Chicks prove to be popular purchase Community by Beverly Bidney - May 4, 2017May 4, 2017 BONITA SPRINGS — A group of Immokalee seniors enjoyed a day on the town complete with lunch and shopping in Bonita Springs. After a leisurely feast at Rodizio Grill, a Brazilian steakhouse, the group went to Rural King to shop. The store features a variety of goods geared toward country living
Hunting camp adds to Seminole culture at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Community by Beverly Bidney - May 3, 2017May 22, 2017 BIG CYPRESS — A traditional hunting camp is usually temporary and easy to dismantle and move. Daniel Tommie built one last summer that he hopes will remain on permanent display at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Big Cypress. "I want to pay tribute, retell and relive our past for visitors to visibly
Water Warriors program showcases history, culture, concern News by Beverly Bidney - May 3, 2017June 5, 2017 BIG CYPRESS — The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum commemorated the 47th Earth Day with a Water Warriors program that focused on water issues. The Tribe’s connection to water and the Everglades took center stage at the Big Cypress event April 22. "The Tribe’s relationship to water is amazing," said Paul Backhouse, director of
Agriculture commissioner receives glimpse of Brighton life Community by Beverly Bidney - May 3, 2017May 4, 2017 BRIGHTON — Florida Agricultural Commissioner Adam Putnam, a fifth generation Florida cattle rancher and citrus grower, visited the Brighton Reservation for the first time April 24 and was impressed by what he learned. "Too many people define the Tribe by their relationship with gaming," Putnam said. "For me it’s defined by
Lessons for Immokalee kids stretch beyond basketball Sports by Beverly Bidney - April 22, 2017May 19, 2017 IMMOKALEE — Life’s lessons can often be learned while playing sports – a philosophy adhered to by former St. Thomas University basketball player Tony Perkins during his basketball clinics. Perkins brought his Tony Perkins Basketball Academy to the Immokalee Reservation’s Boys & Girls Club on March 16. More than 20 youngsters
Edward Aguilar earns gaming management certification Community by Beverly Bidney - April 21, 2017April 22, 2017 IMMOKALEE — Edward Aguilar Sr. is passionate about every aspect of the gaming industry. As the assistant director of slot operations at the Seminole Casino in Immokalee and a graduate of Seminole Gaming’s Tribal Career Development program, he continues to sharpen his professional development. Aguilar earned a gaming management certificate from
New homes debut in Immokalee News by Beverly Bidney - April 19, 2017May 22, 2017 IMMOKALEE — The keys to brand new homes on Alice Jimmie Circle in Immokalee were officially handed over March 15 to seven families who had been waiting years for a home on the reservation. “This is a step in the right direction and it took a lot of people to make
Cattle drive evokes fond memories of Morgan Smith News by Beverly Bidney - April 19, 2017May 22, 2017 BIG CYPRESS — On horseback and in buggies, dozens of Tribal and non-Tribal cowboys relished the experience of the 21st annual Junior Cypress Cattle Drive on March 18 in Big Cypress. The event was a tribute to Honorary Trail Boss Morgan Smith, one of the six original trustees of the cattle
Picking sweetgrass brings back sweet memories Community by Beverly Bidney - April 19, 2017April 22, 2017 IMMOKALEE — Sweetgrass is the fiber that binds the Tribe together, at least when it comes to baskets. For generations, the process of finding the grass and preparing it for basket making has been passed down through families. To continue the tradition usually assigned to grandmothers, the Hollywood community Culture Department
Hard Rock buys former Trump Taj Mahal News by Beverly Bidney - April 19, 2017May 22, 2017 The iconic Hard Rock guitar will take its place on Atlantic City’s famed boardwalk sometime next summer. Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, purchased the former Trump Taj Mahal from investor and business magnate Carl Icahn. Scheduled to close March 31, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino