Bea Coker
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Wednesday, April 10, residents in White Springs witnessed the Florida Gaming Control Commission's (FGCC) Division of Gaming Enforcement, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, executing search warrants on two of the town's gaming establishments. The operation, aimed at combating illegal gambling activities, resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of significant assets.
In its press release, at 12:23 p.m., FGCC explained the first location targeted was Coff33 Café at 16874 Spring St., where three individuals were arrested on charges of possession of slot machines and keeping a gambling house. Subsequently, the FGCC task force moved to the Social Center at 16660 Spring St., where two additional arrests were made on similar charges. Inside these illegal gambling houses, law enforcement officers confiscated approximately 179 suspected illegal gambling devices, along with computers, ATMs and an undisclosed sum of cash. The investigation into these activities is ongoing.
In Florida, slot machines are strictly regulated and limited to specific licensed facilities. Illegal gambling not only undermines consumer protection but also facilitates various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, violence and funding of organized crime. Lou Trombetta, Executive Director of the FGCC, emphasized the state's unwavering stance against illegal gambling activities. Revenue generated from legal gambling directly contributes to the Florida Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF), supporting vital education initiatives.
As the FGCC continues its efforts to combat illicit gambling, Director of Law Enforcement Carl Herold urged the public to report any suspected illegal gambling activities anonymously through the FGCC website. The raid has elicited mixed reactions from the White Springs community.
"It is about time citizens of White Springs received some help," said resident Beverly Brazil.
Bruce Witton, one of the residents living in close proximity to one of the casinos, likened the situation to a folk song about "the day they took ole White Springs down."
John Werner, another resident, said it was worth it to see the casinos finally get shut down.
Resident Judith McClure explained that, after the town council meeting on Tuesday, April 9, she was emotionally devastated and waking up the following day to the casinos being closed was reassuring.
Randolph King Henry Williams, who had just last night heard the council take his Letter of Interest to fill the vacant seat under consideration at the April 9 council meeting, stood in front of the casino operated by Coff33 Cafe, trying to determine what was going on. Williams was an avid supporter of casinos and thought the revenue would generate income for the town and help the citizens. However, Williams stood in disbelief, asking questions about what was happening.
In a public Facebook post, Anita Rivers, Mayor of White Springs, explained that the revenue from the casinos would potentially fund the fire department and the reinstatement of a police department. In addition to naming the citizens who had complained, Mayor Rivers encouraged citizens to ask those individuals why they opposed the casinos when seen in public.
Audre Washington Ruise, White Springs Town Clerk, refrained from commenting on the matter while other residents shared their emotional responses to the raid. One resident, who recently relocated due to fiscal uncertainties in the town, described feelings of bitter-sweetness upon witnessing the closure of the casinos.
As law enforcement officials continued their operation throughout the day, making multiple arrests and removing assets from the raided establishments, the raid's impact reverberated across White Springs, leaving the community to grapple with its aftermath.
For anonymous reporting of suspected illegal gambling activity, visit www.FLGaming.gov.
Keep an eye on future editions of the Riverbend News for further updates on this developing story and its implications for the White Springs community.
Florida Gaming Control Commission's Division of Gaming Enforcement, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, executing search warrants on two of the town's gaming establishments.