Projecting A New Wave Of Revenue Generation And Sustainability.

Sports betting is simply predicting sports result while placing a wager on the outcome. Sports betting can be done either legally or illegally. It is no news that the United States Supreme Court on the 14^th May, 2018 has allowed legalized betting in all 50 states after setting aside a federal law which prevented sports betting out rightly. This development came with mixed reactions. However, it is very certain that the development was long overdue as a report even showed that a very good percentage of Americans, 55% to be precise agreed that it was high time the federal government ban on sports betting ended.

Should Florida embrace this novel evolution?

A Risk Worth Taking

If asked the million dollar question in one of the preceding lines: “should Florida embrace this novel evolution?” my answer would be short and precise- “why not?” I am of the school of the solid opinion that one cannot exactly tell how much profit something can bring until it is tried out. While it is good to look at similar case studies on the next step to take, you may have to take a risk by damning the consequences putting in all the efforts towards achieving your desired goal(s). I believe it is high time Florida took a big risk with sports betting now that greyhound racing has even closed down. Perhaps, sports betting are the miracle Florida’s revenue has been waiting for. Just maybe a trial will convince Florida’s leaders.

Sports Betting Are Not Negative

One of the points to be noted is that contrary to popular beliefs, sports betting are not as addictive as other types of gambling and betting like in casinos. May I say that sports betting are not negative and it depends on the angle you are viewing them from.

Now, after the pronouncements by the US Supreme Court on the freedom for the legalization of Sports Betting in all the 50 states, Geoff Freeman, the president and CEO of the American Gaming Association said “Today’s decision is a victory for the millions of Americans who seeks to bet on sports in a safe and regulated manner.” This can be narrowed down to one thing- there is a safe and regulated side to sports betting. Freeman also agreed that a sport betting is not just a market but a responsible one when he added that “Today’s ruling makes it possible for states and sovereign tribal nations to give Americans what they want- an open, transparent and responsible market for sports betting.” Therefore, sports betting should not be “put into the trash” in Florida as a result of this misconception. Moreover, since there are casinos is Florida, why aren’t there sports betting?

Too Early To Give Up

A number of sates including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia have legalized sports betting since the Supreme Court decision and it was reported that they saw approximately $90 Million boosts on games during the first month. It is pertinent to know that New Jersey was the first among other states to legalize sports betting and this happened almost immediately after the Supreme Court in May, 2018.

However, series of posts emerged later questioning the decision of New Jersey in legalizing sports betting. One of the most recent of these posts says that the state is not receiving much in tax revenue and that the tax revenue for sports betting is way lesser than the total budget of the state. While this may be true, isn’t it rather too early to start casting aspersions on sports betting in New Jersey? The legalization is still very much less than a year and New Jersey should be given ample time to actually put things together. This is quite important as the state is setting the pace for other states that have legalized sports betting and the ones who are still considering it. Again, who says sports betting in Florida will follow the same trend as it is in New Jersey?

New York might be giving sports betting a shot this year. The governor and law makers had weighed and are still weighing the pros and cons of legalizing sports betting in New York. They are putting heads together to map out new sport betting measures so that they can get a different and a better result from betting. One thing is very clear and this should serve as an encouragement for states like Florida- the New York lawmakers cannot categorically say that they understand the situations as it is now. But, they have recognized an opportunity and they are very much willing to harness it.

If Gaming Compact Worked In Seminole Tribe, Sports Betting Can.

History shows that gaming compact served as a huge source of revenue for the Seminole Tribe in Florida. It was reported that in 2016 alone, more than $300 million was paid to the state by the Seminole Tribe. As exciting as this news is, some people have expressed a negative thought towards it. The question being asked is whether Florida will want to use money paid in by the Seminole Tribe to legalize sports betting; a venture that would not generate additional revenue for the state.

The rate at which the Seminole Tribe succeeded in gaming compact has aroused its interest in sports betting as well. Though, the tribe has not said much about it recently but one can easily attribute it to the state’s skepticism to accept the tribe’s proposition on sports betting. Since the Seminole Tribe has proved to be profitable in one aspect, the tribe should be given another chance to prove its worth in another aspect. In fact, it has been suggested that Florida law makers should start out sports betting in the Seminole Tribe whenever they are ready to push for it as any other place can be very disastrous to the income and sustainability of the state. It is projected that if sports betting start off in the Seminole Tribe in all its seven casinos, it can extend to other parts of the state in no time. This will pave way for competition in the industry and the possibility of monopoly by the Seminole Tribe will be duly prevented.

