ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — On Wednesday night, residents of District 1 joined together to voice their opinions and concerns over a possible gaming room just off P
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — On Wednesday night, residents of District 1 joined together to voice their opinions and concerns over a possible gaming room just off P Read More Gaming
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — On Wednesday night, residents of District 1 joined together to voice their opinions and concerns over a possible gaming room just off Pine Forest Road.
The gaming room already exists in Pensacola, and is still in District 1. All the company wants to do, is move it closer to the interstate.
Nearly 100 residents showed up, the majority of them in opposition. Many residents of District 1 are speaking out against the possibility of relocating a game room.
Folks with Wind Creek Hospitality want to move the Greyhound Track and poker room to a new location in District 1.
What’s keeping the group from moving? A lack of zoning.
“What’s being proposed is an ordinance change because this pari-mutuel gaming doesn’t exist in any of our zoning districts,” said Andrew Holmer, deputy director of Escambia County Development Services Department. “It’s not an allowed use in any of the districts.”
The Greyhound Track sold their building when dog racing was outlawed in Florida. The game room is still operating at the dog track but the company is leasing the space back.
“We’re getting the neighbors together because they were unaware of this and I was kind of unaware of this, too,” District 1 Commissioner Steve Stroeberger said. “So, I don’t want the county commissioners to make a decision on this until I get some input from the folks out here.”
The proposed ordinance would allow pari-mutuel facilities in heavy commercial and light industrial zones.
“I am not proposing anything though,” Stroeberger said. “This is a gaming license that was rejected at another part of Escambia County, and I don’t know if we have to find a place for it.”
There are certain stipulations.
“The ordinance as proposed is going to require buffering and fencing,” said Meredith, a Wind Creek Hospitality representative. “And as you heard from the county representative, there are distance requirements from churches and schools and any sort of vulnerable communities.”
Florida law already says there cannot be more than one gaming site within a 100 mile radius. The majority of attendees are in opposition of the move.
“They’re talking about having to need a buffer zone and high fences,” a resident said. “Well, why do they have to do that? Why is that such a big deal? Because it’s not family-friendly. And it’s not good for our community.”
Primary concerns include traffic, a potential rise in crime and plight of the surrounding community.
“Anytime you bring any sort of gambling into the community, you impoverish the community, you increase homelessness,” said resident Elizabeth Lomax. “Of course the gambling, which leads to the increase of welfare roles, you have to increase your expenses for law enforcement.”
Others say that simply is not the case.
“They’re great neighbors,” said one resident. “And they’re good for Pensacola.”
Only a few remained impartial.
“I’m not for or against it,” said resident Larry Huntley. “I just don’t seeing any problem with having it. I’m not a poker player but I’m not against poker playing either.”
The ordinance will have its second hearing in the next county commissioners meeting on March 25.
“If they’re not for it, I’m not for it,” said Stroeberger. “If they think it’s a problem, then it’s a problem for me.”
Wind Creek Hospitality has not submitted any kind of proposal or site plan to the commissioners for review.
