Crist gets warm welcome from Seminoles

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Gov. Charlie Crist is getting big support from the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida after signing an exclusive 20-year gaming deal that will pay the state about $1.2 billion in the next five years.

Crowd members waved posters lauding Crist, who was escorted to Wednesday's event by Miss Florida Seminole. The bill was signed under a tree where tribal leaders historically made decisions.

Tribal leaders said they wouldn't forget his loyalty and called him a lifelong friend.

Council representative David Cypress was more direct, saying “Seminoles, remember November.”

The deal gives them exclusive rights to have blackjack and other table games at three Broward County casinos and others in Immokalee and Tampa. All seven tribal casinos can keep operating Las Vegas-style slot machines.