida legislature, it is refreshing that one Florida leader has stepped boldly forward to bring a sense of fair play to this ever-growing shadowy situation,” wrote Council Chairman James E. Billie and Board President Tony Sanchez Jr. in a joint statement released to the press. Both leaders pen editorials each month in the Seminole Tribune.

Tampa mayor welcomes closure of nightclub

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:02:00 +0000

The Tampa mayor says he welcomes the closure of a controversial nightclub in the city's entertainment district that has been the scene of murders and other crime.

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Lobbyists saddle up for gaming heavyweight fight

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:48:37 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- Malaysian-based Genting wants to build a $3 billion resort casino in downtown Miami. And they're hiring an All-Star team of Florida lobbyists to make it a reality. Since summer, gaming interests of all varieties have hired nearly three-dozen lobbyists in to lay the groundwork for debate on the resort casino bill filed this week. And all sides are throwing gobs of cash at ruling Republicans; Genting alone has coughed up more than $200,000. Since the company bought The Miami Herald building last spring, it's hired a dozen lobbyists, including uber-fundraiser Brian Ballard ; ex-education commissioner Jim Horne ; ex-congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart ; and Democratic lobbyists Sean Pitts and Nancy Texeira . The company even retained former Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson to lobby Gov. Rick Scott's office, while Mardi Gras Gaming – which has given $55,500 this year -- turned to another ex-minority leader, Steve Geller of Hallandale Beach, to lobby against the Malaysian multi-national. Other companies with resort casino ambitions, like Las Vegas Sands, are giving to Associated Industries of Florida, the business lobby that doesn't oppose gaming. But Walt Disney usually gets its way in Tallahassee. The company is opposed to the expansion of gaming and has given more than $417,000 to state political parties, candidates and committees this year. It's also beefed up its lobbying team by hiring former Republican Party of Florida executive director Andy Palmer. Keep reading. And here's a list of all the legislative lobbyists hired by gaming interests of all sorts since June: Casino legislative lobbyists Principal Name Last Name First Name Eff Date NAICS Dania Entertainment Center, LLC Dyal Stephen 10/25/2011 713200 Dania Entertainment Center, LLC Fearington Mercer 10/25/2011 713200 Dania Entertainment Center, LLC Smith James 10/25/2011 713200 LakeFron, Inc, d/b/a Ocala Jai-Alai Cherry Brian 10/19/2011 713290 Arcola Systems Florida, LLC Fess Julie 10/18/2011 713290 Tampa Bay Downs, Inc Bussey Jonathan 10/18/2011 713290 Tampa Bay Downs, Inc Roth Cari 10/18/2011 713290 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC Pollock Daniel 10/17/2011 721120 Florida Electronic Scratch Off, LLC Henderson Cynthia 10/14/2011 713290 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC Lukis Sylvester 10/12/2011 721120 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC Turbeville William 10/12/2011 721120 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC McCann Joseph 10/6/2011 721120 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC Bell Patrick 10/4/2011 721120 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC Horne James 9/29/2011 721120 Genting/Bayfront 2011 Property, LLC Traviesa Anthony 9/20/2011 721120 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC Pittman Sean 9/19/2011 721120 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC Texeira Nancy 9/19/2011 721120 Diamond Game Enterprises, Inc DiBenigno Leo 9/16/2011 713290 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC Diaz-Balart Lincoln 9/7/2011 721120 Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, Inc Colodny Michael 8/31/2011 711212 Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, Inc Karlinsky Fred 8/31/2011 711212 Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, Inc Mask Trevor 8/31/2011 711212 Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, Inc Pierce Jennifer 8/31/2011 711212 Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, Inc Stanfield Timothy 8/31/2011 711212 Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, Inc Webb Katherine 8/26/2011 711212 Bayfront 2011 Development, LLC Ballard Brian 8/5/2011 721120 Bayfront Property 2011 LLC d/b/a Resorts World Miami Curbelo Carlos 7/15/2011 721120 Fertitta Entertainment Blair Robert 6/23/2011 721120 Fertitta Entertainment Corcoran Michael 6/23/2011 721120 Fertitta Entertainment Johnston Jeffrey 6/23/2011 721120 Fertitta Entertainment Stewart Amanda 6/23/2011 721120

Halloween on Lincoln Road

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:41:55 +0000

Halloween in Miami Beach is one of the biggest parties of the year. And for once it’s not about the clubs and bottle service. On this night, everyone heads to Lincoln Road for free entertainment, including dancing, people watching and fun.