It is possible that the legalization of sports betting in other parts of Florida may not go down well with the Seminole Tribe because of the competitive nature of the industry. This can showever be handled if the competition is healthy. If the Seminole Tribe could rake in $300 Million for the state, consider this amount in 15 places. One thing should be targeted- a common goal for the state which is to increase the revenue and promote its sustainability.

Florida law makers should give this a thought. Imagine if this turns out to be more lucrative than gaming compact itself. But then, they will never find out unless and until it is legalized. So, dear lawmakers reflect on pushing for a steady money making venture for the state and leave the unknown.

Financial Benefits

Florida leaders are encouraged to take a peep into the financial benefits that sports betting can bring into the state regardless of what is going on in other states that have legalized it. Florida is highly populated with about 20 million residents and it is only normal that a good amount of sports betting in the United States happen in Florida. Therefore, Florida is considered a hot place for sports betting even though sports betting have not been legalized.

One may ask how the residents pull off this stunt since they are not allowed to bet in the state. Well, they simply make use of betting sites which are not in USA to place their wagers. These betting sites are licensed and this makes sports betting quite legal when done this way. These betting sites are referred to as off shore and in a research by Eilers & Krejcik, it was gathered that a huge amount of money ranging from $2.5 billion to $3 billion is being made off the sports bettors in the United States by these off shores. Since we have already clarified that a good amount of these off shores betting happen in Florida state, isn’t it high time Florida started diverting the money back to the state and take backs its right from these offshores betting sites?

Galvano, a Republican who is well-versed in gaming issues said in an interview- “The recent Supreme Court decision gives us an opportunity to capture a portion of the revenues from this industry, which could be a complete game changer for our budget” and he could not have said it any better. He maintained that sports betting in Florida can reduce other taxes. At the end of the interview, he promised to have the issue reviewed and discussed with his fellow Senate colleagues.

Also, Florida has an almost perfect economy, if not perfect. Marc Dubnar, a pro-gambling attorney was the one that said sports betting thrive in tourist-based economy and since Florida is one, he is very positive that the authorizing sports betting in Florida will be a very good initiative. Not only will sports betting bring additional revenue to the state, the funds can be targeted towards a course, for example, education or health care. This will promote the lifestyle of the state in any area the revenues are targeted to.

New Jersey Online Betting Sites

New Jersey online betting sites will be used as case studies as to how and why online betting sites will be a major shift for Florida. One of the best online sports betting providers in New Jersey is the 888 Sport NJ. You can have a look at the website to be doubly sure of what goes on there. This online betting site and others of its kind serve as a good source of revenue for New Jersey. These online betting sites have standard features like; User Agreement, Responsible Gaming, Banking, Bonus Policy and Cash-out Policy. In a recent report, it was highlighted that New Jersey online betting has the propensity to dominate web gaming. In fact, in September 2018, during the NFL Football season, New Jersey took in $23.9 million from sports betting with online-based sports betting taking more than half of the total revenue- $12.55 million. According to a source: “internet betting is a major boost to the online gambling market, as sports betting is the hottest U.S. casino industry offering right now” it went on to say that “ Industry revenue from online table games and online slots was $24.1 million last month, up nearly 30% year-over-year.

In other words, Florida should take a clue from New Jersey online sports betting and capitalize on it. Online sports betting have come to stay and it is turning in huge revenue for the state. Suffice to say that most reports that say sport betting is a loss for New Jersey hardly mention the huge revenue that the online sports betting bring to the state. The online sports betting, though an entirely different world from the offline sports betting should be talked about. Much noise should be made about it. Florida will certainly hit it big with this development. If online sports betting could thrive in New Jersey, it is believed that much more will be achieved in Florida. Even Nevada has joined this trend and they could not have has it any better. Florida should be the next on this list. Shall we?

Florida has closed down greyhound racing- what next? Let sports betting reign. This is the era of sports betting and Florida should not be left behind. With the legalization of sports betting in Florida, the standard of living will be better. This is because we are positive that this will be a good source of revenue, hence, the promotion of sustainable development. This should not be given a second thought anymore. We arise and take the sports betting now!

