Tampa Bay Business Journal by Mark Holan, Staff Writer

Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 2:15pm EDT

Mark Holan

Staff Writer – Tampa Bay Business Journal

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The Tampa Port Authority    The Tampa Port Authority Latest from The Business Journals Tampa Port Authority updates cruise terminalTexas firm eyes Channelside, other distressed propertiesCSX, Kinder Morgan team up for ethanol hub at Port of Tampa Follow this company board of commissioners wants the maritime agency to consider developing a joint lobbying contract with Tampa International Airport    Tampa International Airport Latest from The Business Journals ABC Charters to launch service to Holguin, CubaConnections of the WeekTampa International Airport director Lopano declines K raise Follow this company and the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority.

Commissioner William A. “Ho” Brown proposed the “sea, air and land group” as a way to secure more federal funding for Tampa Bay transportation agencies.

“Other areas in the state are doing that and they are whipping us pretty good,” Brown said.

He raised the idea while casting the lone vote against renewing the lobbying contract of Alcalde & Fay    Alcalde & Fay Latest from The Business Journals SeaView engages lobbying support Follow this company , a Washington, D.C.-based law firm that has represented the port for three decades.

Brown said he is concerned the firm has as conflicts of interest, since it also represents the Miami, Jacksonville and Manatee ports.

Firm partner Lois Moore denied those contracts conflict with representing Tampa. She emphasized the firm’s experience and business connections in the cruise ship and maritime industry.

The firm helped secure $6 million in federal dredging funds for fiscal 2011 and $9.3 million for fiscal 2012, according to port data.

Hillsborough County Commissioner and port board member Sandra Murman said dropping the firm at a time when federal money is tight “would be very injurious” to the port.

She backed Brown’s proposal to explore joint lobbying efforts.

The port’s one-year contract with the law firm is worth $90,000.


By Steve Huettel, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Oct 18, 2011 01:15 PM


TAMPA — Pressured by Mayor Bob Buckhorn and Channel District businesses, Port Director Richard Wainio pledged Tuesday to develop a plan to open the cruise ships docks to the public.

Federal and state security rules require that ports close off docks whenever vessels are tied up there. Local business groups currently get Coast Guard permission to open docks behind Channelside Bay Plaza at other times for events such as New Years Eve and 4th of July fireworks displays.

“It looks like you’re in prison looking (through gates ) from Channelside at the waterfront,” said Troy Manthey CEO of Yacht StarShip, a dinner cruise that docks near the waterfront shopping and dining mall.

Buckhorn has asked Wainio for report on what it would take to extend the city’s planned Tampa Riverwalk to the cruise ship docks.

Plans call for the project to stretch 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River from Tampa Heights, through downtown to the Beneficial Drive Bridge to Harbour Island. The report will be ready for the December meeting of the Tampa Port Authority board.

“What about all those areas along the West Coast that use their waterfront (for tourism), said Sandy Murman, who represents the Hillsborough County Commission on the board. “I wonder if we’re missing out on an opportunity.”

But unlike the wharf in San Francisco, Wainio said, Tampa is a working port. Cruise ships dock from before sunrise to late afternoon every weekend and Mondays during the busy winter season.

After a public event, bomb-sniffing dogs and divers must check the dock for explosives before the next ship comes in, said Wainio,

Contact Steve Huettel at Huettel@sptimes.com or(813) 226-3384.

Commissioner Murman Recognizes Bullying Awareness Month

 

Deceptive sweepstakes

Internet sweepstakes cafés elude anti-gambling laws by having customers buy account cards that are used to play simulated gambling games on computers.

The outcome is predetermined, but to the player, who doesn’t know whether the card will generate a return, it is like being at a slot machine.

The operators decide how much they will allow the “gamblers” to win. Customers win or lose points at a predetermined rate. And the owners can adjust the odds whenever they want.

