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Poarch Creeks To Rick Scott: Let Us Open Casino In North Escambia, Or We’ll Start Selling Pot
February 21, 2015
A single acre of land in North Escambia may be taking center stage in the future of gambling in Florida, or it may just become a one-stop marijuana shop.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians really want the small parcel in the Nokomis community to be the home of their next gaming facility. They are currently constructing a large metal building that covers a majority of the acre, about five miles west of Highway 97 on Nokomis Road. They are officially calling the structure a “warehouse”, but its true future use remains to be seen.
Nearly a year ago the tribe asked Gov. Rick Scott for Tribal-State gaming compact that would allow the tribe to operate casino-like gambling on the property. Such an agreement would allow the tribe “to conduct any Class III gaming activity which is played or may be played in the State of Florida, including, but not limited to, banked card games,” then-Tribal Chairman Buford Rolin wrote in a letter to Scott. Class III gaming in Florida includes table games and slot machines.
So far, Scott has refused to negotiate a compact, saying more recognition is needed first from the federal government.
The one acre in Nokomis has been held in trust since 1984 by the United States government for the Poarch Creek Indians. That, the tribe contends, meets the definition of “Indian lands” and allows the PCI to conduct Class III gaming activities once a compact with Scott is negotiated. The tribe also contends that it has the immediate right to operate Class II gaming in Nokomis, which includes bingo and some types of poker, without any further action by Scott.
If Scott won’t acknowledge the Poarch Creeks’ legal right to conduct Class III gaming operations on the tribal land in Nokomis and other locations in Northwest Florida, tribal officials say they may consider other options such as selling marijuana from the Nokomis warehouse.
The U.S. Justice Department allows Native American tribes to grow or sell marijuana on Indian Lands, as long as they follow the federal laws in place for states where pot is already legal.
Poarch officials have made it clear that marijuana sales are not their first choice, but they want Scott to realize they are serious about exercising their federally protected rights.
“Obviously, growing marijuana has never been at the top of our list when it comes to the Tribe’s goals as part of our economic development. Growing marijuana on our land is something that we, as a federally recognized Tribe, can do legally,” Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal chair, told NorthEscambia.com. “That said, our focus has always been on entering into a compact with the State that would ensure our ability to have gaming operations while not impacting other compacts or revenue sharing agreements already in place. As a matter of fact, it would generate added revenues for the state and, again, we are considering all options on our land.”
If a gaming compact is negotiated with Scott, the Poarch Creeks also want it to include the Pensacola Greyhound Track, of which they are majority owners, their Creek Entertainment facility along I-10 in Gretna, just outside Tallahassee, and at Jacksonville Greyhound Racing.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians currently operates the Wind Creek Casino in Atmore, just a few miles north of the Nokomis property, and Wind Creek casinos in Montgomery and Wetumpka, AL.
Currently, only the Seminole tribe has a gambling compact with the State of Florida. A portion of a 2009 agreement giving the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to conduct card games at seven of its facilities ends in July unless lawmakers and Scott renew the deal. A sweeping gambling proposal crumbled last year when proponents of allowing at least one mega-casino in South Florida put the bill on ice because they lacked the votes for Senate passage. Florida stands to lose about $116 million a year if the portion of the compact giving the Seminoles exclusive rights to table games such as blackjack expires, according to an estimate from state economists.
Pictured above and below: A “warehouse” under construction Friday afternoon on an acre of land owned by the Poarch Creek Indians in the North Escambia community of Nokomis. Pictured bottom inset: The large metal building overshadows a neighboring home. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
66 Responses to “Poarch Creeks To Rick Scott: Let Us Open Casino In North Escambia, Or We’ll Start Selling Pot”
REGARDING:
“If you don’t agree then you must be ok with the US annexing to Canada and taking it over and relegating Canadians to 1% of the land of their country.”
We actually tried that and they beat us back.
David for leaving Canada alone
I think that it is wrong to threaten the state of fl. May I be forgiven for having an opinion.
