The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Is Suing Disney
In the latest chapter of what can only be described as a never-ending story, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has announced that it will be suing Disney in state court.
“I’d like to make a motion to authorize a state court lawsuit to be filed by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts USA, Inc.,” Martin Garcia, chairman of the board, announced.
Photo: Scott Gustin on Twitter
The Latest Chapter In The Dispute
The latest development comes on the heels of the news that Disney was suing Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida for infringing on their First Amendment rights.
Photo: Fox Business
According to Disney, the state took retaliatory action in stripping Walt Disney World of its self-governing power by dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Disney argues that the recent legislation passed by the State of Florida was a penalty for Disney speaking out against the state’s Parental Rights in Education Bill last year.
Photo: CNN
While Governor Ron DeSantis has called the suit meritless and political, legal experts believe Disney may have a case.
The Legality of Disney’s Reedy Creek Binding Agreements
The latest flair-up in the battle between Governor DeSantis and Disney began when the Central Florida Tourism Oversite District learned that in the waning days of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the special district entered into binding agreements with Disney that gave the company self-governing rights in perpetuity.
Photo Credit: https://www.worldofwalt.com/disney-private-government-disneys-reedy-creek-improvement-district.html
Following the revelation, the CFTOD was essentially powerless to govern or control what Disney did with their land.
Subsequently, on April 26, 2023, the CFTOD declared that the Reedy Creek and Disney agreements were void, as there were allegedly legal inconsistencies with the agreements.
Photo: The Business Journal
Heading To State Court
In his motion today, Garcia stated that the state court lawsuit will seek to “uphold and enforce the board’s April 26, 2023 legislative findings relating to the February 8, 2023 development agreement and declaration of restrictive covenants.”
Ron DeSantis
Essentially, this is largely just legal maneuvering by the CFTOD. The end result of the dispute will be settled in court. In fact, it is likely that the CFTOD lawsuit will be consolidated into Disney’s federal suit.
Photo: Greg Angel also Spectrum News 13
As always, be sure to check back in with MickeyBlog. We will continue to update you on all the news surrounding the former Reedy Creek Improvement District.
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