It is a predatory practice aimed largely at the elderly and the poor. Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandy Murman and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office rightly want to put a stop to it. Sheriff David Gee has warned owners they appear to be “conducting gambling activities,” and his office intends to investigate and enforce the law. Sheriffs in Pinellas and Pasco have shut down similar cafes and arrested owners.

Gambling is illegal in Hillsborough except in a few specified areas such as the Seminole Indian property.

Other than being required to register with the state Department of Agriculture, there is no oversight of the operations and no accounting of the cash that flows through them. Most are located in strip malls.

These gambling facilities are growing fast. Three years ago, there were no sweepstakes cafés in Hillsborough. Now, there are more than 25.

Murman is pushing an ordinance that would outlaw the “gambling devices” found in the cafés.

The well-funded operators will vigorously fight it, but Hillsborough County commissioners should consider the opinion of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who found the electronic games constituted “illegal slot machines or devices.”

And commissioners also can find guidance from U.S. District Court Judge John Antoon, who in a detailed ruling upheld Seminole County’s similar measure.

He found the Seminole ordinance specifically described the cafés’ “simulated gambling machines” that made payoffs to those playing the games. He pointed out that “none of the video games at issue is banned on its own — only the play of such a game in conjunction with the possibility of a payoff is banned.”

He refused operators’ request to issue a preliminary injunction against the Seminole ordinance.

Hillsborough commissioners should not allow little casinos to open up around the county. They should put an immediate halt to the spread of these strip-mall gambling dens.

By Stephanie Wang, Times Staff Writer

In Print: Friday, October 14, 2011

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/funding-clears-way-for-new-south-county-ymca/1196453

 

RIVERVIEW — After securing $2 million in county funding, the YMCA is forging ahead with plans to open a new facility in south Hillsborough.

In partnership with Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, the YMCA will expand recreational offerings in a growing region, said Cindy Sofarelli, senior group vice president of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

“It maximizes the efforts for the community,” she said about the public-private partnership. “It’s a win-win.”

The project is still in the initial planning stages. The partnership aims to build a YMCA facility on a 33-acre county-owned parcel next to Vance Vogel Park. The South Shore complex will contribute to the economic development of a burgeoning area located off the intersection of Interstate 75 and Big Bend Road, Sofarelli said.

The project has been in the works for nearly three years. In April 2010, the YMCA conducted an initial market study for community feedback and found residents showed interest in a full family facility, similar to the nearby Campo Family YMCA in Valrico, Sofarelli said. Their wish list included a gymnasium, sports fields and aquatics, which likely will be added to the South Shore complex in phases.

The new facility will provide a home base for existing YMCA programs run at places such as the South Shore United Methodist Church or South Bay Hospital, while also complementing the county park.

Because the project remains in its infancy, Sofarelli did not give any time frame for the start or completion of construction.

“It’s still a footprint right now,” she said. “I wouldn’t say it’s set in stone.”

The approval of the county budget in September cemented a key piece of financial backing: County Commissioner Sandy Murman set aside an annual allocation of $500,000 for four years for the project. The money will be given in reimbursements to the YMCA from sales tax funds.

Sofarelli estimates the YMCA will need to raise an additional $4 million to $6 million for the facility.

But the public-private partnership cushions the costs for both parties.

“In this day and time,” Murman said, “it’s the best recipe for putting something in and having some public benefit.”

Murman praised the YMCA’s past cooperation with the county in providing services and constructing new facilities, such as the Campo pool, using public grants.

“They did it by the book,” she said. “And it was really almost an example of how a project should be done.”

Still, Murman said the organization will be subject to any new rules and policies that may be implemented for groups receiving county funding following recent criticism of public dollars spent to build the Regent in Riverview.

The YMCA is expected to present a business plan Nov. 2 to the County Commission, Murman said.

Stephanie Wang can be reached at swang@sptimes.com or (813) 661-2443.

Lowry Park Zoo

Commissioner Sandy Murman presented a commendation recognizing the Lowry Park Zoo on behalf of the Hillsborough County Commission.

Commissioner Sandy Murman presented a commendation recognizing the Lowry Park Zoo on behalf of the Hillsborough County Commission.

