'Destination' Casinos Bill Filed in Senate

A bipartisan bill has been filed in the state Senate that would allow the construction of destination casino resorts in Florida.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, and Sen. Maria Sachs, D-Delray Beach, would allow for one destination resort in five different districts, and create a Destination Resort Gaming Commission to regulate gambling in the state. The bill's sponsors say the new casino resorts could bring in up to 5 million new visitors to Florida every year, who will spend in surrounding areas, spurring the state economy.

"That is all money that will go into Florida's economy and could help stimulate local businesses. This is my motivation behind filing this bill and why I hope my fellow lawmakers will join me in bringing destination resorts and all its (sic)benefits and jobs to Florida," Jones said.

"The possibility of bringing destination resorts to Florida includes a host of economic benefits. These benefits will manifest themselves in new jobs for our construction industry, tourism, beaches, hospitality, and trades. This new energy and excitement will bring us back to the days when Florida was a Mecca for top-notch entertainment and a destination in itself," Sachs said.