DeSantis Doubles Down in Fight with Disney World Over Control of Reedy Creek Improvement District
Edited by: TJVNews.com
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis doubled down on his battle with Disney World over its self-governing powers as the state of Florida prepares to take control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, according to a recently published report in the New York Post.
A plan was announced a week ago on Osceola County’s website that said Florida lawmakers will seek legislation “increasing state oversight, accountability, and transparency” of the district, which gives Disney quasi-government control over its theme park properties in Florida, the Post reported.
DeSantis is expected to appoint a new board to control Reedy Creek, the self-governing area that is currently de facto run by The Walt Disney Company, and allows it to maintain its own infrastructure and public services, according to a report on the NBC News web site. Created in 1967, the district also allows Disney to raise taxes and issue bonds to finance the expenses required to run services for Walt Disney World resort.
Some believe that the action by DeSantis comes in retaliation to Disney’s public opposition to the parental rights law, which took place under the ex-CEO Bo Chapek. The controversial so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, bans the discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation for kids in kindergarten through third grade, the Post reported.
“The corporate kingdom has come to an end,” DeSantis’ communications director, Taryn Fenske, told Fox News. “Under the proposed legislation, Disney will no longer control its own government, will live under the same laws as everyone else, will be responsible for their outstanding debts, and will pay their fair share of taxes.”
“Imposing a state-controlled board will also ensure that Orange County cannot use this issue as a pretext to raise taxes on Orange County residents,” she added.
The planned legislation will ensure that the Mouse House will pay upward of $700 million in unsecured debt accumulated by Reedy Creek Improvement District — and not Orange County taxpayers, the Post reported.
In December, the Financial Times reported that lawmakers were prepping to reverse course on the move to eliminate Disney World’s special status, according to the Post report. A DeSantis rep denied the claim, doubling down on the crackdown.
On January 10th, the union representing Disney World’s first responders announced their support for De Santis’ plan for Florida to take control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the Post reported.
Speaking to the Orlando Sentinel on Monday, Tim Stromsnes, communications director of the Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters Local 2117 said, “Anything has got to be better than what we currently have.”
It remains to be seen how the return of Bob Iger, who is thought to be more politically adept than his predecessor, will factor into the situation.
The notice in full was published on January 6th and reads as follows:
Reedy Creek Improvement District
Notice is hereby given of intent to seek legislation before the Florida Legislature, during a regular, extended, or special session, of an act relating to the Reedy Creek Improvement District, Orange and Osceola Counties; amending, reenacting, and repealing Chapter 67-764, Laws of Florida, and decree in chancery no. 66-1061 (May 13, 1966); removing and revising powers of the District; increasing state oversight, accountability, and transparency of the District; revising the selection process, membership qualifications, and compensation for the governing body of the District; ensuring debts and bond obligations held by the District remain with the District and are not transferred to other governments by retaining the District’s authority related to indebtedness and taxation; revising the District’s authority over local permitting and regulation; revising the District’s regulatory framework and structure; instituting reporting requirements, including a review of the District’s remaining powers; describing the District boundaries and name; revising exceptions to general law and certain special acts; removing duplicative provisions; making conforming changes; creating an exception to general law; providing an effective date.