 

TAMPA – It’s simple, Tampa Bay Water board members say, $30 million just isn’t enough.

It will take much more to fix the broken and cracked Bill Young Reservoir in Hillsborough County that’s had problems from the beginning. And Tampa Bay Water rejected a settlement offer Monday from the firm they say caused all the issues.

“30 million dollars just didn’t cut it.” said Sandra Murman, Tampa Bay Water Board Member.

Huge cracks opened up in the walls of the reservoir soon after it opened in 2005. Some were up to 400 feet long and more than a foot deep. Workers patched them, but the patches didn’t hold, so Tampa Bay Water sued.

Last month, board members voted 4-3 in favor of a $30 million settlement with the firm that designed and inspected the reservoir.

But Tampa Bay Water’s rules require at least five board members to vote in agreement. They did not do that. In fact, they voted unanimously against the settlement, continuing the legal process.

Board members say $30 million is just too low. They’re hoping to get three times that amount if they win in court, and they’ll need it. Fixing the reservoir will cost about $121 million.

“From the beginning, I voted not to take that settlement because I felt that the public deserves us to take a closer look and do a better job for them and demand more from the people who created the problem to begin with.” Murman said.

It’s not clear when the case could finally go to trial. Of course, if or when it does, there’s no guarantee of the outcome.

“Yes, you could come out with zero. It’s a very complicated case.” Murman says. “You always take that risk, but I think we have a good case.”

Tampa bay water has a new contract with another firm now to fix the reservoir. They’re also planning to expand it by three billion gallons.

 

Hillsborough County News
Oct. 17, 2011
Contact: Luann Finley, Director of Board Services, 813-272-5826

Commissioners Seek Applications For Citizen Boards And Councils

Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on several County citizen advisory boards and councils. Residents interested in seeking appointment must be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions, and members serve without compensation. Applicants may apply to more than one board, but may only serve on one board at a time.

The deadline for applying is November 3. Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners in December.

An application is available in the Commissioners’ reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. in downtown Tampa; by calling the Boards and Councils Coordinator at 813-272-5826; or on the County’s Web site at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org. Click on the “County Commission” link on the left-hand side of the page, then the “Advisory Boards and Committees” sublink. The “Questionnaire For County Appointment” is in the middle of the page. The form can be filled out, and then scanned and emailed, faxed, hand-delivered or mailed. Additional directions for submission are listed on the form.
If you apply to a Board that requires a background check, you must also submit a Background Investigation Disclosure and Authorization Form, which also is available on the website.
The Boards and Councils that have openings are:

AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY BOARD–advises and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners and Affordable Housing Officer on issues affecting affordable housing development, and to assist the County in developing new programs and policies in order to foster the development and preservation of attainable housing for those County residents who desire to live in safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Five positions are vacant. Two terms are for three years. Three positions are for the remainder of terms which expire June 30, 2012 and two on Aug. 1, 2012. After two full consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until three calendar years have elapsed from date of termination of the second term.

Positions are specified as: 1) citizen representing employers in the jurisdiction, 2) citizen actively engaged in the residential home building industry in connection with affordable housing, 3) citizen representing essential services personnel as defined in the Local Housing Assistance Plan, 4) an at-large representative not actively engaged in affordable housing, and 5) a mortgage lending industry representative. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Monday, 9 a.m.

BUILDING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for building certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Building Code.

Two terms are expiring. Member term is for four years and alternate term is for two years. Positions are specified as: 1) a swimming pool contractor and 2) an alternate. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 9 a.m.

CHILD CARE FACILITIES ADVISORY BOARD–advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Child Care Facilities Ordinance; proposes additional rules and regulations to the Board of County Commissioners which effectuate the intent and purpose of the Ordinance; recommends and assists the Hillsborough County Office of Child Care Licensing in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel. It also advises the Hillsborough County Office of Child Care Licensing on all matters pertaining to child care facilities.

