DeSantis signs new law putting state in control of Reedy Creek

Gov. Ron DeSantis today, Feb. 27, signed into law a bill that gives the state – specifically the governor – control of Walt Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.

The name of the district will change to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and now the Governor has the power to appoint all five members of the governing board. Members do face Senate confirmation.

Under the old law passed by the Legislature in 1967, the district’s landowners elected the board members. But since Disney owned almost all of the land in the district, it picked those who would be on the board.

The governor’s choices for the board include: Bridget Ziegler, a member of the Sarasota County School Board and a supporter of Moms for Liberty; Seminole County attorney Michael Sasso; attorney Martin Garcia of Tampa as chairman; Ron Peri, CEO of The Gathering USA, a ministry that focuses on faith and culture; and Clearwater attorney Brian Aungst.

According to the law, all members need to be Florida residents. People can not serve on the board if the peson within the past three years has worked for or been a contractor or subcontractor with a business entity that owns or operates a theme park or entertainment complex as defined by Florida Statues. 

The new district will have the same powers as the current district. The new bill wil not negate any deals or obligations already in effect. 

The entire process dealing with the Reedy Creek District has turned into political theater for DeSantis who has been using it to stoke his base.

After Disney came out against the  “Don’t Say Gay” law last year — stating “Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that.” — DeSantis fought back stating it was time to get rid of the Reedy Creek District in an attempt to get back at Disney.