Commission Votes To Eliminate Gaming Ordinance

    The Lake County Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved an ordinance that will see Lake County eliminate its oversight of gaming rooms. Going forward, gaming rooms in the county will fall solely under state regulations. In addition, commissioners agreed to refund on a prorated basis annual fees associated with operating game rooms, as the new ordinance will have an immediate effective date.
   “If you are legal, you’re legal,” said commissioner Sean Parks in response to nearly a dozen members of the public and legal representation speaking against the new ordinance. The group was hoping to see the current law stay in place.
   But some, including the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, had asked for the change, citing difficulties meshing the county’s regulations with the State of Florida, which could lead to difficulties prosecuting any criminal activity.
   County attorney Melanie Marsh, in describing the options in front of the commission, stated there was concern that some game room operators could use the county ordinance as 'a shield' of protection against the state law.
   “Lake County is not shutting down any legal business,” Marsh said.
   It would be ‘up to the business owner ‘ to comply with state law, said commissioner Leslie Campione, as the county’s previous ordinance dedicated staff to inspect gaming rooms. Now, that employee can be assigned to other duties.