FLA. GOVERNOR TAKES OVER DISNEY DISTRICT
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill that gives him control of Walt Disney World’s self-governing district, punishing the company over its opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law.
The bill requires DeSantis, a Republican, to appoint a five-member board to oversee the government services that the Disney district provides in its sprawling theme park properties in Florida.
“Today the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end,” he said at a bill signing ceremony in Lake Buena Vista. “There’s a new sheriff in town, and accountability will be the order of the day.”
The takeover of the Disney district began last year when the entertainment giant, facing intense pressure, publicly opposed the law that bars instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade and lessons deemed not age-appropriate.
DeSantis moved quickly to penalize the company, directing lawmakers in the Republican-dominated Legislature to dissolve Disney’s self-governing district during a special legislative session, beginning a closely watched restructuring process.
DeSantis and other Republican critics of Disney slammed the company for coming out against the education law, calling it a purveyor of a “woke” ideology that injects inappropriate subjects into children’s entertainment.
This month, the governor called on lawmakers to return to the Capitol for another special session to finalize state control of the district, as well as approve legislation around some of his other key legislative priorities on immigration and voter fraud.
In taking on Disney, DeSantis wielded the power of state government to accomplish political goals, a strategy that is expected to continue ahead of his potential White House run.
The feud also reinforced the governor’s willingness to penalize a massive employer, tourism driver and political donor in the state over the company’s stance on a piece of legislative policy.
DeSantis has moved in recent weeks to expand his political network through fundraisers and meetings with donors, elected officials and conservative influencers, adding to the speculation around his larger political aspirations.
The new law changes the district’s name from the Reedy Creek Improvement District to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and subjects it to various layers of state oversight.
Board members were previously named through entities controlled by Disney.