News Cast for February 7th:
An overwhelming turnout Thursday for the grand opening of the Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino on the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation.
It was the first chance for many to get a look at the new 38,000 square foot facility.
It includes a 100-room luxury hotel, 640 slot machines, 18 tables for blackjack, craps, roulette and other house banked games, four eateries, a bowling alley, a 400 seat event hall for banquets and bingo and a 900 seat performance hall.
The southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd performed Thursday night. John Anderson was among the dignitaries on hand for the grand opening.
The grand opening included a parade of former Miss Florida Seminole and Jr. Miss Florida Seminole dating back to the 1950s.
Brighton Council member Larry Howard said he wanted the Seminoles to invest in their own people after many successful investments around the world.
“We stand alone. We take care of our own.”
The facility currently has 500 staff members.
Howard said the plan is to add a marina that will connect the casino one day to Lake Okeechobee.
“Get ready its going to be something you’ve never seen before.”
It took roughly 14 months to construct the casino with around the clock work following the delays caused by the October storms and tornadoes.
Seminole Tribe Chairman Marcellus Osceola predicted the facility will create economic growth throughout the region.
“Get ready Brighton this place is about to explode.”
Hollywood Council member Chris Osceola said he is very proud of what the tribe accomplished in Brighton. He praised Howard for his leadership and passion to get the facility built.
“It’s a beautiful place, Brighton deserves this,” he added.
Marty Johns has managed the Brighton casino for 45 years. He thanked the tribal council for the firm support they’ve given him. He remembered how they have come from a small metal barn on 721 to this luxury facility.
“Those days were challenging but we kept moving forward. This facility means so much to me.”
A Glades County man was charged for a traffic death that occurred in Lake Placid on Jan. 21.
The Florida Highway Patrol said Deanthony Torres, was trying to flee a trooper for a speeding infraction on US 27, when the vehicle slammed into another vehicle killing his 13 year old passenger.
Torres was released from Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce and taken to the St. Lucie County Jail on Feb. 5.
He will extradited back to Highlands County to face charges that include aggravated manslaughter of a child, aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude police, driving while license suspended, and two counts of attempted murder.
The crash remains under investigation.
The Okeechobee City Council has considered closing Flagler Park at night.
Police Chief Donald Hagan suggested 10 or 11 pm at night after all the businesses shut down for the night.
He said there have been issues with the homeless and vandalism in the parks after dark.
“When we have people up roaming the parks in the middle of the night, nine times out of 10 they are up to no good.”
The city has reported some spray painting. They also reported vandalism done to the Hewey Helicopter in Veterans Memorial Park.
A 61-year-old Okeechobee man is charged with sexual battery of a 47 year old woman in Baker County, outside Jacksonville.
Steven Rubin, whose address is in Fort Drum, was arrested on the charge earlier this week on a warrant applied for on Feb. 1.