In what marks a significant upheaval to the former Reedy Creek Improvement District, over thirty employees have resigned from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the governing entity responsible for Walt Disney World. This mass exodus includes almost half of its senior leadership and follows Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' controversial takeover of the district, raising serious concerns about operational stability and political influence.
Previously known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, CFTOD has seen departures at every level - from the district administrator and chief financial officer to crucial roles in public works, procurement, and facilities management.
In an article published by long-time Reedy Creek observer Jason Garcia Seeking Rents, who obtained employee exit interviews in a public records request, one former manager with a 30-year career at Reedy Creek wrote that DeSantis' political appointees "show a severe lack of trust for employees" and made his work "uncomfortable," "stressful," and "demoralizing." Another manager wrote that the transition has been "very negative." And a department director called the new leadership "unqualified and incompetent."
A former executive assistant went even further saying, "The legacy of this special district is being destroyed by those who have been placed in power here. The Board of Supervisors and the new District Administrator could care less about the work that needs to be done for the taxpayers. They claim transparency and bridge building, I see non-transparency and bridge burning."
DeSantis' Political Maneuvering, Lawsuits and Presidential Bid
The root of this disruption traces back to Governor DeSantis' decision to assert control over the district, perceived by many as retaliation against Disney. The entertainment giant had openly criticized a so-called "Don't Say Gay" anti-LGBTQ+ law championed by DeSantis and halted campaign contributions, drawing the governor's ire. In a swift legislative move, DeSantis gained the power to appoint the board of supervisors, installing allies and loyalists who quickly ousted existing executives.
The CFTOD board sued Disney in a Florida state court in May 2023, following Disney's federal lawsuit against CFTOD board members and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Disney claims in its lawsuit filed in a federal court 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."
Impact on Employees and Operations
Former employees have painted a grim picture of the current work environment, describing it as toxic, demoralizing, and stressful. The new leadership, criticized for its inexperience and lack of qualifications, has been accused of fostering a climate of distrust and incompetence. These factors have not only affected morale but also raised questions about the district's ability to efficiently manage services critical to the Walt Disney World Resort.
Strategic Hires and Alleged Political Motives
In the midst of this turmoil, the DeSantis-appointed board has been active in positioning allies in key roles. High-profile hires include District Administrator Glen Gilzean, appointed with a $400,000 salary, and Paula Hoisington, a former DeSantis transition team member, now Chief of Staff. The board has also awarded lucrative contracts to firms with close ties to DeSantis, including a $1 million no-bid contract for a new telecoms system. As this news surfaced, CFTOD cancelled a planned board meeting this month, with the next session scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
Operational Challenges and Public Perception
The district is currently grappling with significant operational challenges. Recent job postings in facilities management highlight the gaps left by the mass resignations. Critics argue that these vacancies hinder the district's ability to deliver essential services like fire protection, trash collection, and building inspections, potentially impacting operations at Walt Disney World.
The Shift from Efficiency to Political Arena
Under the previous management, the Reedy Creek Improvement District was known for its efficiency and detailed project scrutiny despite criticisms over its unique status and Disney's influence. However, the transformation into the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, now under DeSantis' control, marks a shift from a well-run administrative body to a politically charged arena.
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