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Halloween on Lincoln Road 2011

Beach Blogger — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:41:06 +0000

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Friday Morning Reads: Gaming, the politics of jobs and environmental concerns

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:13:10 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- Happy Friday and welcome to your Friday Morning Reads. It's eight more hours until the end of your work day (hopefully). We've got more gambling stories for you, plus a story on Marco Rubio's heightened profile and Gov. Rick Scott's take on creating jobs. Here are the top five stories you should be reading this morning. * The debate over South Florida casinos may be hundreds of miles from Orlando, but the tourism industry (Read: Mickey Mouse) is taking it pretty seriously. The Orlando Sentinel reports : Fissures are beginning to appear in Central Florida's $28 billion tourism industry over whether to embrace high-stakes gambling, something most industry leaders have long considered incompatible with the region's carefully cultivated reputation for family-friendly entertainment. With casino executives aggressively lobbying the Florida Legislature to build Las Vegas-style casino resorts in South Florida, some local tourism leaders say Central Florida must consider following suit — or risk losing convention business to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. * Orlando Sentinel columnist Beth Kassab also weighs in on whether the move to destination casinos would risk the state's family friendly image. From the column: Already we're hearing noise from some Orlando hoteliers that if Miami gets full-fledged Vegas gambling Orlando may want it, too. Before we know it, there could be pitches for commercial casinos all across the state, and then we risk going from limited gambling to unlimited betting that such moves are the right ones for the economy. And there's plenty of evidence to suggest otherwise. * The St. Petersburg Times reports that Gov. Rick Scott seems to still be shifting his position on how many jobs he must create to fulfill his campaign promise. From the story: Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday added more nuance to his campaign promise to create jobs, questioning the validity of the state's economic forecast and saying he just has to stop unemployment from rising. * The AP reports that Florida's freshman U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio seems to be sidestepping the immigration debate. From the story: Rubio will talk in generalities about immigration but as the charismatic 40-year-old lawmaker's prominence grows, he will likely face more scrutiny on the issue. Despite his denials of interest, he is one of many Republicans who get mentioned as possible vice presidential nominees next year, and recently announced plans for a memoir. * The Palm Beach Post reports that environmentalists fear that streamlining building permits will gut environmental protections. From the story: An Environmental Resource Permit, or ERP, is needed for any activity that could affect wetlands, alter surface water flows or contribute to water pollution - essentially any earth-moving or construction project. It is by far the most sought-after environmental permit in Florida and is required for projects as minor as landscaping or as large as building a power plant. The agency's push to pare down environmental regulation jibes with Gov. Rick Scott's mission to make it easier to do business in Florida. From his first official act in office - ordering a review of every administrative rule in every agency - to his current effort to speed permitting, his "streamlining" mantra is chanted by backers around the state. Bonus News Blogs * Insiders swoon over Rubio for VP * Chamber lines up against gambling From the blogosphere * ACLU: Don't lock kids up in adult jail * Senate candidates jab over outsider- insider status

Florida Man Arrested for Hacking Scarlett Johansson’s Nude Pictures

Kyle Munzenrieder — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:25:14 +0000

Christopher Chaney, a Florida man, has been arrested for hacking into dozens of email accounts belonging to celebrities and others in the entertainment industry. Chaney has been confirmed&n… Continue reading “Florida Man Arrested for Hacking Scarlett Johansson’s Read More

Talking Points: With Tim Tebow set to start for Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins probably don’t have to hold ‘Gator Day’

