The Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantissigned a bill on Friday giving a new board he controls the power to void development deals his predecessor body signed with Disney, the latest episode in a dispute between the conservative governor and the entertainment giant.
Under the bill, which was passed by a Republican-controlled legislature largely along party lines, the Central District Tourism Supervisory Board – whose members are appointed by DeSantis – you can cancel any agreement signed up to three months before the creation of the board.
The legislature created the board in February to replace the Reedy Creek Improvement District, controlled by Disneyin order to supervise the development in the 10,120 hectares that surround Mundo de Walt Disneythus wresting control from the company and handing it over to DeSantis.
The Walt Disney Co, the largest employer in central Florida, and the Republican governor have been battling since last year, when Disney criticized a new state law that prohibited classroom teaching about sexuality and gender identity to younger children.
DeSantiswho is expected to declare his candidacy for the US presidency in the coming weeks, has repeatedly attacked the “woke disney” in public statements, characterizing him as a liberal.
Before DeSantis appointees took over the board, the company pushed through changes to the special tax district agreement that limited the new agency’s action for decades.
In April, the new oversight body said that plans to Disney for the possible expansion of Disney World failed to comply with state law and declared that agreement void.
Disney filed suit in federal court that same day, accusing DeSantis of illegally using government power to punish the company for exercising its right to free speech.
The board of the Central Florida Tourism Supervisory District responded with its own lawsuit in state court, saying it sought to quash “backroom deals” favorable to Disney.
Source: Reuters
Source: Gestion
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