Pubdate: Sat, 21 Feb 2015
Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL)
Copyright: 2015 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.orlandosentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325
Note: Rarely prints out-of-state LTEs.

TRIBE THREATENS TO GROW POT IF CASINO DISALLOWED IN PANHANDLE

PENSACOLA (AP) - A small, Alabama-based Indian tribe that wants to 
expand its casinos into the Sunshine State might adopt a hardball 
negotiating stance: Let us offer gambling in a few Florida locations, 
or we could consider growing and selling marijuana on our property.

The prospect of selling pot is just one "what if" scenario that 
tribal leaders say is possible. But what the Poarch Creek Band of 
Indians want now is for Gov. Rick Scott and the Republican-controlled 
Legislature to take them seriously and approve a compact with the 
tribe that would allow a casino.

"We are entitled to negotiate a compact with the state," said 
Stephanie Bryan, chairwoman of the Poarch tribal council.

The tribe stakes its claim to negotiate a far-reaching gambling deal 
on an acre of land it owns in Escambia County in the northwest 
Panhandle. It's just a few miles from a casino operated by the tribe 
near the state line in Atmore, Ala. Tribal officials contend that the 
land has been in tribal ownership long enough to trigger rights 
guaranteed by federal law.

Rejecting a deal with the tribe could spark a lawsuit. It could also 
prompt the tribe to consider its options, such as whether to sell 
marijuana on its Florida property. The U.S. Department of Justice in 
December said tribes could grow and sell marijuana on their lands, as 
long as they follow the same federal conditions laid out for states 
that have legalized the drug.

So far, many tribes say they're inclined to avoid marijuana sales, 
amid concerns over alcoholism, poverty, crime and joblessness on tribal lands.

Bryan stressed that any decision of that magnitude would need tribal 
council approval.

So far the issue has garnered a shrug from the Scott administration. 
Although the Governor's Office met twice with tribal officials last 
year, a spokesman for Scott said recently the governor will not 
negotiate with the tribe.

Scott's legal office last fall wrote to Bryan, saying it was 
"premature" to begin negotiations and that the tribe needs additional 
recognition from federal officials.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom