Seminoles To Expand Gambling at Coconut Creek Casino

Surrounding cities, like Coral Springs and Parkland, have expressed concern that the addition of a major Seminole Indian casino in Coconut Creek would increase traffic, crime, and drunk driving.

Once the Federal authorities approve of the compact that was signed by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Indian Tribe, the tribe is planning an expansion which may include a 24-story hotel and a 9-story parking garage, and a 150,000 square foot casino floor.

The Tribe has 44 acres of land that if deemed sovereign, could be used to expand the existing Coconut Creek facility into a major, top tier casino and entertainment complex similar to the Hard Rock in Hollywood which they own.

Surrounding cities, Coral Springs and Parkland have expressed concern that the addition of a major casino such as that would increase traffic, crime, and drunk driving, as well as increased social costs that will come to their cities.

Both Parkland and Coral Springs mayors have said that there is no way to stop the expansion, but feel that the cities should be compensated for the increase that will naturally come by police and fire protection, as well as traffic control or other programs that may be necessary to control the growth and problems stemming from that growth.