@ Deborah
I guess since it’s been so long we should just forget about it. Native Americans haven’t been being compensated for 3 generations. This was their land. Their property. So yes, i believe, through taxes, they should be paid from now on. Cash money yearly.
If you don’t agree then you must be ok with the US annexing to Canada and taking it over and relegating Canadians to 1% of the land of their country.
Pick one or the other, it’s not Burger King.
When do we stop paying for a wrongdoing that happened 3 generations ago? Creeks should pay income tax like the rest of us and should not be allowed to grow pot. It’s time to rethink entitlements from the past.
Probition did not stop drinking and only caused more crime.People want to drink or take drugs or gamble,they will do so.Why not create jobs.Let them build a casino.Even pitch in and help.GET THE JOBS GAMBLING BRINGS.
They should grow it. It would help cut down on prison population as well as help raise taxes for the state and public schools.
There are BC Indians and AC Indians. Before Casino/After Casino
everyone acts like there is not already pot and other drugs being made/ grown in the area. I think maybe it is more a case of it being done legally that may bother people. I doubt it will bring more crime in, it will just make the drugs more noticeable.
Let’s make a deal with the Native Americans; If you quit taking any federal money, we’ll let you do anything you want on your reservations.
@Chris….Yes, Really!!
Just like I don’t think Texas should be sovereign…..or Florida …..or any other state…..I think we should all be Americans!!!! Plain and simple. Yes, we all have backgrounds…..Native American……legal (and I emphasize LEGAL) immigrants from all around the world. We should all be proud to be Americans. Not IrishAmerican or SpanishAmerican. Just American!
Oh, and Chris, those “billions” you want to give…..I hope you pay lots and lots of taxes cause that’s where it would have to come from.
Ok you all are talking about the Indians coming in to your communities with gambling and or pot that could help the whole area with little impact and they are asking and trying to work with every one involved to do a good thing for the community . Unlike the community of Walnut Hill where they put a oil Transfer station by the tracts with out informing the people of the community of what they where doing so don’t go acting all high and mighty about a casino in your community that would be a benefit to all , not just one party, like the oil company that put a potentially hazardous plate in my back yard. Remember that at one time all this land belong to the Indians and was taken away by the government just saying
At the comments “let the police sit and pull them over when they leave the pot store”. Is their a law against that? I’ve never seen police sitting around a bar pulling drunk people over when they leave the bar or a liquor store. Is that because it’s against the law to use those types of tactics?
I don’t know the law but I have a feeling something is stopping them from doing that!
As far as pot being a gateway drug, let’s get real! The only thing I’ve ever heard of all people using before any type of drug is “alcohol”!!!
Guess the states and county’s can’t afford to give up on those taxes!!!
I think Pot is the safest out there. I’ve never heard of anyone overdosing on pot. How many collage and high school kids go to the ER each year with alcohol poisoning? and don’t forget the use of Fake pot killing kids and sending them to the ER!!
One last thing…. I am so SICK of hearing how the tribes casino contributes to drugs and prostitution. That is such a ridiculous and unfounded blanket statement.
Atmore had plenty of drugs before the casino ever opened their doors. And as far as prostitution, Atmore PD and Tribal Police need to release the statistics on the amount of prostitution arrests since the casino opened in 2008.
The last arrests I remember for prostitution for the area included the preacher from the local church in Atmore so is that now the casinos fault too????
Just saying…
I find it so funny to read these posts about the moral high ground angle. Hello, if Escambia Co, AL can sell same sex marriage licenses then its time to accept that things are changing.
I am not a tribal member but a supporter of what this tribe has done for the area. PCI Gaming has some very talented leaders who want to partner with Gov. Scott to form a compact that will only help Florida out of their budget issues. This is plain and simply a math problem. The state needs the money and the tribe has the big check to give it to them… so take it! Let those funds help our children with their education or whatever.
