Disney World Board Transferred Powers to Disney Before DeSantis Took Control
AllSides Summary
Florida lawmakers are considering legal action against Disney after it was revealed that the board overseeing the tax district containing Disney World transferred powers to the Disney corporation shortly before it was reformed by Governor Ron DeSantis (R).
Details: In February, DeSantis signed a bill ending Disney’s semi-self-governing status over the tax district after the company publicly opposed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act. After taking control of the board, DeSantis appointed his own members to oversee the district. On Wednesday, news broke that shortly before this takeover occurred, the Disney-controlled board transferred powers to the Disney corporation in a development agreement, stripping away some of its authority before being taken over by the state government.
Key Quotes: DeSantis-appointed board member Brian Aungst stated, “we’re going to have to deal with it and correct it. It’s a subversion of the will of the voters and the Legislature and the governor. It completely circumvents the authority of this board to govern.” A statement from Disney defended the action, stating, “all agreements signed between Disney and the District were appropriate, and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine law.”
How The Media Covered It: Outlets across the spectrum covered the development. Left- and center rated outlets frequently framed the drama around rumors DeSantis is planning a 2024 presidential run. CNN described the drama as “central to DeSantis’ political narrative of a leader who is unafraid to battle corporate giants.”
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Center
Disney checkmates Ron DeSantis with a King Charles clause
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Disney used a legal clause that name checks King Charles III to apparently thwart Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ attempt to strip the company of its self-governance power in the state.
For nearly a year, state legislators, encouraged by DeSantis, have sought to exert more control over the company’s Florida-based theme parks by passing a bill that would dissolve Disney’s special tax district. DeSantis also wanted to rename the area the Central Florida Tourism Oversight...
From the Right
War over the corporate kingdom: DeSantis' new board spars for control with Disney
A board appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to run a district overseeing Disney World looks to be headed for a legal fight with the corporate giant.
In the hours before the Florida House of Representatives approved a state takeover, the board — still under control of company appointees — transferred many duties of the special district over to Disney's control.
"The Executive Office of the Governor is aware of Disney's last-ditch efforts to execute contracts just before ratifying the new law that transfers rights and authorities from the former Reedy...
From the Left
Disney quietly took power from DeSantis’ new board before state takeover
The battle between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis may not be over yet.
The new board handpicked by the Republican governor to oversee Disney’s special taxing district said Wednesday it is considering legal action over a multi-decade agreement reached between the entertainment giant and the outgoing board in the days before the state’s hostile takeover last month.
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