Jacksonville’s food scene continues to expand and provide customers with numerous options to satisfy their insatiable sweet tooth. Simply attend the nearest festival or outdoor event, and you will likely find everything from soul food to concessions. The latest food scene staple to dominate Jacksonville helps you stay cool during the unbearably hot and humid temperatures that plague Jacksonville residents almost year round, Shaved Ice. The frontrunner in the shaved ice industry in Jacksonville is none other than First Coast Snowie Ice. Boasting numerous 5-star reviews and features on Buzz TV, MSNBC, and Buzzfeed it’s not hard to see why First Coast Snowie Ice is our selection for Best in Jacksonville.

After a long day at the park with the kids or lounging on the beach, there is not a more delicious reward for salty lips than a refreshing shaved ice. Faron Miles owner of First Coast Snowie Ice is remarkably thrilled to see the happy faces of the thousands of customers that have flocked to eat his savory treat. “Being a Navy Veteran taught me the meaning of service, I love helping people stay cool in the scorching climate of Jacksonville, I am honored and humbled to be named Best in Jacksonville by Florida.com,” stated Miles. Miles has taken his love for helping people stay cool and merged it with a passion for helping people save money. Miles has recently launched a new enter to win campaign. There is no purchase necessary, visit firstcoastsnowieice.com/win/ and enter your name for the monthly drawing to win a free snowie ice and other prizes. “First Coast Snowie Ice is dedicated to providing a value and phenomenal customer service. We relaunched and retooled our website, added monthly giveaways, and provided more ways that our customers can reach us,” stated Miles.

Congratulations First Coast Snowie Ice for being named Best in Jacksonville. To learn more about First Coast Snowie Ice visit their website here.

It all started in Ocala Florida with Pinkston Drugs during the civil rights era. Opening a Drug Store as an African-American in the civil rights era was simply unheard of and incredibly unique in those times. The Pinkston Drugs legacy lives on through the life of Dr. Garvey R. Pinkston II. A proud Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University graduate, Dr. Pinkston’s pharmacy is deeply rooted in family legacy. It was no mistake that Dr. Pinkston’s dream was to open his own pharmacy termed Southern Hills Pharmacy.

When interviewed about sustaining the legacy of healthcare excellence in his family Pinkston stated, “The legacy had an outstanding impact on me and my passion of establishing a pharmacy that can be traced back to Pinkston Drugs in my hometown of Ocala Florida. I am proud that my grandfather and great uncle owned Pinkston Drugs that was located prominently on one of the busiest streets in Ocala Florida.

Dr. Pinkston’s Southern Hills Pharmacy was recently highlighted in numerous publications and was featured on the Entrepreneur Podcast Network. “It’s great to have that honor, we are devoted to servicing the community,” said Pinkston regarding being named the Best in Florida. “There’s a typical disparity that we noticed amongst all of our practice sites. We discovered that we didn’t have an excellent opportunity to interact with customers and give the customers the type of care that some of their situations may have needed or deserved. So we established Southern Hills Pharmacy so we can set up daily interpersonal relationships with customers.”

Dr. Pinkston’s family motto is “There is no such thing as strangers, just friends we haven’t met yet.” Southern Hills Pharmacy delivers on that motto with gleaming customer testimonials. Pinkston’s loyal customers had this to say about Southern Hills Pharmacy:

“Went there and was pleasantly surprised by the stores overall look because it’s really nice. I was greeted by Dr. Pinkston and his staff as soon as I walked in. It was extremely hard for me to get the medication I needed for myself and my child and they were able to fill my subscription!!!!! This is the only pharmacy I go to. They remember our conversations and always make me feel like they care. They are an Extremely Professional Staff!” Kevin Robinson

“Great alternative to those mega pharmacies. No waiting in long lines, no waiting for your meds- same moment service and the pharmacists there are so knowledgeable and efficient. Best customer service I’ve received at a pharmacy and I haven’t looked back since making southern hills my primary pharmacy.” Jamelia Hudson

“The staff is a pleasure to deal with. They’re always responsive to your medication concerns and questions. I’ve recommended Southern Hills to my family and friends even those not in plantation because they have delivery service too!” Adam Wilson

Southen Hills Pharmacy recently announced a partnership with Blue32 Jax to provide recovery solutions to seniors in Plantation Florida.Congratulations Dr. Pinkston and Southern Hills Pharmacy, continue the legacy of family-run customer oriented pharmacies serving the community.

To learn more about Southern Hills Pharmacy visit 1739 N University Dr, Plantation, FL 33322 or call (954) 947-1633.

