Disney on Wednesday surrendered its long-running legal battle against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, handing Republicans a victory in a high-stakes battle over a $17 billion development planned for the company’s theme park near Orlando. Ta.
The Mouse House agreed to a settlement relinquishing its autonomy to the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was disbanded in 2022 after DeSantis opposed the “Don’t Say I’m Gay” bill. Disney controlled the special tax district for decades.
As part of the agreement, Bob Iger’s Disney will drop a public records access lawsuit it filed against DeSantis as the two sides try to reach an agreement on a new development deal for Walt Disney World. They also agreed to postpone briefings on the federal lawsuit. Among other things.
“This agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter in our constructive engagement with the District’s new leadership,” said Walt Disney World President Jeff Wahr.
DeSantis took a victory lap after the surprising turn of events, saying the settlement with one of Florida’s largest employers “vindicated” his administration after a two-year feud.
“A year ago, people were trying to act like all these legal maneuvers were all going to be successful, but the reality a year later is that none of them were successful,” DeSantis told reporters in Orlando. No,” he said.
“Every action we have taken has been fully supported and has made our state better.”
But Disney could also claim a victory of sorts after Mr. DeSantis agreed to appoint a new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board member seen as sympathetic to the company.
The district has faced an exodus of experienced staff since last year’s change in government, with exit polls showing many complaining that the governing structure has become more politicized since the change in government.
Just this month, District Administrator Glenn Gilzean left the district with half of his $400,000 salary to become county election administrator, and DeSantis-appointed District Board Chair Martin Garcia He also resigned the following week.
DeSantis on Tuesday appointed Orlando businessman Craig Mattia to the board in his place, and the board on Wednesday approved the appointment of former DeSantis adviser Stephanie Kopelasos as the district’s new administrator.
Mattia, a donor to DeSantis’ campaign, was previously appointed by the governor to the board that oversees the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and the state university system.
Koperousos was DeSantis’ legislative director.
She also served as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation under then-Florida Governor Charlie Crist and is a former Northeast Florida county manager.
Richard Foglesong, a professor emeritus at Rollins College, said Garcia has been a vocal critic of Disney, and Disney has come to an agreement with the board to replace Mattia, a well-known figure in Orlando tourism and business circles. He said that there may have been enough leeway to reach . The definitive book on Walt Disney World governance.
Board member Charbel Barakat said the board looked forward to taking a more collaborative approach with the entertainment giant.
“We are enthusiastic about working with Disney,” Barakat said after the settlement was approved.
