Anti-gambling State House of Representatives candidate Joe Freeman is digging into possible communications regarding plans for a casino in Baldwin County.
Freeman, from Gulf Shores, recently sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
In the request, obtained by 1819 News, Freeman sought federal communications with Baldwin County, Foley, OWA and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI). Communications include emails, letters, texts, messages on various apps, including Signal and WhatsApp, voicemails, call logs, calendars, meeting minutes, presentations, agreements, applications, incentive or abatement documents and more.
"The goal of the FOIA is pretty simple," Freeman said. "You know, it's just a public records request for transparency. At the end of the day, the people of our district have the right to know if there's going to be a casino at OWA. So, doing this public records request helps provide some clarity on that issue."
Freeman said he has heard from constituents since announcing his candidacy for House District 95, currently held by State Rep. Frances Holk-Jones (R-Foley).
"It's not federal land yet, which means they're going to rely on the state to make that decision on gambling," Freeman added. "Which that makes it more important to put the right person in positions. We already know she's [Holk-Jones] already voted 'yay' for gambling. That was on the record last year."
Freeman said it was important to get information regarding the extent of the federal government's involvement versus the state's involvement. He said the issue is a hot topic in Baldwin County.
"I've talked to several mayors, I've talked to a lot of constituents here that don't want gambling," he said. "And they feel like OWA is losing money, so the thought process is, you know, how, why was it built? How is it going to sustain itself currently as it is? Or is it part of a bigger plan?"
In 2024, OWA told 1819 News that it had no plans to turn OWA into a casino, even if the state's gambling bill were to pass. PCI spokeswoman Kristin Hellmich said there were no plans to change OWA, even if business isn't thriving, because the park is part of a much larger nationwide operation that will continue to invest in Alabama.
When asked about the FOIA request on Wednesday, Hellmich stated, "We stand by our statement. Poarch Creek has not contemplated a casino at OWA. Anything to the contrary of this statement is rumor and pure political theater."
Freeman said it is possible that casino talks were all simply rumors. However, he believes the least he can do is seek the truth once and for all.
The City of Foley has also supported PCI's investment in the city by providing land and infrastructure, including sidewalks, which connect OWA to Tanger Outlets and the Foley Event Center.
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