Orange Park poker room gets hearing

Orange Park, Florida - A Town Council workshop tonight will discuss the proposal for the dog track.

A full house is a sure bet tonight in Orange Park.

Town leaders are bracing for a crowd at a 7:30 p.m. Town Council workshop devoted to the issue of increasing the amount of gambling at the local dog track.

Just months after the Clay County Commission nixed the addition of a poker room at the Orange Park Kennel Club, changes in the state law mean that the only permission needed to add card-playing on the site will be that of the local council. In a straw poll this year, the Town Council favored the idea 4-1.

At that time, it wasn't up to the council. Before the shift in legislation took effect this summer, the track needed the county's permission for the change. After more than 100 people packed their chambers in March, Clay commissioners said they weren't interested, despite the town's OK and promises that the new operation would mean 135 new jobs with an average salary of $50,000.

Jacksonville Greyhound Racing, which operates the Orange Park track, isn't taking any chances the town will change its mind.

Running a Web site, www.pokerroomequalsjobs.com, devoted to support of the Orange Park card operation, it is urging supporters to e-mail the town and sign an electronic petition.

The kennel club is a good neighbor, the greyhound outfit argues, saying it has given $1.4 million to more than 20 Clay County charitable groups in 10 years. It also promises hotels and restaurants will benefit from the added activity at the track.

Adding poker may make it more profitable than ever.

The newest numbers from Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which oversees pari-mutuel wagering, show $6.8 million came in from a similar card room at the St. Johns Greyhound Park last fiscal year vs. about $5.6 million bet during live on-track dog racing.

Diane Hutchings, president of the Orange Park-based American Family Forum, said she doubts the benefits the track is touting.

Her father-in-law's parents were avid gamblers at the Clay County track decades ago, she said, and he told stories of sitting outside while they spent their Friday paychecks, then struggling to hold on to the money they had given him for the next week of school once their cash ran out.

Knowledge of the strength of a gambling addiction is one of the primary concerns opponents have to the card room, she said, as well as traffic concerns around the U.S. 17 facility.

Orange Park Mayor Bob Standifer said the council wants to hear those comments.

The council won't formally consider the matter until a Sept. 4 meeting. And despite being in favor of the track in the straw poll, the mayor said he believes the council will come to the workshop and the meeting with open minds.

"It's going both ways, there are people on both sides," Standifer said of feedback so far. "I look forward to hearing what people have to say."

annemarie.apollo@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4470

News Added: 28 August, 2007

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