Eight terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) parent of a child in a child care facility, 2 & 3) licensed private for-profit child care center operator, 4) local non-profit or governmental agency serving the needs of young children and their parents, 5) licensed religiously affiliated child care facility operator, 6) member of an accrediting organization of a religiously exempt facility, 7) president of an association whose purpose is to promote professionalism in early childhood, and 8) a representative of a non-profit licensed child care facility or organization. Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Thursday, 1 p.m.

CHILD CARE LICENSING HEARING OFFICER—conducts hearings and makes recommendations, at the request of an applicant for a child care license or a current licensee, whenever an application for a license is denied, or whenever a license has been placed on probation, suspended, revoked, or an administrative fine has been imposed, pursuant to the Hillsborough County Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance 05-9 and the Hillsborough County Child Care Facilities Ordinance 03-25, as amended by Hillsborough County Ordinance 04-25,

One term has expired. Term is for three years. Hearing Officers must be members in good standing of the Florida Bar and may not be employees of the County Attorney’s Office. Appointment as a Hearing Officer is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: When requested.

CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD–hears violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County with most cases arising out of violations of the County’s housing, building, zoning, and sign codes and ordinances to maintain minimum health and safety standards.

Two member terms and one alternate term are expiring. Terms are for three years. After two consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term. Consideration for membership shall be given to representatives from the following fields: a businessperson, an architect, a general contractor, a subcontractor, a realtor, and an alternate. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Citizens appointed to this board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, generally 2nd or 3rd Friday, 9 a.m.

CODE ENFORCEMENT SPECIAL MAGISTRATE—hears violations of all codes and ordinances of Hillsborough County with most cases arising out of violations of the County’s housing, building, zoning, and sign codes and ordinances to maintain minimum health and safety standards; burglar false alarm ordinances and natural resources regulations; and the water restriction ordinance.

One term is expiring. Term is for three years. Citizen appointed as a Special Magistrate will be required to file an annual financial disclosure, and must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County.

Meeting schedule: Monthly, 9 a.m., Burglar False Alarms – generally 1st or 2nd Monday, Water Resources – generally 1st or 2nd Friday, and Community Codes – generally 1st or 2nd Thursday.

CROSS CONNECTION, BACKFLOW AND BACK-SIPHONAGE CONTROL BOARD–assists the plumbing official, the water purveyor, and the health officer in the enforcement of Hillsborough County regulations; hears citizen complaints concerning the Ordinance and associated regulations, and when appropriate, makes recommendations to the County Commission regarding changes to the regulations; and serves as an appeals board from any decision, ruling, or determination of the inspection agency involved in the enforcement of the Ordinance and associated regulations.

Three terms are expiring. Terms are for four years. Positions are specified as: 1) an industry representative, 2) a private attorney licensed in the State of Florida, and 3) an industry representative, a private attorney licensed in the State of Florida, or a citizen representative. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 4th Monday, 1 p.m.

ELECTRICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for electrical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Electrical Code.

One term is expiring. Term is for four years. Position is specified as an electrical utility company representative. Citizen appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure.
Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD–reviews and advises the Board of County Commissioners on recommended amendments to the Family Child Care Homes Licensing Ordinance or the Rules and Regulations Handbook including recommending and assisting the local licensing agency in the development and implementation of training materials for child care personnel; advising the local licensing agency on matters of licensing policy, procedure, and priorities; and proposes additional rules and regulations regarding the intent and purpose of the ordinance.

One term is expiring and two positions are vacant. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) a licensed family child care home operator and 2 & 3) a parent who has a child enrolled in a licensed family day care home. Appointment to this board is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m.

HEALTH COUNCIL OF WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA, INC.–works in collaboration with community-based organizations to identify, address, and resolve health care issues of local concern. The Council collects and analyzes health care data, prepares special reports and publications, and educates the community about special health issues.

One term has expired. Term is for two years. Position is specified as a health care provider. Meeting schedule: Alternating Wednesdays, 8 a.m. in St. Petersburg.

