DeSantis' Central Florida Tourism Oversight District to sue Disney in Florida state court

May 01, 2023 in "Reedy Creek Improvement District"

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Posted: Monday May 1, 2023 9:44am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District held a special meeting this morning to discuss its response to the lawsuit filed by Disney against the individual members of the board last week.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District will meet just days after it moved to nullify Developer Agreements between Reedy Creek and Disney

The board unanimously passed a motion to sue the Walt Disney Company in a Florida state court. This is in contrast to Disney's lawsuit which was filed in a federal court.

In announcing the move, Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board chair Martin Garcia said, "Since Disney sued us, we have no choice now but to respond. This is why we called today's meeting to authorize legal action in response to Disney's federal lawsuit. This district will seek justice in state court here in Central Florida, where both it and Disney reside and do business. Yes, we'll seek justice in our own backyard."

Garcia says the state court lawsuit will seek to "uphold and enforce the board's April 26, 2023 legislative findings relating to the February 8, 2023 development agreement and declaration of restrictive covenants."

There was only one item on the agenda for today, "Board discussion and direction to litigation counsel and authorization to defend District officials sued in official capacities."

Board Chair Martin Garcia began the meeting by stating what the new board has achieved in its short time since overtaking Reedy Creek Improvement District. The achievements highlighted primarily related to hiring lawyers, consultants, and other advisors to fight Disney.

Garcia then suggested that the board's efforts are bringing the district into the 21st century, saying, "Disney sued this board to stop our efforts to improve the district and its operations. In essence, Disney is asking a federal court in Tallahassee to wrestle back the hands of time to 1967 while this board is instead charged legislatively to bring the district to the 21 century."

Board member Ron Peri in an address asked people to "pray for us." And went on to say that is surprising for him to be sued by Disney.

The Walt Disney Company filed a lawsuit in a Florida Federal Court last week, naming Florida Governor Ron Desantis and the entire Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board.

The board includes one of the authors of Florida's controversial Parental Bill of Rights law, Bridget Ziegler, Ron Peri, a former senior pastor of Evangel Baptist Church and now CEO of The Gathering, and lawyers Martin Garcia, Brian Aungst and Mike Sasso.

Disney claims in its lawsuit filed in a federal court last week that there has been "A targeted campaign of government retaliation-orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney's protected speech-now threatens Disney's business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region, and violates its constitutional rights."

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Sirwalterraleigh43 minutes ago

Arlen spectre syndrome…there is no known cure

JohnD55 minutes ago

What political affiliation is he today? Anyone know? I can't keep up.

Sirwalterraleigh59 minutes ago

If you believe recycling the same handful of people through positions with money influence is “healthy”… …what’s Charlie crist up to? 🤔

MisterPenguin59 minutes ago

"I, as governor, will not be appointing myself as senator." "I, popular movie star, will not be in the next MCU movie."

JohnD1 hour ago

I don't see it happening. He already made clear his finishing out his term as Governor. Besides, he's an executive. I don't think Senate is his style, although he served in the House a few terms. If he lobbies for anything it would be AG. He's well suited for that as a former JAG officer. If not, he ran for President a few months in 2023-2024 to bolster his credentials. He leaves office in January 2027 as one of the best known Governors in the nation, ready to run in 2028 for President. Disney is no longer an issue for him. He's serving out his term.

Sirwalterraleigh1 hour ago

Well I highly doubt he’s gonna go take DWI cases in dade county Government seems to be rather addictive

jpeden1 hour ago

Based on the statement that I posted earlier I’d be very surprised if he did that. That type of statement doesn’t come out by accident or without him knowing about it.

JoeCamel1 hour ago

cough *scott* cough

ToTBellHop1 hour ago

He’s a term-limited governor who still sees a future POTUS in the mirror every morning. If he wants to be relevant enough to stage another campaign in 2028, he will want to be in Washington. And, if he never becomes POTUS, his “consolation” prize could be a 40-year career in the US senate since he’s still in his 40s. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t pick himself. Politicians want long-term jobs. That’s why so many former Governors become Senators.

Tom P.1 hour ago

How so? This is the constitutional and legal process for replacing sitting Senators. It has happened many, many times before. How is that a circus?

Stripes2 hours ago

To be clear, Disney is very happy with the current district board and particularly the new district administrator. They could not be more effusive in their praise for Kopelousos.

JohnD3 hours ago

I'm just saying she is more likely than himself. Not that he would appoint her. If he appointed someone already in office, then provisions would have to be made to fill that vacant position. She was only "elected" as a running mate. So easier to appoint her and appoint someone else to be Lt. Gov.

LAKid533 hours ago

Why would he appoint her? If it's not himself, I'd think he'd want someone within his inner circle.

JohnD3 hours ago

I think that's highly unlikely. More likely is the Lt. Gov. appointed Senator. As for relations, I think we're over that hurdle. Things have settled down. Seems "business as normal" to me.