Ron DeSantis orders an investigation into Disney’s move to retain expanded control over Florida theme park ownership

Gov. Ron DeSantis, seeking to gain the upper hand in his battle with The Walt Disney Co., ordered an investigation Monday into the company’s plan to retain comprehensive control of the sprawling Florida theme park.

DeSantis asked the state’s inspector general to investigate whether the Disney-controlled board of the Reedy Creek Improvement District met “civil, criminal and ethical requirements” by entering into a long-term development agreement with the company before it the state legislature be reviewed.

“These secret and automatic agreements are designed to overturn recently passed legislation, undermine Florida’s legislative process and defy the will of Floridians,” DeSantis wrote in a letter to Superintendent General Melinda Miguel.

Disney has said little this year as DeSantis, angered by the company’s opposition last year to a parental rights bill that opponents called a “don’t say gay” law, pushed for a legislative effort to get the company power to control taking over the Reedy. Creek. Neighborhood. It is the self-governing entity established in 1967 that essentially allows the company to control the development, infrastructure and debt financing on its property.

After the state passed legislation and signed DeSantis into law, it quickly installed a new five-member board in the county, renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board. “There’s a new sheriff in town,” said DeSantis, who is expected to become president in 2024.

But last week, new board members said at a public meeting that they found the previous board’s development agreement with Disney prevented them from doing anything “besides maintaining the roads and basic infrastructure,” according to Ron Peri, one of the new councilors of the district. said the Orlando Sentinel.

Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company released a statement last week saying, “All agreements signed between Disney and the District were reasonable and were discussed and approved in open, well-known public forums in accordance with the Florida government.”

Disney also holds its annual shareholder meeting on Monday. In a pre-recorded video kicking off the event, CEO Bob Iger said, “We’re so proud of our heritage here in Central Florida,” which appeared to be an indirect reference to the battle with DeSantis. The company is promoting ride expansions and a new Tron ride.

DeSantis also called for an investigation into whether the former Reedy Creek board was qualified for their positions, the involvement of Disney employees in their actions, and any financial gains by Walt Disney World, among other things. The governor’s office also said additional legislative options are possible.