Big Step Forward As Disney Gears Up To Take Action Against DeSantis
Who do you think will win this battle between The Walt Disney Company and Governor DeSantis?
Ongoing Legal Battle
Over the past year, the feud between Governor Ron DeSantis and Disney has been quite dramatic. If you need to catch up on what is going on, here is some reading material for you. Disney sued DeSantis in federal court with claims that DeSantis is punishing the Walt Disney Company for practicing free speech. You can get up to speed on the federal case HERE.
Most recently, DeSantis claimed that no one has made more money for Disney than himself. Followed by the removal of employee benefits, which the CFTOD claims was simply a "scheme" by Disney to funnel taxpayer money back to its own company.
This legal battle will come with a high price tag for the Orange County district, and now Disney is preparing for this legal battle.
Disney Legal Counsel
The Walt Disney Company prepares for this ongoing legal battle by appointing Louise Pentland as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Division effective September 15, 2023.
Currently, The Walt Disney Company finds itself in the middle of two hefty legal disputes against both Governor Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors.
Louise Pentland served as EVP, Chief Business Affairs and Legal Officer of PayPal. Before this, Pentland was Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Nokia Corporation.
Pentland shares, "This is an exciting time to join The Walt Disney Company and I'm honored to be part of a business that brings so much joy to people across the globe - myself included.
I've long admired Disney Parks' reputation as a global leader in tourism and consumer products, along with its exceptional history of innovation and growth, and I'm looking forward to taking on this role and helping advance the organization's ambitious goals for the future."
Louise Pentland will serve as the Chief Legal Counsel for the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Division effective September 15, 2023.
What do you think of the ongoing legal battles that the Walt Disney Company finds itself in? Do you think that Pentland will help Disney come out victorious? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your fellow Disney pals.
DeSantis is a burr in the boot. A totally useless governor w/an ego to match Trump. DeSantis loves kicking up the sand in people's eyes, while he TAKES & TAKES w/ hz greedy little agenda of control!
DeSantis is truly messing with the WRONG arrow & could mess up a good asset if Disney leaves Fl.
But, then again a LOT of people are or want to leave Fl. NOW, bcz of DeSantis!
What Disney should do is Pack up and Leave Florida. Then let the people decide who would pick up all the Taxes that Disney has to pay. What would the people think about that???
Michael September 7, 2023 At 8:53 pm
"Absolutely! I am surprised by the number of people here who really dislike the silly ideas expressed in the First Amendment!"
No one's First Amendment speech has been affected here. How was Disney's First Amendment speech impacted?
Carol September 8, 2023 At 12:44 am
"If you see nothing to be upset about, you should remove your blinders."
Take your own advice? I asked you how was Disney harmed.
If you see nothing to be upset about, you should remove your blinders.
Absolutely! I am surprised by the number of people here who really dislike the silly ideas expressed in the First Amendment! I, for one, do not like being allowed to petition the government for grievances or the right to express myself! I mean, why should we allow anyone to say what they think or change laws made by our leaders? Hopefully one day we won't even be able to vote for them, and then we will have nothing to worry about besides what we are told to do! Good on you for taking this bold stand against the ideology forced down our throats since 1776!
As captain of my college debate team, I learned not to debate ignorance, Carol.
Carol September 7, 2023 At 5:01 pm
"All because Disney used it’s Constitutional right to voice an opinion that disagreed with him"
How were they harmed? Governor DeSantis has done nothing to them. What exactly are you upset about?
Desantis interfered with Disney for no reason. He seeks revenge on anyone that expresses their opinion. He is totally wrong in this instance.
"If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy", DeSantis said to his supporters. You can't be so naive that you deny that's making it personal! All because Disney used it's Constitutional right to voice an opinion that disagreed with him, and he had to play tough-guy to look like the hot-shot he thinks he is. Just like the other guy who thinks might-makes-right because they can't figure out how to use a situation to their advantage. POOR PRESIDENTIAL MATERIAL TIMES TWO.
