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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.
Dynamic Innovations gets $41,000 grant
MANATEE COUNTY — The county commission approved a $41,000 incentive grant for Palmetto-based Dynamic Innovations, LLC, a division of Demmer Corp., which acquired 90% of it last April. A defense-based manufacturing and engineering firm, Dynamic Innovations plans to add 100 employees during the next 12 months. The company specializes in applications for advanced composite materials.
Connie Mack seeks policy post
WASHINGTON D.C. — On the heels of Republican wins across Florida, and wins in Congress that gave the majority in the U.S. House to the GOP, U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Cape Coral, has announced his candidacy for chairman of the Republican Policy Committee. In a Nov. 4 press release, Mack says, “My vision for the Republican Policy Committee is simple. The RPC must become the cultivator of conservative ideas.”
COLLIER COUNTY
The Productivity Committee meets at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the county manager's office conference room, second floor, Collier County Government Center, 3299 Tamiami Trail E., Naples.
LEE COUNTY
The Horizon Council general membership meeting is at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at the Lee County economic development office, 12800 University Drive, suite 325, Fort Myers. The Industrial Development Authority meets at 10:30 a.m. at the same location immediately following the Horizon Council meeting.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board will hold a public hearing at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 19, at Cape Coral City Hall council chambers, 1015 Cultural Park Blvd. The board will consider amendments to the four-year transportation improvement program to add an I-75/SR 82 to Luckett Project Phase, an I-75/SR 80 Interchange Phase and a SR 78 from U.S. 41 to Evalena Project to fiscal year 2011. The MPO board will also be discussing the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan Cost Feasible Plan. The materials for the MPO's 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan are on its website at www.mpo-swfl.org/CollierLeeMPO.shtml. The agenda for the meeting is at www.mpo-swfl.org. For more information, contact Meghan Marion at (239) 338-2550 ext. 219, or by email at [email protected].
PINELLAS COUNTY
The county commission will meet to discuss the tourist development plan at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the 5th floor assembly room, 315 Court St., Clearwater.
FORUMS
The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's public policy roundtable luncheon is at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the University Club, One Tampa City Center, suite 3800, Tampa. Professor Susan MacManus of the University of South Florida department of government and international affairs will give a 2010 election review.
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