Lee County Won't hold January Vote on Slots

It doesn't appear Lee County voters will join their counterparts in Gadsden, Hamilton and possibly Palm Beach counties early next year in deciding if local gambling options should be expanded.

The Fort Myers News-Press reports that Champion Development, the company seeking to build a gaming resort along I-75, has been told its too late in the process to get the issue on the Jan. 31, 2012 ballot.

"Champions referendum would have asked Lee County residents to approve allowing a casino in Fort Myers if the state Legislature approves Las Vegas-style casino resorts to be built in the state," the News-Press reports.

Voters in Gadsden and Hamilton counties will be asked Jan. 31, 2012, if local gaming facilities should be allowed to offer slot machines.

The Palm Beach County Commission has approved, on first reading, a similar referendum that will be tied to the Republican Presidential Preference Primary. The county commission will hold a final vote on the slot referendum Dec. 20.