Spilled Salt September 7, 2023 At 2:27 pm
"Disney is Florida’s largest single site employer."
Now that's changing the context. The claim below was that Disney was the largest employer in the state of Florida. It's not. Publix is the largest employee in the state of Florida with over 100,000 employees. Walmart is the second largest.
"Disney turned Florida from a swampy cow pasture"
Incorrect, Disney World did not open until 1971. The Space Program created one of the largest population booms in the state of Florida especially it was a very attractive location. The population of Orange County had a 225% growth in the 60's again before Disney World was a thing. Orange County is not that far from the Cape at all which is a 30 minute commute.
There were a ton of industries back then. Lockheed Martin for example set up their plant in 1956 under the Glenn L. Martin Company which was their missiles division. They've manufactured missiles and rockets for decades since the start of that division. They moved entire divisions from Maryland to Orlando to what was called Pinecastle Air Force Base changed to McCoy Air Force Base. You know what happened to McCoy Air Force Base? It's now Orlando International (MCO). So Orlando became a significant city with a larger population growth without Disney. Tourism was always big prior to Disney and would have grown without Disney anyways.
"Also, those firefighters that backed DeSantis have been real quiet lately. "
No, those firefighters are still getting compensated in another way as what the CFTOD board said like in the form of cash. The problem was the original benefits they were getting was illegal in the first place because it directly benefited a single entity. A government cannot favor a business.
"Maybe it’s because they loss their raises and a bunch of benefits by the new board."
No, they did not lose their raises and their benefits. They've concluded it the contract that Reedy Creek refused to do that was extremely favorable to the union.
"Heck I saw a grown firefighter crying his eyes out because they took away all the Disney passes not 3 weeks ago."
The hearing is public and is hosted on YouTube. The closest example is Aaron Clark on 8/23. Unfortunately they had to be informed that these tickets were again illegal under Florida law. So while Aaron was talking about his MEMORIES WITH HIS FATHER that was the part he cried at. Government lawyers INFORMED the board that the tickets were illegal again under state law. That's why it had to be reported to the Inspector General. The RCID was only utilizing 33% to 67% of the passes and they were losing the rest because employees weren't using them. So the solution they did was gross up everyone's wages by $1425 establishing that as the floor. They left the door open to grossing it up higher, never lower.
A PRIVATE COMPANY cannot give gifts to a government workers that provides services for them or have authority over them for obvious reasons. A lot of the people getting the passes had the idea that these passes were free which is illegal in Florida.
They are still discussing the retirees which they're going to fix. But again, the tickets were illegal and is not allowed under Florida law. It's odd why you think it should have been okay for a private company to bribe government workers that exceeded $20.
Charlotte Whigham September 7, 2023 At 11:21 am
".... nonsense"
Was there anything even remotely factual in your tweet or are you just playing Handmaid's Tale mindgames here?
S.G. September 7, 2023 At 11:18 am
"You Can’t Get A Good Education in Florida as Fascist DeSantis Has Destroyed That Option, With His Gestpo Laws. Book Banning is Indoctrination."
That's incorrect, PreK-12 is ranked #14 in the nation and #1 in Higher Education. No books have been banned in the state of Florida. One can simply go to Amazon and buy any book they wish. The State of Florida use CPALMS which FLDOE writes the curriculum for educating children and this is all open to the public which anyone can go to FLDOE and read it themselves.
S.g. September 7, 2023 At 11:11 am
"That Is Nothing but a Fascist Law abd Should Be Abolished."
What "Fascist" law are you referring to? There is no law that targeted Disney. So you're going to have to clarify exactly what law you are talking about that is in the Florida Statute. laws.flrules.org
Carol September 7, 2023 At 10:04 am
" that’s the ONLY reason DeSantis went after them."
But he didn't. What did he do to Disney personally? Be very specific here.