Jacksonville Business Journal’s 2017 40 Under 40 honoree and Retired NFL Veteran Drayton Florence recently launched a new business in Northeast Florida called “Blue 32 Jax.” Blue 32 Jax provides the latest sports recovery modalities that include Cryotherapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments, Infrared Sauna Sessions, and Normatec Recovery Sessions in Jacksonville Florida. The facility is located 13500 Beach Blvd Unit #29 Jacksonville, FL 32224.

“I’m excited and humbled to launch Blue 32 Jax in Northeast Florida where we will provide innovative recovery technologies to the health and wellness community that will help everyone from the average workout warrior to the college/professional athlete recover more efficiently. I personally out recovered my opponents consistently in the offseason. The recovery modalities that are provided at Blue 32 Jax were the most significant technologies that I utilized to extend my career 11 seasons in the National Football League. We are also excited to offer free Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments to military veterans monthly at our facility,” said Florence.

Blue 32 Jax delivers recovery services that also help prevent future injuries. With a variety of treatments, memberships and walk-in hours, it’s not only convenient, but it’s also the best thing professional and everyday athletes can do for their bodies before and after workouts. There are essentially three pillars of comprehensive health and wellness, which are nutrition, fitness, and recovery. Blue 32 Jax completes the health cycle by concentrating on the most neglected aspect of the three pillars, whole body recovery.

Before establishing Blue 32 Jax, Florence made a name for himself as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Tech From Vets. Florence co-developed the Vets 22 mobile application, connecting veterans with lifesaving resources nationwide. The award-winning app connects veterans with fitness facilities, housing solutions, medical facilities and many more life-saving resources.

The app propelled Florence to the prestigious 40 Under 40 list and led his tech company to be named The Best Veteran Owned Tech Startup of 2016 by The Huffington Post. After making a significant impact in the technology sector, Florence set his sights on transforming the sports fitness and recovery industry. Blue 32 Jax has committed to offering free Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments to military veterans on the 22nd of every month to help reduce symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD for the heroes of our nation. The solutions Blue 32 Jax offers helps people suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis and joint inflammation, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders among others.

To find out more about Florence, and his business, visit blue32jax.com

View the original video here. Visit All Done Appliances Here.

Buzz On Veterans Host Jeff Shuford interviews the staff of K9s United On The Buzz On Veterans. View the original interview Here. Visit K9s United’s website Here.

View the original segment on Buzz TV Here.

Buzz on Veterans Host Jeff Shuford interviews Topher Wilson from Veterans United Craft Brewery in Jacksonville Florida. View the original video on Buzz TV Here. Visit Veterans United Craft Brewery at 8999 Western Way #104, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or online at www.vubrew.com

When you look at the current condition of the United Sates economy, it won’t take you long to figure out that it’s seen better days. The economic hardships that the country is currently undergoing influence each state, county, and city within, down to even the smallest communities.

These effects stretch far beyond the dip in the average weekly paycheck. American towns, much like the well-known Jacksonville, Florida, are also seeing increases in violence, unemployment, and overall community morale. A logical place to start the journey in eradicating these issues would be the healthcare industry, especially considering it has been named the fastest growing industry in today’s economy. In simpler terms, healthcare is the gold-mine of the average 21st-century American community.

One man has certainly been doing his part to improve his community, and his name is Dr. Albert Chester. There’s been a lot of buzz, lately, surrounding that name, and the name of the institute that has recently launched in the Jacksonville community, The Capstone Institute. The Capstone Institute is a pharmacy tech school that, according to Dr. Chester, doesn’t only strive to train students to become employed as pharmacy technicians, they strive to develop future leaders that will affect positive change in the community. In his eyes, any university or tech school can train someone to be a decent employee, but it takes special care and passionto train someone to be a leader that thinks outside of the box, inspires change, and pushes their community into a positive direction…the latter is the type of experience that The Capstone Institute aims to provide.

What better time to launch such an inspiring project than right now, when the community is a low point, alongside many other American communities? Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L. Pope, USA (Retired), seems to believe that there is no better time. He recently stated: “The Capstone Institute is another ember on the fire of progress within the community. We must continually support such ventures so that the fire will grow stronger”. Dr. Chester agrees because from what he has seen throughout the first session of The Capstone Institute, the community is already responding well to the education and support that the institution is offering.

