By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-976607.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A Longwood lawmaker is betting his chances will be better the second go-around. He has re-filed a bill to ban what he calls "strip mall casinos." As Sascha Cordner reports, Representative Scott Plakon says his legislation is the solution to the statewide Internet cafe problem.
Plakon, a Republican from Longwood, says he wants to address what many law enforcement officers around the state think is a growing problem, and he says Leon County is the poster child.
"I refer to Leon County in that way because the growth there has been much larger than the rest of the state. About a year and a half to two years ago, there was one of these establishments. Now, I've heard estimates from 22 to 28. So, that is something that is a stunning amount of growth and much more than the rest of the counties around the state."
But, Sarah Bascom, Spokeswoman for the Florida Coalition of the Internet Caf s, says while she understands the need for additional regulation to make the law more clear, she vows the coalition will fight any legislation that seeks to put the cafes out of business.