From Michael Vazquez at The Miami Herald:

Boasting a seven-casino empire throughout Florida, the Seminole Tribe is awash in gambling dollars. The Miccosukee tribe has fared well, too, with its casino operations in Miami-Dade.

Despite the two tribes’ growing wealth, the Obama administration has awarded them a combined $4 million in federal stimulus money. That may rise in the coming months as federal agencies continue to dole out stimulus grants.

The money awarded includes:

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If Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and attorney Elissa Pearl collide in a Democratic primary next year, expect some debate over Santamaria’s past remarks about running for reelection.

“I don’t like politics. Running for a second term is politics. … I’m only interested in serving for four solid years of public service,” Santamaria said in 2007.

But that wasn’t a flat declaration against running again.

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Twenty-year-old Quintin Jones spends more time texting with his phone than actually speaking into it. He deftly navigates the handheld without looking and admits he’s fired off messages from behind the wheel of his car.

“I don’t make a habit of it,” the West Palm Beach man said about texting on the road. “I try to keep my phone in my pocket or in the center console. Maybe I’ll use it at a red light, but not while I’m driving.”

Some state lawmakers want to send a message of their own: Stop driving under the influence of your cellphone or BlackBerry — or be prepared to pay.

For the link to this story and more with state or political interest, check in the “Today in The Palm Beach Post” box on the right side of this page.

Former Republican state Rep. Joe Negron of Stuart out-raised Democratic rival Bill Ramos by more than a 12-to-1 margin in their special state Senate race, final pre-election reports show.

Through Thursday, Negron raised $499,685 and spent $418,413 for Tuesday’s District 28 election to replace retiring Sen. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie. Negron spent $173,977 on a TV ad campaign, at least $60,890 on direct mail and $4,334 on phone calls, according to his report.

Ramos raised $40,046 and spent $28,089 through Thursday. He could not afford TV ads and spent $1,464 on campaign postcards and $3,835 on signs.

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