The days of well “this is an abomination” are over. People get to make their own choices and they have to deal with their personal decisions. Who are we to stand in judgment?
Don’t want to go into a compact with the tribe then enjoy the plumes of smoke coming from the tribes newest “smoke shop”
Very smart, very strategic on the parts of PCI Gaming and the tribe!
Yes, I think anybody who has been mistreated by the government should get compensation and special treatment. If you happen to be the child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of somebody that got mistreated by the government, it gets debatable.
Did you have the same opportunities as everybody else? The same public education? The same opportunities to work and acquire property? If not, maybe you’re due something.
The further removed you are from the injury, the less special treatment you should receive. A lot of folks are born not owning property or having any sort of birthright.
@John & Cindy
Crybabies ? Really ?
Im not Indian at all but right is right. Personally i feel the US should give billions in cash (per year) to indian tribes.
Yea it didn’t happen to these paticular indians, but then again it did. They dont have near the territory they should. I mean damn, they were almost erased. Oh, everything they lost has no effect of the indian of today, right down to their “new” American” way of life. Your sittin in your house. People come and round up your family (kids n all), take you to some unfamiliar place drop you off with nothing. You have no recourse. Stronger people have taken over your property and everything you own. What would you do ? I’d tell your kids shut up stop being crybabies. The govt told the indians sink or swim. Well, their swimming. Send your comments to the Govt and Walmart. Waltons are worth $165B (yea with a B) they own 51% of the $17 B in profit Walmart earned last year. 18% of $80B in food stamps are spent at Walmart. I much more have a problem with that.
It saddens to read most of the post on this side about my tribe. I don’t recall any positive comments when we donate money all over the community, education and also to victims who suffered from Hurricane. I’m very proud of our tribe and I honestly don’t really care of your negative thoughts about us. We will do what we can to help anyone and no matter what you feel you are there for the taking.
As for the marijuana we have no intentions and furthermore if we want too we can because it is part of our tradition. So if you have nothing good to say about us don’t say anything please. We are very good people and very generous as you all know.
Maybe praying more will prevent you from judging us when you don’t know what you are talking about in the first place. THANK YOU TO THE ONES THAT SPEAK POSITIVE ABOUT OUR TRIBE.
PROUD TO BE POARCH CREEK TODAY AND ALWAYS.
All casinos do is wreck communities, I have in the past helped build a majority of the casinos in Biloxi and Gulfport, and know the damage they do, yes their is an initial boost to the economy when one is built then it is followed by an increase broken homes and bankruptcies
Indian gaming certainly has not helped the Atmore area, if I remember correctly unemployment was about 14% in that area just 2 years ago.
And also if it was helping to enrich the Creek Indian Nation, then WHY do they still need so much of the taxpayers money in housing programs.
And lastly concerning the issue of blackmail, its not really blackmail with what their trying to do, what it is are a bunch of crybabies not getting what they want because they are so use to the government handouts they have been getting for decades.
Really?! How long will we have to listen to how badly the Indians/Native Americans/pick the politically correct word of the week, were treated……guess what? They have managed to be sovereign and do what they want anyway…….and yes, I have Indian/Native American/whatever blood in me too but I don’t sit around singing the “woe is me I was treated so badly” song….and guess what else?…..neither was a single member of the tribe. I don’t believe a single one of them was alive way back when …..so quit the blackmailing tactics already. I guess enough palms haven’t been greased yet …… stand your ground Gov. Scott! People of that community, stand yours too!
So the options are pot….or gambling? Says who? Stand your ground rick scott, don’t let em throw their weight around, weed is illegal, and they need your signature to gamble….i say we hold all the cards…pun intended.
To those saying put a police officer just outside and arrest everyone that drives away for possession, from what I understood you would be allowed to smoke what you buy on that property. It’s not illegal to BE high just to possess it. So if you go there, get a buzz and leave with nothing, what could they charge you with?
Not much thought into the blackmail threat.
