Disney Subpoenas Former Reedy Creek Administrator John Classe
As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company continue their First Amendment battle in federal court, Disney and the governor-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District are squaring off before a state judge.
Reedy Creek
The CFTOD sued Disney in Florida state court over binding agreements that the company made with the former Reedy Creek Improvement District in the waning days of the special district’s existence.
The last-minute contracts essentially gave Disney autonomy over its Central Florida land in perpetuity, severely hampering the CFTOD’s ability to govern.
The CFTOD Sues Disney
In their suit, the CFTOD argues that the Disney-Reedy Creek agreements should be voided. Disney and Reedy Creek, they argue, did not go through the proper procedures to make the contracts legal.
Photo: CFTOD
Subsequently, the Florida State Legislature passed a law nullifying the contracts.
Disney Subpoenas Classe
In the state court’s latest filings, Disney attorneys revealed that they have subpoenaed John Classe, the former administrator of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Photo: The Business Journal
Classe, a longtime Disney ally, was in charge of Reedy Creek until the district was taken over by the CFTOD. At that time, Classe was replaced by DeSantis ally, Glen Gilzean.
Ron DeSantis and Glen Gilzean. Photo: Also Central Florida Urban League
Among the records that Disney attorneys are seeking from Classe, are documents used to adopt the Disney-Reedy Creek contracts, documents that support the district’s authority to enter the contracts, and information about the agreements that were publicized.
Why It Matters
The latter category will be especially important, as the CFTOD has long argued that the agreements were invalid as they were not properly publicized.
The Reedy Creek Improvement District. Photo: Also Fox Business
In their countersuit against the CFTOD, Disney is asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable. The latest subpoena could go a long way to helping them make their case.
Ron DeSantis. Photo: AlsoThe Wall Street Journal
As always, continue to check back with MickeyBlog. We will bring you updates on all the news coming out of the ongoing battle between Ron DeSantis and Disney.
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