Longwood Poker Referendum (2009)

The Longwood Poker Referendum appeared on the November 3, 2009 ballot in Seminole County for voters in the City of Longwood. The question proposed the addition of poker to the Sanford Orlando Kennel Club in Longwood. City commissioners asked their attorney to draft a petition to county officials that would ask that such a referendum be put on the next ballot.

The church described itself as "a vibrant community of people connected through a desire to worship God and serve others. Our goal is to bring people to maturity in Christ by equipping them for a life of worship and service to others everywhere, every day."

Controversy

The dog track would add poker tables to their facilities so they could increase revenue, however across the street, Northland church opposes the idea of any sort of gambling. The two organizations own a good majority of the land along the road both are located, Dog Track Road. The city of Longwood would need both organizations to cooperate in order to turn the street into an attraction and gateway to Longwood.

Path to the ballot

Longwood commissioners voted on the petition at their July 20, 2009 meeting. The referendum vote was countywide. While there has been some dispute over whether the referendum should be held at the city level, city attorney Don Roper said that he believes the county charter prohibits it.

Election result

Longwood Poker Referendum
Result		Votes	Percentage
d No		991	63.94%
Yes		559	36.06%
Total votes		1550	100.00%
Voter turnout		0%

External links

• Seminole County Government Website
• Northland Church
• Florida Greyhound Racing