In a shocking move Disney strips DeSantis board of its power

DeSantis’ Board says Disney stripped its power. Check out the details and see what you think of this bold action.

DeSantis vs Disney Conflict

The past several months has been turbulent between the state of Florida and The Walt Disney Company. Florida passed the Parental Rights in Education Law in 2022. The Walt Disney Company originally remained quiet surrounding this bill despite pleas from employees and fans for them to take an official stance. Tension built until CEO Bob Chapek denounced the bill, but many believed it was too little, too late.

The company has even gone so far to say that they would actively work to get the bill repealed. This caused DeSantis to retaliate in his own public speakings.

Reedy Creek Act Repealed

The tension between the company and the state continued worsen as state Republicans repealed the Reedy Creek Improvement Act of 1967. Essentially, the law states that Disney is its own governing body in the two cities and land within Orange and Osceola counties. The law passed recently.

You can read Jeff Vahle’s, the President of Disney World, statement HERE. Then, on February 27, DeSantis shared how this takeover is in response to Disney opposing the Parental Rights in Education bill. He emphasized there’s “a new sheriff in town.”  You can read all about his shocking responses HERE.

New Board

The bill repealing the Reedy Creek Improvement district allows a transitional period of no longer than 2 years from the date of this act. The district may continue doing business as usual to provide sufficient time for these changes. However, the Reedy Creek Improvement District will be officially dissolved on June 1, 2023.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District will be officially dissolved on June 1, 2023.

Another significant detail is that the governor will appoint all 5 board members serving this district once the current board members terms expire. The bill also states that “members may not serve more than 3 consecutive terms. 

Unexpected Twist

On a February 8, 2023 meeting, the current Reedy Creek Improvement Council passed a “King Charles Clause.” This clause severely limited the new board’s power until 21 years after the last currently living descendant of King Charles III passes away.

In addition, the current RCID board passed a declaration stating that the Disney will control property within 10 miles of the RCID properties.

The new district is also prohibited from using any Disney name, copyright, symbol, or intellectual property owned or created by Disney. Finally, this declaration states that Disney is the only beneficiary to this district.

All agreements signed between Disney and the District were appropriate, and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida’s government and the Sunshine law.

-Disney

The New Board’s Reaction

As you can imagine, this did not sit well with the new board set to control the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Committee (replacing the Reedy Creek Improvement District). These board members said that the Disney controlled predecessors pulled a fast one on them by passing these very restrictive covenants.

We’re going to have to deal with it and correct it. It’s a subversion of the will of the voters and the legislature and the governor. It completely circumvents the authority of this board to govern.

Brian Aungst, new Board member

Who do you think will win this battle? Do you think this will be tied up in the courts or will they reach an agreement? Please share your thoughts in the comments below and share this post with a friend.

Source: abcnews.go.com