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Fla. to hold 2nd hearing on casinos and gambling

Gambling
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LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) - Florida state senators are holding the second of four public hearings about the future of gambling in the Sunshine State.

More than 50 people have signed up to testify Wednesday during a meeting that will be held at the George Jenkins High School auditorium in Lakeland.

The Senate Gaming Committee will also hold hearings next month in Jacksonville and Pensacola.

The Republican-controlled Legislature in early 2012 shot down a bill to allow major casinos in South Florida. But now lawmakers are considering changing the state's gambling laws.

Among those scheduled to testify are Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. Central Florida businesses including Disney have been vocal in opposing efforts to bring major casinos to the state.