Even though you “might” be able to sell pot out of your ” warehouse,” you seem to overlook the fact that it is only one acre and that as soon as one leaves that one acre you are no longer on “Indian grounds” and can be and should be arrested for possession. I can see Escambia county making a profit just positioning one patrolman near the property. Why the mere pulling into the parking area is enough to cause suspicion. Folks…casinos are only in business to take your money. Its time we, the residents of this community, make heard OUR voice and send the casinos packing.
Don’t get your hopes up stoners, the point is , is that the PBCI’s are a federally recognized tribe and a sovereign nation despite what the pinheaded attorney general in alabama thinks. Its amazing how quickly they will condem the tribe’s efforts to improve the quality of life for their people and the surrounding community while they try to squeeze all the money they can out of the tribe. Despite the continued efforts to bleed and destroy the tribe, they will persevere…
As far as rick scott goes, everyone knows how ethical he is…in the end $$$ will dictate the politicians actions.
One acre is not much however with hundreds of thousand of patients in need of safe and effective medical cannabis. They could for about a $100 buy CBD seeds online and with spring almost here harvest in only a few months sick patients could get some relief.
I think century is looking to bring jobs in maybe they could buy the old Alger Sullivan mill and build a casino there
I just wonder if you build a casino where are all the people going to park when the building takes up almost the whole acre?
Native Americans should not have to ask for Prick Scott’s permission for anything ! Just start building that casino and let the Gov. Sue to stop it !!
It seems that the majority of people posting here has forgot that this country was stolen from the Native Americans. Plain and simple we have the right to build what and do what we want on the little land we have left. The whites built skyscapers and your communities next to our little peaceful communities so what your saying is its not right for us ro do the same. Wake up people and realize the least talked about genocide commited in world history was against Native Americans. All for what????? So you and your families could live peacefully and free. Well thats all our people are trying to do is establish and revenue stream to support our people for generations to come. So think about that before you say we are greedy or wrong for what we do.
CONTEMPLATING:
“that building is out in the country…to me that’s the wrong place for a business”
Irrespective of this partiuclar case, I just don’t see the country is the wrong place for a business. Farming is a business and very little of it is confined within city limits.
All kinds of businesses are placed out in the country.
Timber business. Cattle. Dairies. Orchards. Plumbers. Carpenters. Electricians. Accountants. Stores, including gas stations. Paper mills. Nylon plants. Wineries. Sand and gravel. Clay pits. Stone quarries. Fish farms. Power plants. Refineries. Wind farms. Solar power arrays.
Say you don’t like a particular business, fine.
Say you don’t like any business, not so fine.
David for better business
I have understanding for folks in this area. Especially those of you who have been there many years. To be candid tho, i feel for how the indians were done. Yes its been many years and time has dulled things. What if were only 20 years ago. I bet not as much negative for the indian. If it were a kid challenging a parents will they can sue. Just cause its been awhile dont make em any less shafted, killed off, short changed, or cheated. The USA respects the sovereignty of other other nations, but committed the biggest Home Invasion, Grand Theft, and many other things by stealing theirs.
Besides, if the state wanted it, they’d take your land. The state cares for neither side. Their game is like a lot of peoples games nowdays but the game’s about color (Green) Money Green.
Maybe a methodone clinic and shelter in the warehouse also.
Morals have been thrown out the window. It’s just trading one hurtful sinful thing for another. Driving under the influence of (pick your poison) will increase… The extra jobs aren’t worth it. Go start a manufacturing plant and be more beneficial to society.
@Daniel
That’s what I was thinking as well. No parking, no sewer, power grid probably not even adequate. That building won’t be anything other than a warehouse for Wind Creek.
How about take your casino or pot house the hell out of this RESIDENTIAL area and put next to YOUR families homes…
Does Nokomis have a sewage system? It seems to me a building that size full of people trying to win it big would generate a lot of… well you know. There just isn’t enough property there to build a septic system large enough handle the flow of waste that would come from a business of this type. maybe they could tank it and haul it off, now that would be a load of…. well you know.
