Hialeah Park scores big in Miami Herald poll

Hialeah, FL - Following Governor Charlie Crist's signing of the Legislature's wide ranging gaming bill and his tour of Hialeah Park last week, South Florida residents gave a resounding YES to the reopening of racing at Hialeah Park. Asked on poll question conducted by The Miami Herald, an overwhelming 73% voted in favor of visiting the historic race track if racing returns as planned.

"This is about renovating and reopening an historic landmark, one of Florida's great treasures, which means so much to the City of Hialeah and South Florida," said John Brunetti, Jr., Vice President of Hialeah Park. "We were deeply honored by the Governor's visit last week and share the Governor's commitment to create jobs and much needed economic benefit to the City of Hialeah and South Florida." The Governor was joined on the tour by Hialeah Mayor Julio Robaina, the Lt. Governor, numerous members of the State House and Senate, and Hialeah City Council."

In keeping with their commitment to create jobs for local residents, Mr. Brunetti, Mayor Julio Robaina, and State Representative Steve Bovo @-Hialeah), recently met with Anthony Seijas, President of the Latin Builders Association.

"We walked the facility and discussed Hialeah Park's plans to refurbish and rebuild the existing facility, along with new construction of a future casino," said Seijas. "We look forward to being involved in the building process, to bring such a beautiful landmark back to life. In my opinion, Hialeah Park is in a very strategic location," continued Seijas. "They will be able to draw fans from all parts of South Florida for racing, poker and eventually slot machines".

With over 800 members, the Latin Builders Association organizes, supports and advocates on behalf of the construction industry in South Florida. In the coming months, Hialeah Park's management team will continue to meet with industry professionals in construction, engineering and architectural design to help create more opportunities for local employment.

In a comprehensive economic study, prepared for the City of Hialeah by the Washington Economics Group, Inc. on the revitalization of Hialeah Park, it was estimated that 3,177 jobs would be created by Phase 1 of the capital project which would include revitalization of the facility and related infrastructure and development of additional facilities. An additional $138 million in labor income and $45 million in state and local revenues would also be generated. Once the project is completed and operational, significant economic benefits would also include the creation of approximately 8,000 permanent jobs.

June 23, 2009

Re: Press Release dated June 22, 2009 (Hialeah Park Plans Move Forward, Hialeah Park scores big in Miami Herald poll)

Survey methodology:

Please be advised that The Miami Herald "poll question" referred to in yesterday's press release consisted of one, on-line daily survey question which appeared in the Herald's editorial section on June 17,2009. The results showed that 73% of the respondents said they would visit Hialeah Park if racing returns as planned.