Restaurant owners at Walt Disney World voice concerns about threats of raising taxes by the new governing district

Apr 26, 2023 in "Reedy Creek Improvement District"

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Posted: Wednesday April 26, 2023 9:52am Et by WDWMAGIC Staff

Third party operating participants spoke at today's Central Florida Tourism Oversight District meeting, voicing concerns about the potential impacts of the new Ron DeSantis board taking over from Reedy Creek Improvement District.

The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs

Steve Schussler, who has spent thirty years as an operating participant at Walt Disney World, creating Rainforest Cafe, T-REX, Yak and Yeti, and The BOATHOUSE, spoke first about his concerns of impacts created by the new district.

Gibsons Restaurant Group, a partner with Schussler, said during the meeting that The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs paid $3.9 million in taxes last year. The group has voiced concerns that talk of raising taxes on business within the district could drastically impact third-party operating participants at Walt Disney World.

Schussler volunteered to act as part of an advisory group to present the viewpoints of businesses operating within the district.

Also speaking at today's meeting was George Miliotes of Wine Bar George. He expressed concerns about the welfare of his 90 employees that depend on his business's success.

Representatives from Splitsville, Homecoming, Everglazed, Basin and EPCOT's Mexico pavilion restaurants also spoke, voicing the same concerns as Schussler and Gibsons, including tax rises and more regulation.

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Sirwalterraleigh47 minutes ago

Arlen spectre syndrome…there is no known cure

JohnD59 minutes 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.