Res No 235-11-13549RESOLUTION NO. 235-11-13549
A Resolution urging the Florida Legislature to reject any and all expansions of
gambling in Florida.
WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature is currently considering various measures that would provide for
the substantial expansion of gambling; and
WHEREAS, the legislation being considered would allow for casino operations that rival in size and
scope the gambling operations that exist in Las Vegas and Atlantic City; and
WHEREAS, notwithstanding the assurances of gambling promoters, historically, large scale casino
operations cannibalize non - gambling businesses causing, for instance, the shuttering of forty percent of all
restaurants and one -third of all retail businesses in Atlantic City; and
WHEREAS, the community will have to bear the severe and painful economic and social costs that
always accompany expansive gambling, including the misery of individuals and families touched by problem
gambling as they are at higher risk of divorce, bankruptcy, child abuse, domestic violence, crime, and suicide;
and
WHEREAS, expanded gambling will assuredly bring corruption of the governmental process as
immensely wealthy gambling companies from all over the world seek to receive benefits from the local and
state governments that regulate their existence and profits; and
WHEREAS, full scale casino and gambling expansions will become commonplace throughout this
community and our state, if the gambling interests are allowed to obtain major casino expansion; and
WHEREAS inward facing mega - developments will privatize public streets, destroy the pedestrian
experience of Downtown Miami, exacerbate traffic and denigrate the quality of life in our community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the City Commission urges the Florida Legislature to reject any and all
expansions of gambling, including legislation to legalize so- called "destination casinos" in Florida.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ENACTED this20thday of December , 2011.
ATTEST:
PP
COMMISSION VOTE:
4 -0
Mayor Stoddard:
Yea
Vice Mayor Newman:
absent
Commissioner Beasley:
Yea
Commissioner Palmer:
Yea
Commissioner Harris:
Yea