Central Florida Tourism Oversight District parts ways with special advisor and former Reedy Creek administrator John Classe

Jul 31, 2023 in "Reedy Creek Improvement District"

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Reedy Creek Improvement District overview

Posted: Monday July 31, 2023 6:35pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Orlando Sentinel reports that former Reedy Creek Improvement District administrator John Classe has parted ways with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Reedy Creek Improvement District overview

Classe, appointed by Reedy Creek Improvement District, was asked by the board of the CFTOD in early May 2023 to remain as a special advisor through May 2024 to aid in the transition of his role to the new district administrator Glen Gilzean.

In a statement from the CFTOD to the Sentinel, a spokesman said, "Mr. Classe was offered a consulting contract to assist with the transition to the new leadership. That transition is now complete. The district thanks him for his service."

Notably, Classe's contract with the new district prohibited him from working for Disney and required him to assist the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District in its legal battle with Disney.

Classe was recently removed from Disney's federal lawsuit against the CTFOD board and Ron DeSantis, with new administrator Glen Gilzean added to the lawsuit in his place.

It isn't clear if Classe or the district terminated the special advisor contract.

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JoeCamel15 days ago

Juicy

DCBaker15 days ago

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.

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Nubs70Jul 30, 2024

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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.

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Nubs70Jul 30, 2024

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