It is worthy to be noted that all demographics within the community are being affected in a positive way by this new institution, as well as the new way of thinking that it has brought to the citizens of the Jacksonville community. The first class at The Capstone Institute consisted of individuals aged 22 to 56. This is just one of the many indications that The Capstone Institute is sparking inspiration and interest of members of the community across all generations. This is a good thing, considering it will take the wisdom of the older generations in combination with the energy and passion of the younger generations to not simply inspire, but establish in the Jacksonville community and surrounding areas.

Speaking of which, Dr. Chester has proudly announced that he does plan to expand this program outside of the area in which it currently resides. “In 2018”, he says, “we are looking to expand further into Jacksonville, Florida, as well as branch off to other main cities in the state and southeast region.”. It is a refreshing thought for many Americans that an institution with such high aspirations and community support may be coming to a city near their own in the upcoming years. It is the responsibility of the community, within Jacksonville as well as hundreds of miles away, to ensure that this institution, along with the many others that are popping up around the country with similar values, can expand and inspire every individual that is within their capabilities. As the founder himself, Dr. Albert Chester, has said: “The opportunity to change the community must come from within the community.”.

If you feel the need to support, or even get more information on, The Capstone Institute, as well as the difference they are making in the lives of their students and sponsors, you’re invited to visit www.thecapstoneinstitute.org or visit The Capstone Institute locally at 3416 Moncrief Road, Suite 101, Jacksonville, Florida 32209. If neither of these contact options are  suitable for you, then you may also contact the institute through email at albertdchester2@yahoo.com or by phone at (904)-993-1800. We encourage you to support this organization, and we also encourage you to inspire change in your community, however you deem possible.

There’s good news coming in this new year to anyone in the Jacksonville, Florida area that’s looking to better themselves and continue their education. Albert Chester, a former student at Episcopal School of Jacksonville and Florida A&M University, as well as the current manager and pharmacist at the Walgreens in Jacksonville’s north side, will soon be known as the founder of the first pharmacy tech school located in the heart of the Northside. The Capstone Institute is a movement in the right direction, in the eyes of many in the community. “I think The Capstone Institute is another ember on the fire of progress within the community. We must continually support such ventures so that the fire will grow stronger,” said LT. Colonel Rickey Pope (ret.) USA. Albert is quite excited about the anticipation surrounding the project, and he’s looking forward to providing opportunities for a community that is so close to his heart, and so unfortunately deprived of similar options. In his own words: “I don’t think I would want it anywhere else because of the need here.”

            So, what exactly will this pharmacy tech school offer the 30 new students that they’ll soon be accepting? The answer is simple. The students that choose to enroll in the brand-new Capstone Institute will be registered through the State of Florida, and eligible to take the state pharmacy certification test. If they keep up with all of the materials they’re given, the program should not only make them eligible for the test, but completely prepared for passing it, as well. Not only will they be studying from textbooks like the common college student, they will be receiving useful, hands-on training through the program too. The best part of this program, and probably the most promising as well, is not the materials or training that the students receive, but the fact that the students will have an opportunity to train through a complete, comprehensive program for less than $3,000, which is the cost of one semester through similar programs. The students can also rest easy knowing that they won’t have to wait a lifetime, or even years, to get out into the job force and start giving back to their community, as well as supporting themselves and their families. The entire program, up to the day they choose to take their certification test, is only 15 weeks.

The establishment of this new institute is a positive light in the Jacksonville community. Even the individuals who aren’t interested in attending the institute are excited about the new direction it will hopefully begin to lead the community in. “We are determined to help the determined succeed,” Chester stated. However, many members of the community are aware that The Capstone Institute will not only begin helping individuals succeed but the institute can also boost the local economy exponentially and provide a beacon of hope for those otherwise unsure about what they are going to do outside of their high school education.”The opportunity to change the community must come from within the community. The Capstone Institue is a life changing initiative,” said retired NFL star Drayton Florence.

 Generating healthcare industry job opportunities is one of the greatest steps a community can take towards improvement for current and future generations. Especially, considering the healthcare industry is the fastest growing industry in today’s economy. With just one visit to the Capstone Institute’s website, you’ll find their refreshing and uplifting mission statement: “Capstone Institute looks to develop ethical, accountable, and inquisitive members of the healthcare industry.  This institute hopes to create a student-centered environment catering to the academic and professional needs of its pupils.  We seek to inspire a more purpose driven life in our students.”. Albert Chester and his great team of supporters should be proud to know that they are achieving those goals, exactly.