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:26:01 +0000

Three Miami Dolphins Talking Points for Monday, the team’s last day off of the bye weekend before heading back to work on Tuesday: 1. Tim Tebow set to start for the Broncos at “Gator Day” at Sun Life Stadium. As it turns out, the Dolphins probably don’t need to hold “Gator Day” when the Broncos visit Miami on Oct. 23. It will unofficially be “Gator Day,” anyway, now that Tebow, the former University of Florida star, will likely get the start at quarterback for the Broncos. According to today’s Denver Post , Tebow is all but certain to be named the Broncos’ starting quarterback on Tuesday after sparking a comeback that fell just short Sunday in Denver’s 29-24 loss to San Diego. Kyle Orton played his way out of his job with just eight touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 75.7 passer rating this year as the Broncos have started 1-4. And Tebow won’t have a chance to lose his job – the Broncos have a Bye this week before preparing for Miami. The Dolphins have struggled to sell tickets to the game between two last-place teams. Currently, almost 5,000 tickets are available on StubHub (for as low as $21), and the Dolphins need to sell almost 10,000 tickets just to avoid their second blackout in three home games this season. Worried this summer about selling tickets to this game, the Dolphins cooked up the “Gator Day” promotion, in which the Dolphins will be celebrating the Gators’ 2008 national championship victory in Sun Life Stadium. Tebow, Urban Meyer , Mike Pouncey and a handful of other UF alumni will be on hand. The official Gator Day ticket package, which starts at $115 (For more information, contact the Broward Gator Club, www.dolphins.com/browardgators): • Pre-Game Tailgate Celebration • Gameday Ticket • All-You-Can-Eat Grilled to Order • All-You-Can-Drink (Beer, wine, soda, water) • Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders performance • Miami Dolphins/UF Alumni Players Q&A • Live Entertainment and more! But the Dolphins don’t have to worry about selling tickets anymore. The Broncos took care of that with the decision to replace Orton with Tebow on Sunday. The Sun Life Stadium stands will be now packed – with orange and blue jerseys, of course, as the Tebow crazies pack the house with their Broncos and Gators gear. The Dolphins’ players won’t be thrilled about this, but owner Stephen Ross probably won’t mind, as long as fans of both teams bring plenty of another color – green. 2. Dolphins facing stiff competition for Andrew Luck. Yes, a lot of you are happy that the Dolphins started the season 0-4, so they can land the No. 1 draft pick and take Luck in next April’s draft. But after five weeks, the Dolphins haven’t been able to distance themselves from the pack. The Dolphins are one of nine teams that currently has one or fewer win this year. The Colts lead the way at 0-5, following by the Dolphins and Rams at 0-4. You can officially add the Jaguars, Broncos, Eagles, Vikings, Panthers and Cardinals, all 1-4, in the Suck For Luck race. Now, not every team would draft Luck. The Rams are set for now with Sam Bradford , the Panthers have Cam Newton and the Jags have Blaine Gabbert . The Vikings also just took Christian Ponder 12th overall, though some believe that the Vikings still would take Luck, anyway. But those teams wouldn’t pass on Luck, either. Most likely, they would receive a king’s ransom in a trade for the pick from one of the 25 or so teams that would want Luck to be their franchise quarterback. So the Dolphins may not need to just keep losing. They may need a repeat of their 1-15 season in 2007 to ensure a win in the Luck sweepstakes. 3. The Jets are almost as big of a mess as the Dolphins are. The Dolphins’ schedule doesn’t get any easier, with a trip to New York this week for a Monday Night matchup at the Jets. But the Dolphins, coming off a bye, may be catching their arch-rivals at the right time. The Jets lost their third straight game on Sunday, 30-21 against the Patriots, and have gained just 402 total yards of offense in their past two games combined. And the Jets have internal dissention. According to the New York Daily News , Jets receivers Santonio Holmes , Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason each complained to head coach Rex Ryan about offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer . The Jets may have two more wins than the Dolphins do right now, but they’re facing the same amount of turmoil and pressure to win. “Forget about the postseason right now,” Mark Sanchez told reporters after Sunday’s loss. “Forget where we’re going to be seeded. It doesn’t matter. We just need to win.”

St. Pete’s music mogul

Beach Blogger — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:13:04 +0000

Good singers with stars in their eyes may not have to depend on the X-Factor or American Idol to make them famous. They may want to send their work to Bill Edwards, the St. Petersburg mortgage company mogul who also heads an entertainment company called Big 3.

Wednesday Morning Reads: Herman Cain, foster kids and prison privatization

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:12:11 +0000

TALLAHASSEE -- Good morning, buenos dias and bon jour. Welcome to today's edition of the top five stories in government and politics that you should be reading this morning. * State government officials have decided not to inspect Legoland rides, the Orlando Sentinel reported. From the story: State officials agreed last month to spare Legoland from safety oversight because the Winter Haven theme park will qualify — albeit barely — for a 22-year-old exemption that was initially written into Florida law for Walt Disney World and other big theme parks. The move makes Legoland parent company Merlin Entertainments Group the fourth park owner in Florida to operate free of state ride-safety regulation. The others are the Walt Disney Co.; NBC Universal, which owns Universal Orlando and Wet 'n Wild; and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, which owns SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. * The News Service of Florida reports that AHCA and a mental health plan are battling over whether the plan spent enough money on patient care. From the story: The dispute centers on whether Florida Health Partners in 2006 met a requirement that it spend 80 percent of the money it received --- known as a "medical loss ratio" --- on caring for Medicaid patients. AHCA contends that the firm fell substantially below the 80 percent threshold in the Tampa and Orlando areas. Under state law, Medicaid mental-health firms have to pay back the difference if they spend less than 80 percent. * Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell opines that the state's neglect of foster children is a preventable tragedy. From the column: The real problem with Florida's Department of Children and Families now is what it has long been — that the state tries to care for neglected children on the cheap. There aren't enough caseworkers. They're poorly paid. And they're so overworked, some juggle caseloads three times larger than they should. * The Florida Tribune reports that new revenue projections cloud local governments' fiscal outlook. From the story: State economists now are estimating that the taxable property values that state budget writers use to approximate the required local effort for school funding will continue to decline into 2012, and will hold below 2011 levels through 2014. * Politico reports that GOP presidential contender Herman Cain is basking in the glow of his win at the Presidency 5 straw poll. From the story: Cain isn't seen as any more likely a nominee after the straw poll than he was going into it. Though he won decisively, the results are largely seen as more significant because of Rick Perry's distant second-place finish after a strong push to win. Cain's still trailing in the polls — the most recent, released Monday by CNN and ORC International, shows Cain with 7 percent support, behind Perry, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich and tied with Rep. Ron Paul and Sarah Palin. But Cain's been riding a boost of momentum that's revitalized a campaign that had stalled in recent weeks. Bonus Blogs * Ed Buss' deposition * Scott renews scrutiny of state contracts