Florida lawmakers look at recognizing tribes

Share
Seminole gambling
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. By JillianCain via iStock for WMNF.

©2023 The News Service of Florida

State recognition of three Native American tribes in the Panhandle has been proposed in the Florida House and the Senate for the 2024 legislative session.

Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, on Tuesday filed a bill (SB 1010) similar to a measure, introduced in November by Rep. Michelle Salzman, R-Pensacola, to recognize the Santa Rosa Band of the Lower Muscogee, the Muscogee Nation of Florida and the Lower Chattahoochee Band of Yuchi Indians.

Florida law addresses issues involving the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.

The issues include gambling rights, special district powers, hunting, campsites, water rights and identification cards.

As with Salzman’s proposal (HB 675), Ingoglia’s bill about the other three tribes includes limits.

It said that “state recognition of an Indian tribe or band under this (proposed) section (of law) may not be construed to create any basis or authority not otherwise provided by law for an Indian tribe or band to establish or promote any form of otherwise prohibited gaming activity.” Salzman’s proposal also said recognition wouldn’t include claims of “land or real estate.”

You may also like

Tropical Storm Rafael forms, watches issued for parts of Florida

Tropical Storm Rafael could reach category two hurricane status just...

Talking Animals: veteran advocate delivers anatomy of a victorious, major animal rights campaign

Jodie Wiederkehr, Executive Director of Chicago Alliance for Animals ...

Fascist violence and the truth laid bare

Commemorative in Ocoee, FL marking racist election day violence in...

The 2024 Veganic Summit with Meg Kelly

Join Anni and Tanja to discuss organic gardening, farming and...

Ways to listen

WMNF is listener-supported. That means we don't advertise like a commercial station, and we're not part of a university.

Ways to support

WMNF volunteers have fun providing a variety of needed services to keep your community radio station alive and kickin'.

Follow us on Instagram

Democracy Now!
Player position: