Florida Senator who Authorized WDW Passes Away
Former Florida senator Clifford Reuter III greenlighted a great many projects during his tenure as a member of the state legislature. Most notably and decades ago, Reuter approved the construction of a new theme park in the Orlando area: Walt Disney World. Reuter passed away this week late last month at the age of 93.
Serving from 1966 to 1971 as the senator for District 30, Reuter approved key projects in the Sunshine State, including the construction of State Road 528 Beeline Causeway and the development of the Aquaculture Farming Industry.
Born in Massachusets, the eclectic Reuter held a passion for people and “to seek ways to servce and support others throughout his life,” according to his obituary. It’s no wonder why he found such purpose in Walt Disney’s hopes for his second resort venture.
An avid baker, Reuter also served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a private. During his tenure in politics, Reuter began his work as part of the Republican party before later switching to the Democratic party.
Reuter’s work on voting for the creation of Walt Disney World came not too long after his arrival in Florida. The New England-native arrived in Miami in 1959, and construction of the Walt Disney World Resort officially began in May of 1967.
Walt Disney, along with his brother Roy, began quietly purchasing parcels of land for the resort in 1964. They used aliases and fake company names to buy the swamp land without suspicions being raised about who was purchasing the land and for what reason.
Family and friends gathered earlier this week in Tennessee to celebrate Mr. Reuter’s legacy and lifelong service to his country and fellow citizens.