Collins family may bring in slot machines to raise extra revenue and enhance the compact. Another outcome might be decoupling, meaning that a venue isn’t mandated to run dogs if they have a track as well as other forms of gambling. Right now, that’s the case — the Sarasota Kennel Club has to run live dog racing from November through April, doing roughly 12 races a day. That’s over 2,000 races during their season. But they run simulcast horse racing, dog racing, and harness racing throughout the year, too. What Jack likes most about the family business is exactly that — it’s a family. Even those who don’t share the same last name. For example, Director of Racing Tom Bowersox started working there when he was 16. Today? He’s well into his 70s. “Plenty of others have been here for more than fifty years,” says Jack. “We’re a close-knit bunch.” One of the things Jack is proud of is how his family has partnered with and supported local businesses and nonprofit organizations for the last 70 years. His grandfather donated $1.2 million to New College in the 1970s, and they’re quite active with the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the American Heart
Association, Payton Wright Foundation, Sheriff’s Activities League of Sarasota County, and the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, to name just a few. “I was born and raised here,” says Jack, “and so was my dad. The Collins family has been here nearly a century. We’re a part of this unique, beautiful community and we love it here. It’s got a terrific atmosphere, the people are great, the weather is first-rate, and the beaches can’t be beat. And during season, we have over 300 employees working here, so we get a chance to know so many of the great people who call this area their home.” Between ever-changing regulations, competition from the Seminole casinos and the Florida Lottery, and the efforts of groups like Grey2k and Sarasota Defense of Animals, which disapprove of dog racing, it’s a challenging business, to be sure. But with Jack, his brother, and his sister at the helm — and Jack’s daughter and four sons here for the future — the Sarasota Kennel Club and the Collins family seem here to stay. For more information on Sarasota Kennel Club, visit sarasotakennelclub. com or call 941.355.7744.
Front: Barbara Collins seated; Chris Collins on right Back: Deb Bohannon & Jack Collins, Jr.
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