DeSantis Again Pushes To Wreck Special Disney District

The Orlando Sentinel reports:

Gov. Ron DeSantis wants Florida lawmakers to put the state in control of Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.

A notice published on Osceola County’s website on Friday states that lawmakers will take up legislation “increasing state oversight, accountability, and transparency” of the district. The Legislature and DeSantis dissolved Reedy Creek last year amid Disney’s dispute with the governor over the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

“The corporate kingdom has come to an end,” said Taryn Fenske, a DeSantis spokeswoman. “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.”

Read the full article. A couple of months ago it appeared that DeSantis would back down after Disney abruptly swapped out its CEO.

DeSantis wants legislation to take control of Disney World’s Reedy Creek district https://t.co/cvhT1UC715 pic.twitter.com/LNu4zlKAa5

— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) January 6, 2023

I predicted this: DeSantis creates some ridiculous culture war drama and then he’ll announce the negotiations w/Disney. Curious how this’ll stop special treatment” Disney gets — seems to me the main goal is to give DeSantis control over a private company.https://t.co/oOAq3tCZ9Z

— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani ? (@AnnaForFlorida) January 6, 2023

The Reedy Creek district allows Disney to govern its own properties and tax on top of what local governments charge. Those taxes pay for an array of services on Disney properties, like public safety. https://t.co/8hyVPX3pVe

— The News-Press (@TheNewsPress) January 6, 2023

This was the land in Orange/Osceola Cos. in FL that Disney had administered for decades and whose tax status #DeSantis had rescinded out of spite, because he didn't like Disney's speech. If something is not remedied, taxpayers in those counties will face hefty tax increases. https://t.co/mknMPtBDmL

— Chris DiLapi (Big Twelve Conference Supporter) (@cmdilapi) January 6, 2023