Ron DeSantis
As Disney Outmaneuvers DeSantis, Florida Gov. Calls for Investigation Over Special District
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling for an investigation into an agreement that transferred the powers of Disney’s now-dissolved special district back to the company before the state assumed control of the board. In a letter to state chief inspector general Melinda Miguel, DeSantis says that the deal suffers “serious legal infirmities” and questions whether […]
- By
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Board Outmaneuvered in Wrangling Over Disney Special District Control
A legal battle is brewing over an agreement that transferred the powers of Disney’s now-dissolved special district back to the company before Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis assumed control of the board. The 30-year deal includes approval to build another theme park and restrictions that bar the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s new board of supervisors […]
- By
Luke Bryan Defends Welcoming “Polarizing Figure” Ron DeSantis to the Stage at Florida Concert
Luke Bryan responded to a wave of criticism he’s received for warmly welcoming Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to his stage Friday night. The country star and American Idol judge brought out DeSantis in front of a Jacksonville, Florida, crowd, on a stop on his Raised Up Right Tour. In footage from the concert, DeSantis is […]
- By
Judge Dismisses Florida Taxpayers’ Lawsuit to Block Dissolution of Disney’s Special District
Florida taxpayers seeking to block the dissolution of Disney’s special self-governing tax district don’t have the right bring a lawsuit on behalf of the company for alleged violations of its free speech rights, a federal judge ruled. In a blunt five-page order rejecting jurisdiction, U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga found residents of a county adjacent […]
- By
Disney Copyrights Targeted in Bill Proposed by Sen. Josh Hawley
Disney, under siege by Republican lawmakers, may immediately lose its copyright for Mickey Mouse if a law slashing the duration of ownership is passed. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) on Tuesday proposed legislation that limits copyright protection to 56 years. According to the Copyright Clause Restoration Act of 2022, the law would retroactively apply to existing […]
- By
Florida Taxpayers Sue Gov. Ron DeSantis for Eliminating Disney’s Special District
Taxpayers of a county adjacent to Disney’s theme park area have joined the battle of Reedy Creek, claiming that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis violated their rights when he signed a law dissolving the special tax district. In a complaint seeking to block the law filed Tuesday in Florida federal court, residents who live near Disney […]
- By
John Oliver Rips Florida Governor Over Elimination of Disney’s Special District: “He Didn’t Really Think This Through”
John Oliver isn’t necessarily upset that Disney will have to pay more taxes, but he’s got a big problem with the reason behind why Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis eliminated the company’s special privileges of self-government. Last month, DeSantis made the move against Disney, backed by Florida Republicans, as retaliation for Disney’s opposition to state’s so-called […]
- By
Disney’s Special District Says Florida Can’t Eliminate It Without Paying Off Billion-Plus in Debts
Disney’s self-governing special district is arguing that Florida’s move to eliminate its authority over its sprawling theme park area isn’t legal unless its bond debt is paid off. In a statement to investors, the Reedy Creek Improvement District claimed that dissolving the special tax district would violate a pledge by Florida to bondholders. Under the […]
- By
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Eliminates Disney’s Special District
The battle of Reedy Creek culminated Friday with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis stripping Disney of special privileges of self-government. The outcome caps off a retaliatory move by Florida Republicans for Disney’s opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law and what’s widely considered a distraction from the redrawing of congressional maps that will eliminate two […]
- By
Florida Lawmakers Pass Bill Aimed at Eliminating Disney’s Special District
The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill aimed at stripping Disney of special privileges of self-government it has held for over 55 years, allowing it to independently oversee its theme park area. The Republican-led House is expected to approve the measure, which would go into effect June 1, 2023. Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled […]
- By