Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to receive new powers over Disney in his continuous legal battle over the Reedy Creek Improvement District as state lawmakers voted to support the governor's efforts.
A fast-track bill that is expected to go straight to the Florida governor's desk by the end of the week would have the state take over the Reedy Creek Improvement District. It is the 55-year-old government body that has, in essence, given Disney control over the land around its Orlando-area theme parks.
Ron DeSantis vs. Disney
The district's current board comprises individuals with close ties to Disney and would be replaced by a five-member board that DeSantis picks himself under the proposed bill. The state House passed the measure with an 82-31 result, and the Senate of the state, led by the GOP, is expected to take up the bill in the next 36 hours.
If the measure makes it through the chamber, it will go to DeSantis' desk for final approval, a decision he is fully expected to make. In a news conference on Wednesday, the Florida governor said there is a "new sheriff in town," adding that that's just the way it will be, according to CNN.
On Thursday, Democrats warned that DeSantis could take advantage of his board picks over Disney executives if he once again goes head-to-head with the entertainment giant amid his continued fight against "wokeness," which is defined by the state of being aware, more specifically regarding social problems, including racism and inequality.
State Rep. Rita Harris pointed to Disney's recent changes to the Splash Mountain ride, where references to racist themes were removed. It was a move that sparked some conservative backlash. The ride will become Tiana's Bayou Adventure, celebrating the theme park's first Black princess.
The proposed bill to take over Reedy Creek is the latest development in the Florida governor's year-long legal battle with Disney regarding a bill that aims to restrict particular classroom instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity.
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Battle for Reedy Creek
Speaking to reporters in Ocala, the Florida governor said that Disney would soon be rid of the self-government. He added that the company would have to pay its fair share of taxes and is going to honor the debt, according to Fox Business.
The proposed bill prohibits any individual who had been employed or had signed a contract with a theme park or entertainment complex in the last three years, along with their relatives, from serving on the district's overhauled board of supervisors.
Furthermore, under the new bill, new restrictions would be placed on the district's autonomy, and it would no longer be able to adopt any codes that conflict with state regulations. However, critics of the move argued that the bill's board limitations would only allow those with expertise in the field.
The legal battle for Reedy Creek comes as it provides specific municipal services, which include power, water, and wastewater services. It is also known for services on roads, fire protection, emergency medical services, drainage, flood control, and solid waste and recyclable collection and disposal said the Tallahassee Democrat.
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