What a bunch of brats!!! Making ridiculous ultimatums just to get their way! I grew up about a mile and a half down the road from where this is and I’m appalled that they would actually put this casino in this community. This is a very rural farming community. The people who live around there live there for the peace and quiet. This will ruin nokomis! I am so over the greediness of this entire tribe! They will go to whatever extremes to just get whatever they want. I hope they get shut down all together and stay away from a community in which they are NOT welcome!
You people just don’t get it. The Poarch Creek Indians are not interested
In marijuana , but they are sick of Gov Scott ignoring and disrespecting
Them. They are just putting Scott on notice that they will not play
His silly and stupid games. You people have short memories, look at
All the jobs and tax revenue they have generated, and all the money
They have gave to the community, schools, hospitals and donations.
Maybe its not a threat..more so a “were going to make money for our people one way or the other within our rights” also to whoever says weed is a gateway drug..well so is alcohol and cough medicine. Its funny all the drug dealers that float around bars….
I don’t see what all the fuss is about. We have casino’s in other cities and they have a large tourist revenue from it. A lot of people are posting negative things however I wonder how many of them would go apply for a job with benefits better than a Burger or Gas Station has to offer and better wages.
Tara…I feel the same way about gambling…its not just the GAMBLING…but its a gateway for other stuff….drugs…prostitution…and several other things that bring or can bring crime into the area….that building is out in the country…to me that’s the wrong place for a business….and isn’t that black mailing to some extent….if we don’t get to gamble we will sell pot…..forget about all the good they do….whats this doing to the families living close by this mess….they don’t seem to have any say so…
jus sayin….
clearly there are still some people who have no knowledge of the good Marijuanna can do… Been used for thousands of years along with other plants and natural herbs, ignorance is all it really boils down to. Yall get some learnin hahaha! Xo
The Poarch Creek Indians have done a lot of good in our community and I won’t forget that but I am seriously disappointed to hear that they would even consider participating in anything to do with marajuana. Some people claim that there is no harm in a little pot, but I for one believe that it is a gateway drug that does lead to much worse drug use in some people. I worry about the world that we’re leaving our children. Are the lives and souls of our children not worth more than that? How can you even put a price on it?
Let them start selling pot. The state can’t cave in to threats. The people can then make judgments about the character of the PC indians.
It seems like they’re going to have a hard time competing with established local dealers, though. Especially if FHP starts pulling over cars as they leave the pot store.
I see Pro’s and Con’s comments here but I don’t see ANY COMMENT about who was here first and BULLIED by the U.S. Government and forced to live on Reservations, while Uncle Sam took the majority of their land away from them. I read comments about what a pity for this quant little community, what about what a pity that the U.S. Government BULLIED them out of their quant little community. I say to the Poarch Creeks DO WHAT YA GOTTA DO …
I have no respect for the creek tribe anymore. And it was very little to begin with. If the ones of us with morals go against their wishes, they force them on us. All they seem to care about is themselves and their money. I won’t give them a cent of my money. I am not a supporter!!
@Anyone saying negative things
I know if i had a legal right to do something that would benefit me and mine, yet the state or anyone else kept me from it, i’d use whatever tools i have available to make it happen. Don’t be two tongued when you all would do the same.
To the person who said are they tried to buy the neighbors out that is no they are not I am the grandson of the family who lives on the other side of the building and lived there for 10 plus years with my grandparents no one around there likes them there and the pot business would b a horrible idea there here brings the crime rate up and more hatred from the people living around them people moved out there to get away from others to retire and b left in peace. Thx to the Indians that’s not Gona happen
I am appalled at the idea of you let us have our way or else. I am of Indian heritage as well but do not believe in threat tactics. There is nothing wrong with going forward to improve but to take advantage of the situation is dead wrong! And I find it interesting that there is only one side of the property shown here. My house is on the other side , apparently we are of no consequence. However I must say that we live where we do because of our FAMILY, which is very IMPORTANT to us. My husband is a 100% disabled Viet Nam Veteran and deserves to live in peace. We have 13 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren. This is a place of Family gatherings and peaceful times. How do you think Gambling and Pot Distribution is going to effect our quiet Family times? Ask yourself if you would want your Family subjected to that on a daily basis.
