The saga continues.
Tension
I won’t rehash all of the tension that built up in 2022 before Florida officially took over Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Just before the handover took place, Disney tried one last ditch effort to keep as much control out of the state of Florida as possible. Just recently, Disney made an agreement between the district and the parks/resorts.
This new agreement basically gives Disney most of the control of the district and prevents the new oversight board from making any changes to this agreement until 21 years after the death of the last survivor of King Charles III.
At a recent press conference, DeSantis shared that he is planning to announce even more measures against Disney World. The first being his plans to void the contract between the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board (previously Reedy Creek Improvement District) and Disney World regarding Disney’s development rights for many, many years. Now, everything will be passed through the State Legislature.
Disney sues
On April 26, Disney sued the state of Florida stating:
“A targeted campaign of government retaliation – orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech – now threatens Disney’s business, operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights.”
You can read our story on that right here.
The state/district oversight board retaliated
Later that same evening, the Florida Senate passed SB 1604. In that bill, there is a small piece that basically allows that agreement I wrote about above to be reversed. Next, it will go to the House where it will likely be passed as well.
Now, the new district oversight board is suing Disney World! The board called an emergency meeting this morning to respond to Disney’s lawsuit. They unanimously decided to sue The Walt Disney Company:
“Since Disney sued us, we have no choice now but to respond. This is why we called today’s meeting to authorize legal action in response to Disney’s federal lawsuit. This district will seek justice in state court here in Central Florida, where both it and Disney reside and do business. Yes, we’ll seek justice in our own backyard.”
Share your thoughts with us below and pass this post along to a friend to continue the discussion.
DeSantis is a Totalitarian and needs to be removed from power, before he causes Florida even more shame. Going after Disney.? Give me a break.
Oh no disney will have to be on the same playing field as Universal and all the other parks I feel so bad for them when they shouldn’t stick their nose in the parental rights and education bill so that kids in grades 5 won’t have to hear about their teachers personal lives.
Maybe DeSantis should stop chasing Mickey Mouse and Drag Queens and start working on Florida’s real problems like the high cost of home insurance.
How much money is this going to cost us Florida taxpayers in legal fees for DeSantis bullying. What about other lost business opportunities lost because of this retaliation.
Desantis is a petty bully, much like Trump. He’s trying to show what a big man he is. Truth and kindness will prevail.
And Disney will have it removed to federal court
And Disney is NOT on an ego trip?
I would never move our business to FL if they want to go after Disney they can go after you as well
Wrong!!! No Bias so you you’re drawing a Bias conclusion b/c the writer used the word “Retaliate”. What would you call it..Its clear the board is doing DeS^^#^ Bidding…and once challenged they will lose in the courts..
DeSantis is power crazy. First books now freedom of speech. And now trying to destroy Disney world . Abuse of power he should be recalled before its too late
Disney should pack up and go to North Carolina.
DeDumbass is just pissed that he got bested by a mouse.
I would like to know how DeSantis can make a statement “It’s the will of the people” when he appointed the board with his picks which were not voted on by the people in the communities in the area. He also jerrymandered areas in the state so he could win without a problem.
Disney is pretty much the only taxpayer in the District, so they are the ones covering the legal costs.
I think it’s not safe to do business in Florida unless you kneel before King DeSantis.
Just more taxes to be levied on tax payers to now cover the legal cost that this board is going to have to pay. Of course DeSantis wants to do it in a state court where he can pressure a judge
This is getting out of control. Desantis is on an ego trip and wasting state funds for his own purpose he needs to care more about ALL the people of Florida
Your bias is showing when you use the word “retaliated”. A neutral position in reporting would be better.
No bias. Just stating that after Disney sued, the district did the same.