"The Florida Panthers organization hopes to score a $7.7 million loan from Broward County on Tuesday after reworking a deal that was blasted earlier this month as bad for taxpayers.

Broward built the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise for the NHL hockey team, but Panthers' leaders say the 13-year-old ice-and-concert complex needs major work to bring in more millions. So Arena Operating Co., the Panthers' sister company that runs the arena, is seeking the loan from Broward County in order to build mini-suites and a club for all-events ticket holders.

The request for a loan from county tourist taxes has faced a tough vetting. County commissioners and the county auditor insist that it offer the hope of profit-sharing with Broward County."