You don't read much or talk about history do you Dolly? Do you know was in Florida in the 1940's? Swamps, cow pastures, orange groves, and nothing else. No industry. Just a bit of agriculture, almost no white ppl so very little government, and some Seminole Indians. You know, I'm wasting my time giving you background. Just know that Walt Disney made Florida a proper state and invested huge amounts of money to make central and South Florida really livable. In exchange, the deal was/should still be that in exchange for their massive investment, they got their own governmental district. We're squelching on a deal made in good faith by Disney.
Disney is Florida's largest single site employer. That's an undisputed fact. Here's another one, Disney turned Florida from a swampy cow pasture and made it a place ppl actually wanted to live in back in the 50's so I think they should probably get a pass on a small district to govern themselves. Also, those firefighters that backed DeSantis have been real quiet lately. Maybe it's because they loss their raises and a bunch of benefits by the new board. Heck I saw a grown firefighter crying his eyes out because they took away all the Disney passes not 3 weeks ago.
Those are his good points.
And here is the question that destroys your whole argument. How was Disney damaged by the State of Florida? If you say the district was dissolved, you fail. The district belonged to the legislature, not Disney. Disney abused (at best) the RCID. Perhaps drawing attention to one's abuse is not the best idea.
Sorry dear, but the way RCID was run was illegal. You cannot give a private company the powers of government. Disney lied about building a city to the legislature when the district was first made. It was the citizens of that city that were supposed to make up the board. Instead disney lied and manipulated board membership to its will. The district has always belong to the legislature, not disney.
This has nothing to do with Disney getting into politics, and everything to do with DeSantis trying to be a mini Trump..DeSantis with the begrugeful attitude, will never be our President. He will shut down the entire USA. Ban abortion completely. Take books that kids have been learning from for over a hudrd years, out of Schools and Libraries. Attack the LBGT.individuals. Shut off health care, raises and Social Securities. To prove his point. He will the destroy the USA.
Disney Simply Stated An Opinion. That Does Not Constitue Interference in The Laws.
It's An Opinion( A Correct Opinion at That) and DeSantis Has No Right to Punish Anyone for Voicing An Opinion.
Grow Up , Get Educated. Oh Wait, You Can't Get A Good Education in Florida as Fascist DeSantis Has Destroyed That Option, With His Gestpo Laws. Book Banning is Indoctrination. Allowing only the Information Fascist Leader DeSantis Wants Children to See. This is Identical to The Tactics Deployed by Hitler.
Disney , as Anyone Else Has The Constitutional Right to Disagree With Any Law They Wish.
Simply Speaking up Is Not The Problem.
The Problem Lies With A Fascist Dictator Like DeSantis Punishing Disney's Freedom To Voice An Opinion. Beside, Disney Was Correct in Their Opinion.
That Is Nothing but a Fascist Law abd Should Be Abolished.
I believe Ron DeSantis (and the other one) is among the worse things to happen to this country, but... I agreed with him on K-3. Disney disagreed, which was their absolute right, and that's the ONLY reason DeSantis went after them. Perhaps he feared the much-loved company might have sway over others in addition to his name becoming more well-known outside of Florida since he hopes to become President. Every other accusation resulted from Disney disagreeing on something that has wrongfully been made political (or religious) to the detriment of the USA which forbids both in our Constitution. You MAY voice an opinion and you may NOT have another's religious beliefs forced on you. He could have looked like the bigger man had he simply said "well, I'm sorry you feel that way" instead of becoming yet another spiteful child.
"We". So DeSantis is going by PRONOUNS!
Management and politics is destroying Disney. It started with Bob Iger hiring Bob Chapek. Now Iger again. Both have made billions, going to Disney has become unpleasurable and way to expensive. Disney please go back to family entertainment and stay out of forced political agendas.
GDP, excuse me. Misread that. Point stands regardless.
Turner September 6, 2023 At 3:55 pm
"So Disney leaves Florida and you all get what you want. Poverty"
The GDP of Florida is $1.3 trillion. Disney's DPEP division for ALL parks, resorts, and park licensing was only $28 billion. On the Parks and Theme Park Admissions, DPEP's revenue was only around $15 billion. Disney can't afford to leave Florida as they need these revenues from DPEP to fund the Hulu acquisition.
