News & Views

Judge tosses Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. DeSantis, alleging political retaliation

The judge said the disputed laws do not mention Disney and that their effects would go beyond Disney.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida February 1, 2024September 21, 2024

The judge said the disputed laws do not mention Disney and that their effects would go beyond Disney.

News & Views

Orange County lawmakers back proposal to restore Disney’s control of special district

“This bill is to go back, repeal what is there and start over,” Stewart said.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida January 8, 2024December 3, 2024

News & Views

Firefighters who supported DeSantis takeover of Disney’s special district now upset after losing free park passes

The firefighters said Wednesday that the park-related benefits were long viewed as an incentive to work for Reedy Creek.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida August 23, 2023July 2, 2025

News & Views

DeSantis-appointed Disney chief can’t hold both posts, ethics lawyer says

Commission lawyer Steve Zuilkowski wrote it would be “inconsistent” with state law for Gilzean to maintain his position.

by News Service of Florida August 18, 2023August 23, 2023

News & Views

DeSantis-backed board overseeing Disney World looks to cut ‘wasteful spending,’ including overtime pay for cops

The district will hold budget hearings in September to finalize a spending plan and tax rate.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida July 27, 2023October 29, 2023

News & Views

Florida Gov. DeSantis’ Disney board adopts new whistleblower rules

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board this year replaced the former Reedy Creek Improvement District board.

by News Service of Florida June 22, 2023January 29, 2025

News & Views

Gov. DeSantis signs bill allowing Florida board to cancel Disney deals

The feud stems from Disney opposing a 2022 law that restricts instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in schools.

by News Service of Florida May 5, 2023March 18, 2025

News & Views

Florida Gov. DeSantis threatens to build state prison next to Disney World

During an April 3 shareholders’ meeting, Disney CEO Bob Iger criticized DeSantis’ actions as “anti-business and anti-Florida.”

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida April 18, 2023August 3, 2023

News & Views

Under new proposal, Disney’s Reedy Creek would be renamed and DeSantis will handpick the board

Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, called the measure a “power grab” by DeSantis.

by Jim Saunders and News Service of Florida February 6, 2023July 11, 2024

News & Views

Florida lawmakers move to take more control of Disney’s ‘Reedy Creek’ district

Disney angered DeSantis last year by publicly opposing a law that restricts instruction about gender identity and sexual orientation in schools.

by Jim Turner and News Service of Florida January 6, 2023August 3, 2023

News & Views

Disney CEO says company ‘stood our ground’ against attacks from Florida Gov. DeSantis

He also said that while the company can be a “lightning rod for clicks and for political podium speeches.”

by Dara Kam and News Service of Florida September 15, 2022December 1, 2023

News & Views

Florida Gov. DeSantis says state will takeover Disney’s self-governing district

Lawmakers last month, at DeSantis’ request, voted to dissolve Reedy Creek as of June 2023.

by News Service of Florida May 16, 2022August 3, 2023

News & Views

Now that Florida Gov. DeSantis signed Disney bill, who assumes the debt?

“We’re going to take care of all that. Don’t worry. We have everything thought out.”

by Dara Kam and News Service of Florida April 25, 2022August 3, 2023