If people want to place their hopes into a slot machine well that is their foolishness, and not the tribes fault.
I wonder if the Indians will be able to increase their land holds, around this one acre parcel or should I say lot? That will be critical to operating a gaming house, as far as parking is concerned.
I say it is time for both parties to step into the street or walk to the oaks of the court room?
Do it!!! God made pot man makes beer, who do YOU trust.
Wow. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians care of no one but themselves and their money. One aw s… by forcing your hand is all it takes to erase all the good you have done for the community. The picture says it all how much concern they are showing their neighbors. Federal laws should be reviewed/changed and only allow a tribe to expand into other states when they have a tried and true compact in their home state. Compacts are the right way to conduct tribal gaming everywhere else. Why is Poarch any different? Florida doesn’t want your ego or your money and all the headaches associated with it. Neither do the neighbors.
Poker or Smoker….could bring in some jobs where they are needed.
Used to be that ALL of America was Indian lands.
well I can say one thing atleast the tribe is trying to create jobs,more than you can say about the florida commissioners. why you think drugs are so bad here and crimes. there no good paying jobs here.look at mobile they always opening new jobs. all they want here is tourist and that beach. not everyone can get a job at Walmart. they spent millions on a soccer field when they could have cut taxes to get jobs in here.its all about the beach. I don’t blame the Indians don’t let scott push you around.i don’t see scott creating jobs. why are so many people out of a job around here? why is everyone on food stamps? if Escambia county had 2 casinos they would be raking in money like atmore is. they do take care of their people I would say. all we have around here is homeless people and now they cant even stand on the corner and ask for food or money. well everyone don’t have money for food or a place to sleep.
This so sad to harm this little community this way. The jobs will not outweigh the impact on the quality of life. I am so disappointed in PCBI for doing this. For those of you want this, think about how would you like it in your back yard?
Right on! It’s a win win! Heck I say do both! LOL
I am suddenly really against that stupid casino…
So
If you don’t give me a piece of the pie I’ll poke my finger in it.
Well lets be honest here WHY NOT it will bring jobs and money to the county area and if they are able to get it done at the dog track too BAM in 5-6 years there will be a hotel/resort built there attracting money from all over the area but more importantly money from ALABAMA!! Just get it done I rather have casinos than a pot warehouse only because of the jobs/revenue it will bring!!
I don’t see where they can do much with that little one acre of land, the building takes up the whole lot, so there’s no room for parking. I do feel sorry for the people who live in that house though. Id like to know if the Indians are trying to get them to sell? Hmm…
Oh no!!!! This is right in our little country community!! What a horribly severe impact this place will have on our quet way of life here!!! I am praying against it!!!
Americans, including Indians, have been growing pot around Nokomis for decades.
As the old Eclesiasties said, “there is nothing new under the sun.
i have lost all respect for the powers that be in the Creek Nation. They are in essence blackmailing the state of Florida to choose between two things that are both destructive to humans, to families, to communities.
They will have stiff competition from the other growers in Escambia and Santa Rosa county.
With all the money PCI spends on creating a good public image, it is disappointing that they would give themselves a black eye by threatening another “sovereign” government such as the state of Florida. Let’s hope all their advertising and contributions doesn’t influence news coverage on this issue.
So lets flex our muscles and threaten the people,, I wonder have they considered the people next door? I think it is time both Alabama and Florida open up Casinos and put the Injuns out of busniss,,,I have no problem of improvement of the life for them,, but to use threats has shown me the Creek Tribe is no better than thugs
I see the battle between the indians and the government continues, even today!