Wallace Johnson jr September 6, 2023 At 4:17 pm
"Disney should hit them in the pocket book. Close down for two years. "
It wouldn't do anything. See above.
Bryan Moore September 6, 2023 At 4:55 pm
"If there is any justice Disney will bankrupt Florida. "
Again it wouldn't do anything even to Florida's tax revenues with a GDP of $1.3 trillion.
nicolaus dean September 6, 2023 At 5:19 pm
"Consider these two facts. Disney is the largest employer in the state of Florida ... Desantis has went after Disney for us discriminatory... after any other business or District in Florida"
No, it's not. Publix is the largest employer in the state of Florida. And no, they do not pay the most taxes than any businesses in the state of Florida. Disney created illegal contracts that did not comply with Florida State law. There were only 6 special districts in the state of Florida that were not like the other special districts. They had to be destroyed. Again Reedy Creek Improvement District was a public entity that was created by the state. To conflate Reedy Creek with Disney was illegal.
Judy C September 6, 2023 At 5:33 pm
"DeSantis is guilty of using..."
Using a bunch of mean words because you politically dislike them doesn't make it correct. Florida re-elected Governor DeSantis with a 20 point edge of Charlie Crist.
Pamela May De Lauder September 6, 2023 At 7:19 pm"
"They’re the main employee of your state" No, they're not. Publix is the largest employer in the state with 160,000 employees. Walmart is the second largest. Then it's Walt Disney.
"that brings in tons of money to their parks for your highways and roads etc."
They do not.
General Merchandise Stores, Survival Kits - $537 million for June 2023
Motors Vehicle Dealers, Trailers, Campers - $512 million for June 2023
Restaurants, Lunchrooms, Catering Service - $327 million for June 2023 Now Disney may have some restaurants but they do not constitute the bulk of this in the state of Florida.
...
At NUMBER 10. Admissions (Pool rooms, rides, theatres, dances, - $99 million for June 2023.
This is all public data.
Now for ORANGE COUNTY.
NUMBER 1 - Admissions (Pool rooms, rides, theatres, dances, - $59 million for June 2023.
Osceola County was only $836K for June 2023.
So the reality is Disney AND Universal AND other parks in the area was responsible for up to 59% of the admissions tax collection in the state of Florida. OR... 1.7% of the taxes collected in the state of Florida. Okay? ALL economic activity brought in $327 million for the state of Florida which is 9.7% of the tax collected for sales taxes alone. The property taxes on Disney property does NOT go to the state of Florida. They go to the county, City of Bay Lake, local public schools, local library budget, South Florida Water management, and the CFTOD.
Now to the article.
The Disney tickets that the RCID purchased for the employees was illegal in the first place which is why it was reported to the Inspector General. Governments CANNOT purchase gifts that benefits a single business for public employees. It is illegal and extremely unethical. Government employees are not allowed to take gifts or items that values more than $20 because it's considered bribery. Anything under $20 like donuts is acceptable.
The price tag for the CFTOD is irrelevant because they can raise the ad valorem taxes because the property owners are the ones that pays this which in essence Disney is paying roughly 70% of the lawsuit cost. They can always concede in both lawsuits by CFTOD and their suit against the CFTOD officers/Governor DeSantis. Simple.
As for Pentland, she is not reporting to Josh DiMarro of DPEP but instead she reports to the top of Disney bypassing the hierarchy. Disney is also hiring a Crisis Management team. Because Disney is in huge legal trouble especially with the inspector general of Florida due to millions in misused funding. The tickets issue isn't the only thing here that Disney is finding themselves in legal hot water over.
'WE' don't want that, Ron DeSantis wants that. 'WE' didn't get in a dispute with Disney.
