Betty Mae feted at D.C. women’s event Community by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 WASHINGTON — A whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C. by family of Betty Mae Tiger Jumper featured the late Seminole leader among distinguished women, living and passed, who have contributed historically to public service and government. The March 19 event, hosted by the National Women’s History Project, honored 16 women whose dedication
State ends legislative session with no compact Community by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 TALLAHASSEE — March 11, the last day of the Florida 2016 legislative session, came and went without ratification of the Seminole gaming compact. Senate Bill 7074 died without making it to the floor after weeks of critical legislative debate and backlash from outside gaming enterprises led to a handful of Senate
Eighty-mile Tamiami Trail trek conveys Everglades awareness Community by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 TRAIL — More than 40 protesters walked an 80-mile stretch across Tamiami Trail from Miami to Naples March 20-25 to step up efforts for protecting and preserving the Florida Everglades. Carrying signs and banners, demonstrators were out to spread awareness for current hot topic issues before lawmakers that could bring an
Another delay for Hendry FPL plant hearing Community by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 HENDRY COUNTY — Florida Power & Light (FPL) was granted another delay by the Hendry County Board of County Commissioners for a final public reading of amendments to the county’s comprehensive land use plan needed to pave the way for electrical power facilities on land adjacent to Big Cypress Reservation. The
Council Oak enlightens school band about musical namesake Community by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 HOLLYWOOD — Members of the Cooper City High School band wind ensemble visited Hollywood Reservation on a recent February morning to sit under the canopy of the historic, revered Council Oak tree and ponder its greatness. "Kids grew up playing under the tree. Once, it was hit by lightning and almost
Ahfachkee artists glow in Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki spotlight Education by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 BIG CYPRESS — A generous amount of art supplies and the eager hands of Ahfachkee School students proved a perfect recipe for artworks that make up the newest art exhibit at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Big Cypress. "You guys are awesome," Rebecca Fell, curator of exhibits, told a gathering of student-artists at
WEP at THPO brings Robbins home again Education by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 BIG CYPRESS — For two semesters Tribal citizen Tucomah Robbins studied hard and earned good grades at Florida State University, but the 21-year-old with childhood ties to Big Cypress Reservation knew something was missing. "I just needed at that time to know more about my culture. I felt like I didn’t
Seminal Seminole matriarch honored with memorial rodeo Sports by Eileen Soler - March 29, 2016 BIG CYPRESS — To anyone who knew her well, Betty Mae Jumper was a straight talker who exemplified honesty, hard work, determination and success against all odds whether wrestling an alligator or running the Tribe as the first female "chief." The inaugural Betty Mae Jumper Memorial Rodeo Feb. 20 at Junior
Seminole compact gains traction, new obstacles Community by Eileen Soler - February 29, 2016 HOLLYWOOD — The Seminole Tribe’s revenue sharing gaming compact with Florida Gov. Rick Scott moved closer to ratification in the Florida Legislature Feb. 17 when a Senate committee approved the deal to give Seminole Gaming the exclusive right to add roulette and craps at Tribe casinos and to keep blackjack
Thousands enjoy new blend of Brighton Field Day traditions Community by Eileen Soler - February 29, 2016 BRIGHTON — New features woven into a lineup of traditional events at the 78th annual Brighton Field Day extravaganza proved that as time brings change, the heart of the matter stays the same. "Heck, 78 years ago families gathered under a few chickees for a big picnic with three-legged races and
