Today's word is "near me". About a mile from my house is the Seminole Casino at Coconut Creek. Once upon a time, the Seminole Indians owned a very small plot of land here. I heard there was a land swap years ago, since there is a large Reservation in Hollywood. When I grew up, the Seminole Indians were very poor. On this (much smaller) piece of land, they sold cigarrettes at a discount and there would be lengthy lines of cars.
In 1979, the Seminoles opened the country's first Indian owned casino. That particular location now is home to the Hard Rock Cafe (which is owned by the Seminoles). This spot is their secondary location. It opened probably 10 years ago with a few trailers. I am sorry this is the best view. Having to rely on others is a bit of a pain when it comes to photos! This view shows the massive parking garage they opened within the last year. There is also significant open parking. They continue to grow and expand. On the table now is negotiations with the State of Florida for another land swap so they can build an 800 room hotel! I am not sure what will happen to my corner of the world then and I hope to not be here! They do an excellent job with their design and landscaping, though. The City of Coconut Creek benefits by receiving $1 million each year from the Casino. Some new, expensive restaurants have just opened there and they do bring in well-known talent. I have been to the casino twice: once to retrieve a relcalcitrant youth in the middle of the night and once with a visiting high school friend where I spent my last dollar (okay, so I only had $1 that night!).
@billsouth Definitely, especially since the Seminoles had enough in profits to spend over a billion dollars to acquire the Hard Rock! Plus each of their members gets a sizeable stipend each year. I am glad they are doing well.
@adamj Welcome back to the (soon to be?) Lauderdale County! Enjoy your visit. You go to this casino?
Thanks for all your replies. I did think it would at least be a decent view with the flowers, landscaping and parking garage. I like how they have vines on the garage.
@adamj Welcome back to the (soon to be?) Lauderdale County! Enjoy your visit. You go to this casino?
@chepstowgirl @anazad511 @vesna0210 @ariel817
Thanks for all your replies. I did think it would at least be a decent view with the flowers, landscaping and parking garage. I like how they have vines on the garage.
@mittens Thanks for your kind comments, Marilyn.
@adamj Probably about 2004. It has grown immensely.
@shirleytemple Thanks, Shirley, that is what I was trying for.
@skipt07 Thanks, Skip. A long way from trailers! They really have spent a lot of money beautifying the grounds.