Miccosukee Tribe expands operations; breaks ground on new casino along Florida highway

The Miccosukee Tribe is in the process of expanding its operations by introducing a new casino. The casino will be situated at the Miccosukee Service Plaza on I-75, Exit 49, and Snake Road in Ochopee, Florida. Construction commenced with a ceremonial groundbreaking event held at the Service Plaza.

This new establishment will encompass an entertainment space of 8,500 sq. ft., offering a non-smoking environment that features a collection of 150 slot machines, Miami Herald reported. The Miccosukee Service Plaza Casino, located at the only rest stop on Alligator Alley, is expected to begin operations in November.

Expanding its gambling ventures, the Miccosukee Tribe is adding to its existing casino and resort located in the Everglades west of Florida International University, which has played host to a variety of events including arts and crafts showcases, car exhibitions, and concerts featuring notable artists such as Willie Nelson and Randy Travis.

“We haven’t had an expansion in about two decades since the resort. It’s important because we need room to grow as a community — we have community members living here but if we can show that this facility is working, then more people may come here,” “Popeye” William Osceola, the Miccosukee Tribe’s secretary business council, said at a groundbreaking event at the Ochopee service plaza in Collier County on Wednesday morning, the report said. “We don’t have a lot of room where we’re at and we’d like to grow. A tree doesn’t get bigger if you contain its roots.”

The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida entered the gaming sector with the launch of the Miccosukee Indian Bingo Hall in 1990. Subsequently, they extended their presence by establishing the Miccosukee Casino & Resort in 1999.