Somewhere in the many blogs regarding the Poker Room, one person said they thought Mr. Thrasher was responsible for change in law to require only municipal approval (CH-849.086(16) FS).  Another person said it was someone in South Florida.  So, to set the record straight, here's what happened:

Chapter 849.086 titled "Cardrooms Authorized" was changed by Senate Bill 752 (which resulted from three committee substitutes), Senate Bill 134 (identical CS/H0223) and original bills by Senators Bullard and Geller.  The Senate and House passed these two bills on April 27th & 30th and both were allowed to become law on 6-13-07 without Gov. Crist signature.

When these bills are debated in various committees they are assigned, that when the lobbyists get involved.  As one of eight lobbyist at Southern Strategy Group, Jacksonville Greyhound Racing, Inc. is listed as one of Mr Thrasher's Principals.  According to Southern Strategy Group's Compensation Report for period 4-1-07 - 6-30-07 for Legislative Branch Lobbying, they received $20,000 to $29,000 from Jacksonville Greyhound Racing, Inc. 

What do you think that money was for?  Services rendered!