HISTORICAL ADVISORY COUNCIL—supports and facilitates a uniform historical marker program throughout the County, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace as well as organizations and other agencies who request assistance. It also provides the County Commission with support that complements the goals of historical preservation and education in Hillsborough County.

One term is expiring. Term is for three years. No members shall serve for more than two full terms. More that one half of a term is deemed to be service for a full term. A member who has served two full consecutive terms shall be eligible for reappointment after at least three years of non-membership. All members shall possess expertise in significant and relevant historical matters. In making appointments, due consideration shall be given to achieving a demographic balance among the appointed. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 4:30 p.m.

HISTORIC RESOURCES REVIEW BOARD–serves as an architectural review board for the protection of historic resources in unincorporated Hillsborough County. It recommends archaeological and historical sites to the Board of County Commissioners for landmarks designation and reviews alterations and new construction on landmark sites or districts.

One term is expiring and three positions are vacant, one due to resignation. Three terms are for three years. One position is for the remainder of term which expires June 30, 2013. After two consecutive terms, a member shall not be eligible for reappointment until one calendar year has elapsed from date of termination of the second term. Positions are specified as: 1) an alternate, 2) an architectural historian, 3) an architect, and 4) a licensed real estate broker. Members must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation. Citizens appointed to this board must reside in the unincorporated area of Hillsborough County. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 3rd Tuesday, 3 p.m.

HUMAN RELATIONS BOARD–encourages equality among all people by reviewing complaints filed under Hillsborough County’s Human Rights Ordinance which promotes fair treatment and equal opportunity for people regardless of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or marital status.

Five terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Members may not be appointed to serve more than two full consecutive terms. Consideration for membership shall be given to representatives from the following fields: retail merchandising management, industrial management, real estate sales, property leasing, mortgage financing, law enforcement, labor council, person with a disability, a person representing persons with disabilities, or other profession. Citizen appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 2nd Tuesday, Noon.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY–with the consent of the Board of County Commissioners, provides financing of industrial projects that are beneficial to the community, including manufacturing plants and pollution and waste control facilities.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for four years. Meeting schedule: Monthly, 1st Thursday, 8:30 a.m.

MECHANICAL BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for mechanical certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Mechanical Code.

Three positions are vacant. Member terms are for four years and alternate terms are for two years. Positions are specified as: 1) a mechanical trade representative and 2 & 3) alternates. Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this board. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: Quarterly, 3rd Thursday, 10 a.m.

PLUMBING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, APPEALS & EXAMINERS–confirms the competency and integrity of applicants applying for plumbing certification in the County, and takes disciplinary action against those contractors that fail to comply with the Plumbing Code.

Two terms are expiring. Member terms are for four years and alternate terms are for two years. Positions are specified as: 1) registered engineer in Florida qualified to work in the area of sanitary or mechanical engineering and 2) an alternate. Alternate members must be knowledgeable and experienced in the technical codes of this board. Citizens appointed to this board will be required to file an annual financial disclosure. Meeting schedule: February, May, August, & September, 1 p.m.

PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE–acts in the public interest on all matters relating to the Public Art Ordinance including the selection, placement, and maintenance of works of public art throughout the County. The Committee and its staff are responsible for the administration and planning of the Public Art Program, and the curatorship of the countywide liaisons to the public art community.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. No member shall serve for more than two full three year terms. Positions are specified as private citizens with a demonstrated knowledge and appreciation for visual art. Meeting schedule: Quarterly.

TAMPA BAY AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE–provides region-oriented advice to the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority regarding the development and implementation of a multi modal transportation master plan; promotion of public awareness and participation in the master planning process; and dissemination of information to local citizens groups.

Two terms are expiring. Terms are for two years. Positions are specified as one member and one alternate. Members should be leaders of a recognized group or organization, but may not be a transportation agency staff member. Consideration for membership shall be given to the following criteria: membership in business, civic, and environmental organizations; member of senior, low-income, minority and/or disabled populations; demonstrated interest in transportation or other public policy advocacy; experience in working with local jurisdictions on regional issues; and previous community service. Meeting schedule: Monthly.

