Ron DeSantis says a new bill with the Florida legislature will revoke Disney's agreements with Reedy Creek

May 01, 2023 in "Reedy Creek Improvement District"

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Posted: Monday May 1, 2023 2:20pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a "law and order" news conference today and took the opportunity to comment on his ongoing legal battle with Disney.

In response to a question from reporters, the governor said that Disney is acting "like they have the ability to veto...it is basically putting their thumb in the eye of the voters."

DeSantis said the Florida legislature will soon pass a bill revoking Disney's final February 8 developer agreement and restrictive covenants with Reedy Creek, which he will sign into effect. According to DeSantis, it is Florida law that the legislature or the governing body can revoke developer agreements.

It isn't clear how a DeSantis-backed bill will impact Disney's latest legal move, or how it fits in with legal efforts by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District to enforce its position to nullify Disney's agreements with Reedy Creek.

The DeSantis-appointed board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District said earlier today that they will countersue Disney in an attempt 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."

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

Disney claims in its lawsuit filed in a federal court yesterday 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."

In the lawsuit, Disney is asking for the court to declare that the February 8 contracts remain in effect and enforceable.

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Sirwalterraleigh51 minutes ago

Arlen spectre syndrome…there is no known cure

JohnD1 hour ago

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

Sirwalterraleigh1 hour ago

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

MisterPenguin1 hour 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.