Florida lawmakers on Monday introduced a special county government bill designed to keep the Walt Disney Co. around much of the area surrounding Walt Disney World itself.
The bill, which is expected to be discussed during a special session of the state legislature this month, would allow Gov. Ron DeSantis to appoint the district’s five board members. The legislation would also rename the Reedy Creek Improvement District as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
The bill also requires the district to continue paying off outstanding debt and retain taxing powers. Board members will be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. bill also prohibits employees of theme parks or other affiliated companies from serving on the board.
The neighborhood originated in the 1960s when Disney prepared to build his theme park on the property. But last year, DeSantis led efforts to dissolve the special district after The Walt Disney Co. spoke out against his parental rights laws, known as the Don’t Say Gay Act. Democrats criticized the governor for retaliating against the company, while officials in surrounding counties expressed concern that they were leaving about $1 billion in debt in the Reedy Creek district.
The governor’s staff said additional legislation would address concerns ahead of the district’s scheduled dissolution in June. According to the bill, that will not happen, but the district will operate under a new name and leadership.
Source: Deadline
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