WATER CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE–makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding water conservation issues.

Nine terms are expiring. Terms are for three years. Positions are specified as: 1) hospitality representative, 2) small business representative, 3) landscape installation and maintenance representative, 4) agriculture (not public water supply) representative, 5) landscape plant grower, 6) commercial real estate representative, 7) homeowner association representative, 8) environmental organization representative, and 9) a major water use representative. Meeting schedule: Quarterly.

For more information, contact Luann Finley, Director of Board Services, at 813-272-5826.

Kids Fest 2011

Slideshow

 

Demorris A. Lee, St. Petersburg Times
Thursday, October 6, 2011

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/hillsborough-sheriff-warns-internet-sweepstakes-cafes-to-fly-right/1195463

In joining a crackdown already under way in neighboring counties, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is warning owners of Internet sweepstakes cafes to stop any illegal gambling or risk prosecution.

In a letter dated Oct. 3, the Sheriff’s Office writes to owners that it is “obligated to investigate all illegal activities occurring within our jurisdiction, including illegal gambling activities.”

The letter states that “according to our understanding of your operation, you are conducting business activities in violation” of state gambling laws.

The letters come as Hillsborough County commissioners are set to meet next week to take their own steps to regulate the cafes.

Sweepstakes cafes have been allowed to operate freely in Hillsborough, while in Pinellas and Pasco counties, Sheriffs Jim Coats and Chris Nocco have shut down such cafes and arrested owners.

In both Pinellas and Pasco, the sheriffs began their enforcement campaigns against the cafes with similar letters of warning. Coats and Nocco contend that the cafes foster illegal gambling.

Larry McKinnon, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said Wednesday that the letters sent this week give owners the opportunity to make sure their businesses operate legally.

“If they are unclear about what the law says, then they should consult an attorney or the State Attorney’s Office for clarification,” McKinnon said.

The number of Internet sweepstakes cafes has soared in the Tampa Bay area recently.

Sweepstakes cafe customers purchase Internet time that they use to access casino-style games on cafe computers. Points won in the games can be redeemed for cash in the cafes.

Last month, Hillsborough County commissioners voted unanimously to direct staffers to draft an ordinance banning simulated gambling devices. The ban could exempt nonprofit groups.

Commissioners have scheduled a workshop for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss regulating the cafes. If they can agree on language for an ordinance, a public hearing will be held Oct. 19.

Commissioner Sandy Murman, who wants the establishments banned, said there are at least 25 Internet sweepstakes cafes operating in unincorporated Hillsborough.

“The Sheriff’s Office is doing the right thing,” Murman said of the letters. “They are supposed to stop crime and illegal activity.”

The letters are arriving at cafes days before commissioners discuss local regulations, but Murman said the two events are not related.

“I don’t think anyone is operating on a timeline because of the ordinance we are proposing,” Murman said. “The workshop will allow both sides to present their case.”

Nancee Laursen, owner of the Enless II sweepstakes cafe on W Hillsborough Avenue, received one of the letters. She said she is running a legal business.

“I’m going to wait and see what happens,” Laursen said. “The fact is, it’s not gambling. If they are going to investigate, they should come into my store and let us know they are here so I can explain it to them. It’s completely black and white. It’s not gambling.”

But area law enforcement agencies point to Florida gambling statute 849.16, which states in part that any device is considered a slot machine — illegal in Florida except where specifically allowed — if it operates “as a result of the insertion of any piece of money, coin or other object” and if the user, because of “any element of chance,” receives anything of value.

Sweepstakes cafe proponents point to a different state statute on game promotions when they argue their cafes are legal. They say they are merely using sweepstakes games to promote their businesses.

A Pinellas cafe owner is challenging Coats’ decision to raid and close her Palm Harbor business. A federal court hearing in Tampa is scheduled for Oct. 14.

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