Disney Sues the DeSantis-Appointed CFTOD Over Information Withholding
In the latest chapter in the ongoing feud between The Walt Disney Company and Ron DeSantis, Disney is suing the DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) for failing to preserve and turn over public records in violation of Florida law.
In their latest suit, Disney claims that the CFTOD has failed to respond to a public record request that they submitted on May 11.
Disney Is Asking For an Immediate Hearing
Disney is asking an Orange County circuit court judge to set an “immediate” hearing and declare that the CFTOD is withholding public records. The district, Disney says, should immediately turn over all the outstanding requested records.
“On the public records front, this has led to delays, inadequate preservation, storage and production of public records, and improper and unsupported claims of privilege and exemption from disclosure, in violation of the Florida Constitution and (Florida’s Public Record Act),” the lawsuit states.
Disney Says the CFTOD Is Negligent
The lawsuit alleges that district employees and board members use personal electronic devices and email and messaging accounts for government business. The employees did so, without adequate processes to ensure the records were preserved.
According to Disney, CFTOD relies on board members and employees to “self-select text messages or emails responsive to public record requests on their own, without technical instruction from the District or any effort to verify compliance.”
Additionally, Disney alleges that the CFTOD failed to preserve data from the personal devices of departing employees.
A CFTOD spokesperson did not immediately respond to the lawsuit. The ball is now in the circuit court’s hands.
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