I have to correct this distorted fact, every time I see it online. YES, Disney brings tons of money into the state, especially Central florida, and all the hospitality industries that have sprung up around it BUT, they are NOT the "largest employer in the state," though I've seen countless news anchors say that, so you're forgiven for thinking it's true. --- Walmart and Publix grocery stores EACH employee MORE Floridians then Disney. THEY are the state's largest employers. --- the thing that keeps getting screwed up, and misrepresented IS, Disney is Florida's largest SINGLE LOCATION employer. With Disney having about 75,000 employees in one location. Publix grocery stores employees more than 125,000 people in their many grocery stores across the state, and Walmart employs more than 155,000 employees in Florida. --- so now you know. But yeah Ron DeSantis it's a total jackwagon. ---- And since we're here, did you know that there is a law in Florida that says you have to give up your governorship if you want to run for federal office? --- Oh wait, I'm sorry there WAS a law in Florida that said if you run for federal office you have to give up your governorship, but then on May 24th of this year, the governor, Ron DeSantis CHANGED the law, and 4 hours later, registered officially with the Federal government, to run for president of the United States, and announced his candidacy. ---- That's right, Governor DeSantis, changed a law, JUST FOR HIM. --- I don't want a governor who changes the law just for himself. I REALLY don't want a president who would do that.
Disney does not interfere with our Florida laws. They never have.
Disney has not interfered with Florida laws ..DeSatan has.
Everyone has a right to free of speech!
Maybe your hateful and fascist governor needs to leave Disney alone. They're the main employee of your state that brings in tons of money to their parks for your highways and roads etc.
As your Florida laws they are fascist laws like Hitler would have made. Florida needs to accept The changing times that are around us and stop putting their head in the sand.
I pity your children and your school teachers and the laws you're forcing on others that are nonsense!
DeSantis is guilty of using his office as a weapon against Disney for retribution because Disney didn't agree with him. DeSantis is a toxic, bigoted homophobic asshole,he spreads hate and division. DeSantis is a fascist authoritarian, consumed by his ego power trip. He needs to go.
Consider these two facts. Disney is the largest employer in the state of Florida and they pay the most in taxes than any business in Florida.. All the things Desantis has went after Disney for us discriminatory. He has not went after any other business or District in Florida because they disagreed with his policies. Agree to disagree.
Ain't that the American way... if ya don't like the law-- change it?? If it ain't OK for Disney to get into politics -- shouldn't be the same for DeSatan?? Shouldn't he stay out of business??
If there is any justice Disney will bankrupt Florida. This is the worst First Amendment violation in America's history. Hopefully there is a way to hold Governor DeSantis personally accountable.
Disney should hit them in the pocket book. Close down for two years. When the tax dollars stop coming in and taxes have to be raised to provide services in the state, the people will rise up against this want to be dictator and racist. Children in schools are suppose to learn about what Germany did to the jews and what the Spaniard did to Mexico but not what the US has done to blacks. Ron is a real joke.
So Disney leaves Florida and you all get what you want. Poverty
DeSantis is an egotistical Fascist who will do anything and say anything that he thinks will further him politically
TlI STILL think they have the right to speak without being censured. Criminal! Stop DeSantis' insanity and move on!
Respect freedom of speech
So a Calif corporation, Disney, STILL thinks they had the right to fight to change a parental rights Florida law. Ridiculous.
Stop the insanity and move on!
Totally agree! Disney stuck it's nose where it did not belong. Run Disney and stay out of politics! They had their opinion, which was fine but then went further to interfere with state laws to say they would work to change the law.
We love Disney but stay out of politics and stop forcing its woke ideas on us.
I will not go to see the new Snow White movie. We like the old movies. Went to see new The Little Mermaid and part way through I thought, this is really slow moving and not fun and upbeat like the original so won't waste my money this time. Changing the dwarfs, no way!
Both sides can benefit in the court of public opinion right now if they find a proper and gentlemanly settlement to these lawsuits. Both parties need some good news right now. Make it happen.
It's all Disney's fault. Thet should not interfere with our Florida laws.