The developer of a nine block mega-project may pursue casino gambling as an added component to what promises to transform a derelict portion of downtown Miami.
"The developer of a massive project in downtown Miami is quietly considering a campaign to amend Florida's Constitution to allow Las Vegas-style casinos in the city and open the door for a similar casino at Miami Beach's famed Fontainebleau Hotel.
A political committee financed by Marc Roberts, who along with Art Falcone is developing the 25-acre Miami Worldcenter, has spent more than $850,000, hired 13 petition gathering companies and has lawyers working to write an initiative for possible placement on the 2010 ballot.
A key selling point: taxes on the new casinos would go to benefit all Florida schools, just like the successful slots initiative before it.
According to drafts of the petition language obtained by The Miami Herald, the committee is considering three amendments, two of which are designed to appeal to the existing parimutuel companies in Miami-Dade and Broward by asking voters to give them the same games as the Seminole Tribe and lower their tax rate."
FULL STORY: Developer wants casinos in Miami Beach, downtown Miami
Pennsylvania's Gambling Expansion Proving Unpopular at the Local Level
The state thought more casinos would be a good way to raise some revenue for the state. So far a lot of local governments want no part of that action.
Madrid to Build Mega Casino, Betting on New Jobs and Tourist Dollars
Spain's capital may build a huge casino, but many fear that the facility will flounder in the way similar mega-projects have in the past.
Why Cities Should Think Twice Before Rolling the Dice on Gambling
Seen as a source of economic development and easy money for cities (struggling or not) throughout North America, casino projects are neither a revenue panacea nor the win-win "economic bullet" that supporters claim, argues Richard Florida.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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