Government Digest: Nov. 12 - Nov. 18

Seminole Tribe of Florida to issue $367 million in bonds
HOLLYWOOD — In a private placement, the Seminole Tribe of Florida plans to issue $367 million in bonds to fund various capital expenditures at its gaming facilities and for other improvements and additions to its properties. One offering, is for $330 million in taxable bonds and a second issue is for $37.385 million in tax-exempt bonds. Bonds for both offerings mature in 2017 and are special, limited obligations of the tribe secured by a pledge of revenues from tribe gaming facilities. The tribe operates the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa and the Seminole Casino Immokalee among other Florida properties.

Bennett named Senate's number two
TALLAHASSEE — Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, has been named Senate President Pro-tempore, the number two position in the Florida Senate, by Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne. Bennett, a small business owner and developer, succeeds Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey.
Haridopolos also appointed Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, as Senate Majority Leader.
Bennett, who served in the House for two years before being elected to the Senate in 2002, chaired the community affairs committee the past two years, and has served on numerous other committees, including banking and insurance and the Florida select committee on Florida's economy.
Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, named Rep. John Legg, R-Port Richey, Speaker Pro-tempore last week. Legg succeeds former Rep. Ron Reagan, R-Bradenton. Reagan could not seek re-election due to term limits.

Baseball bonds, Fruitville plan approved
SARASOTA COUNTY — The Florida Supreme Court affirmed a trial court's ruling that a proposed bond issue to finance improvements to baseball facilities in the county is valid and can proceed. The court ruled the county did not violate the Florida sunshine law regarding negotiations and an agreement with the Baltimore Orioles.
According to a county press release, the county commission will consider authorizing the bond issue at its Nov. 16 meeting.
The spring training project at the Ed Smith Stadium complex and the Buck O'Neill Complex at Twin Lakes Park is expected to create over 260 jobs, with a value of $11.2 million, and produce nearly $29 million in local expenditures. The project is expected to be completed in March.
In other business, the county commission approved the “Fruitville Initiative,” a mixed use concept plan for 325 acres of east of and adjacent to I-75 and Fruitville Road. The commission, however, did not approve a plan for an energy economic zone near I-75 and S.R. 681 and bordering Oscar Scherer State Park.