Disney and Governor DeSantis-Backed Board Reach Agreement in Lawsuit
Debarylife – A settlement on the ownership of the special governing district that includes the Walt Disney World Resort was reached on Wednesday between Disney and a Central Florida tourism board supported by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
A legal struggle that has lasted over two years will now come to an end after members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District accepted the deal.
According to a statement from Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ director of communications, “We are glad that Disney has dropped its lawsuits against the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and conceded that their last-minute development agreements are null, void, and unenforceable.”
No company ought to run its government. We’re prepared to collaborate with Disney and the District going forward to support Central Florida’s economic development, family-friendly travel, and transparent governance.”
This conflict started when the DeSantis administration revoked the special tax district under Disney’s control that granted the entertainment giant control over its theme parks in the state due to Disney’s criticism of Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, which opponents dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
According to a statement from Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle to FOX Business, “We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court in Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.”
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“This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the State,” said Vahle.
A lawsuit was filed last year to nullify an agreement to invalidate “backroom deals” that were made by the Reedy Creek board before its termination and replacement, which favored Disney. The board was appointed by DeSantis to the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which took the place of the Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Legally, the incoming board claimed that the Disney agreement was a one-sided bargain that the departing board had approved.
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Vice chairman of the board Charbel Barakat told FOX Business in a statement, “The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District was created to bring public accountability and transparency to one of Florida’s most important destinations.”
“Looking forward to what lies ahead, we’re proud of the historic work the District has completed. We look forward to working with Disney and other Central Florida businesses to establish our destination as a premier destination with responsible governance through this partnership.”