Disney issues statement in response to court case dismissal against Ron DeSantis and CFTOD and vows to 'press forward'

Jan 31, 2024 in "Reedy Creek Improvement District"

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Posted: Wednesday January 31, 2024 3:05om ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Following today's significant legal development in which a U.S. District Court in Florida dismissed a lawsuit filed by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other state officials, Disney says that it is "determined to press forward with our case."

In a statement released following the court case's dismissal, a Disney spokesperson told WDWMAGIC:

This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here. If left unchallenged, this would set a dangerous precedent and give license to states to weaponize their official powers to punish the expression of political viewpoints they disagree with. We are determined to press forward with our case.

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Chairman Martin Garcia released the following statement:

I'm delighted that this lawsuit, which was nothing more than a distraction, is now behind us. Our board and the district will now continue to make the appropriate changes to operate and function as an independent government agency to promote transparency and accountability while bringing more prosperity to more people in Florida.

Team Disney Orlando

Earlier this afternoon, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida dismissed the lawsuit filed by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials. The lawsuit challenged legislative changes that stripped Disney of its control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, now the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), alleging that these changes were retaliatory and violated Disney's First Amendment rights. The court ruled that Disney lacked standing to sue the Governor and the Secretary of Florida’s Department of Commerce and dismissed Disney's claims against the CFTOD board members on the merits, stating that a facially constitutional statute cannot be challenged based on alleged unconstitutional motives of lawmakers.

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JoeCamelSep 04, 2024

Juicy

DCBakerSep 04, 2024

The CFTOD has added a Board of Supervisors meeting next Wednesday, September 11, at 7pm. Here's the published agenda:

V_L_RaptorAug 10, 2024

I'm sensing an opportunity for Super High Intensity Training, here.

flyakiteAug 09, 2024

I am not sure if this is relevant to anyone anymore. So if not, sorry for the bump.

cranbizJul 30, 2024

Don't forget eNPS.

pdude81Jul 30, 2024

Don't taze me, bro

Nubs70Jul 30, 2024

Ack!!!!! That one is the worst..... I see your NPS and taise you a SalesForce

Batman'sParentsJul 30, 2024

https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2024/07/29/disney-attorney-roy-payne-fishback-dominick.html?cx_testId=40&cx_testVariant=cx_11&cx_artPos=1#cxrecs_s or for those who can't see past the paywall: The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's supervisor board voted July 24 to bring on attorney Roy Payne as in-house counsel. Until now, the entity that governs Walt Disney World property in Orlando had Fishback Dominick law firm on retainer. Stephanie Kopelousos, district administrator since March, said the district needs someone who can provide consistent, on-site legal guidance, which external counsel cannot always offer. Board members echoed the sentiment that having an in-house counsel like Payne would ensure the district's legal needs are met more effectively. “When I came in, I thought it was important for our team to have someone here day to day,” she said. Before introducing Payne, Kopelousos said she had conducted a search with help from Craig Mateer, the most recent addition to the board. Payne, who until now was chief assistant city attorney for Orlando, got the job in part due to his 33 years as a lawyer for local government. "The district, as you know, is a very unique animal,” Payne said. “It's a special kind of organization ... The learning curve is a little more than I was expecting because things are done quite differently here than in your typical municipal corporation or county, but it's been refreshing to be a part of this." The district’s latest approach to legal counsel is not a reflection on the quality of services provided by Winter Park-based Fishback Dominick, said Vice Chair Charbel Barakat. Crediting attorneys Kurt Ardaman and Daniel Langley of Fishback — who attended the board meeting — for putting the puzzle pieces of the district in place, he said, "You all have helped us build policies and procedures that have made this a best-in-practice, best-in-breed government going forward. We're going to continue to build on that work and the foundation you all have built." The district's board members were appointed last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace the Reedy Creek Improvement District special government as part of a year-long feud between the governor and Disney. Board members said Ardaman and Langley will help transition the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District from outside special counsel to in-house general counsel, particularly concerning ethical and conflict-of-interest issues. Payne said he already has a prior relationship with Fishback Dominick, having worked with the firm on cases during his tenure with Orlando.

JoeCamelJul 30, 2024

Gee I haven't checked my Net Promoter Score lately.......

Nubs70Jul 30, 2024

While a little buzz wordyish.... KPI's are at least measurable.

Nubs70Jul 30, 2024

You either have one or have been victimized by one that does.

mktJul 30, 2024

Unfortunately, I am currently bandwidth-constrained and unable to allocate resources to this task. Let's touch base later to reassess priorities. Understood. We'll ensure our communication is both robust and paradigm-shifting to adhere to best practices and maintain a gold standard. Indeed, they're strategically right-sizing to optimize individual cast member potential, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency and maximizing ROI.