Reedy Creek Firefighters Lash Out At CFTOD Over Disney Benefits
Reedy Creek firefighters are lashing out at the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s (CFTOD) decision to discontinue Walt Disney World-related benefits.
The latest row began when the CFTOD referred Disney-related spending by the former Reedy Creek board to the Florida Inspector General.


Photo: CFTOD
“For Decades, the former Disney-run RCID used taxpayer funds to provide season passes and amusement experiences to its employees and their family members, cover the cost of discounts on hotels, merchandise, food, and beverages, and give its own board members VIP Main Entrance passes. In 2022, alone it cost taxpayers over $2.5 million,” the CFTOD initially wrote.
“In addition to constituting unethical benefits and perks, the scheme raises significant questions regarding self-dealing as the board members were only permitted a maximum of $100 per month in compensation per the Reedy Creek Improvement District Act.”


Photo: Fox Business
The “Government Handouts” Were Really Employee Benefits
As it turns out, the Reedy Creek “government handouts” were in fact benefits paid to employees of the special district. A fact that the CFTOD recognized internally.
When announcing that they would be ending the “Annual Pass perks program,” however, the DeSantis-appointed board attempted to frame the change as an improvement.


Photo: Greg Angel/Spectrum News 13
“We sought out alternatives for current employees to maximize and retain their benefits in ways that are constructive. In the proposed FY 2024 budget, [we] have incorporated funding for a new stipend program that allows for individualized flexibility rather than underserving employees with a one-size-fits-all approach. The budget is subject to the Board of Supervisors’ approval.”
As it turns out, district employees, including Reedy Creek firefighters, are understandably upset about the changes to their benefits.


Photo: Central Florida Urban League
Firefighters Speak Out
At a district meeting, Pete Simon, a Reedy Creek firefighter made a powerful statement that not only lambasted the change but also criticized the CFTOD’s administration as a whole.
“When the district changed hands last year, we were told that our jobs and our benefits were safe…and we welcomed that change,” Simon stated, referencing the change in administration from Reedy Creek to the CFTOD.


Photo Credit: Facebook – Reedy Creek Fire and Rescue Department Emergency Medical Services
Simon then explained that the firefighters initially welcomed the new DeSantis-appointed board, as their union had been “stonewalled” by Reedy Creek. However, Simon continued, things have not gone well.
“All we’ve seen and heard are cuts. cuts to budget, cuts to possible staffing, cuts to patience, and now cuts to benefits.”
Pete Simon, a Reedy Creek firefighter, made a powerful statement during today’s CFTOD meeting about the impact of removing generational benefits for families.
“This week marks the first brick being pulled in the dismantling of the district … my only question is, what’s next?” pic.twitter.com/bzt8tW5fc8
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 23, 2023
The Benefits Cuts Affect Current Employees and Retirees
In his statement today, Simon spoke up for CFTOD employees who had relied on the Disney benefits, including those who had already retired.
“This benefit is intangible and generational. We have retirees, some of them here today, that work their entire careers in order to earn this benefit,” he said, before sharing his hopes that he would one day take his grandkids and great-grandkids to the parks.
By alienating the Reedy Creek firefighters, the CFTOD finds itself on the outs with its biggest demographic of supporters.
Already embroiled in multiple legal battles with Disney, the district can ill-afford further tension with its employees.
For the sake of the Reedy Creek employees who have come to rely on their Disney-related benefits, the CFTOD needs to change course.
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