Posted on Feb 28, 2023
How (and why) Gov. Ron DeSantis took control over Disney World's special district
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https://www.npr.org/2023/02/28/ [login to see] /disney-world-desantis-special-district
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday to take control of municipal services and development for the special zone encompassing Walt Disney World. The move deals a major blow to the company's ability to operate with autonomy.
DeSantis says that the special district surrounding Disney World has enabled the park to unfairly skirt local rules and building codes.
But DeSantis' critics say the bill looks like retaliation for a growing feud between Disney and the governor, which hit a tipping point last year. DeSantis said Disney "crossed the line" by opposing an education bill that restricts classroom discussion around gender identity and sexual orientation.
Here's a rundown of the situation.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Monday to take control of municipal services and development for the special zone encompassing Walt Disney World. The move deals a major blow to the company's ability to operate with autonomy.
DeSantis says that the special district surrounding Disney World has enabled the park to unfairly skirt local rules and building codes.
But DeSantis' critics say the bill looks like retaliation for a growing feud between Disney and the governor, which hit a tipping point last year. DeSantis said Disney "crossed the line" by opposing an education bill that restricts classroom discussion around gender identity and sexual orientation.
Here's a rundown of the situation.
How (and why) Gov. Ron DeSantis took control over Disney World's special district
Posted from npr.orgPosted in these groups: 
State of FloridaWalt Disney World
State of FloridaWalt Disney World
Posted 1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."What does the bill mean for Disney?
The creation of the self-governing zone, known as Reedy Creek Improvement District, was instrumental to Disney's decision to build its theme park near Orlando in the 1960s, according to WMFE reporter Amy Green.
The zone sits on nearly 25,000 acres, sandwiched between Orange and Osceola counties. Once a remote and rural area, the Reedy Creek Improvement District received electricity, water, roads and police thanks to Disney's investments.
DeSantis' power is on full display as he pushes lawmakers on Disney and redistricting
According to a local tax collector, Disney has taxed itself roughly $53 million each year to pay off the debts from that development.
Disney did not immediately respond to NPR's request for comment, but the company has previously told media outlets that it wouldn't fight the government takeover.
What's behind the Disney-DeSantis feud?
Disney, which employs nearly 80,000 people in central Florida, wields great influence in the state.
The company donated to DeSantis during the 2020 election cycle. In 2021, the governor's staff reportedly worked with Disney to give it an exemption from a law designed to crack down on big tech companies."...
..."What does the bill mean for Disney?
The creation of the self-governing zone, known as Reedy Creek Improvement District, was instrumental to Disney's decision to build its theme park near Orlando in the 1960s, according to WMFE reporter Amy Green.
The zone sits on nearly 25,000 acres, sandwiched between Orange and Osceola counties. Once a remote and rural area, the Reedy Creek Improvement District received electricity, water, roads and police thanks to Disney's investments.
DeSantis' power is on full display as he pushes lawmakers on Disney and redistricting
According to a local tax collector, Disney has taxed itself roughly $53 million each year to pay off the debts from that development.
Disney did not immediately respond to NPR's request for comment, but the company has previously told media outlets that it wouldn't fight the government takeover.
What's behind the Disney-DeSantis feud?
Disney, which employs nearly 80,000 people in central Florida, wields great influence in the state.
The company donated to DeSantis during the 2020 election cycle. In 2021, the governor's staff reportedly worked with Disney to give it an exemption from a law designed to crack down on big tech companies."...
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Regardless of the reason for the bill, the fact that Disney was living a different set of rules than the rest of the state is wrong.
When Disney was designed and the deal was struck Florida was not the state it is now, it is now much more populated with a great deal of commerce. Why should any one Company enjoy their own rules while those outside the gate do not reap the benefit.
In fact there is very much a disparity between the two. Other than the Developments and timeshares, the locals live at the poverty line. So let’s be fare.
When Disney was designed and the deal was struck Florida was not the state it is now, it is now much more populated with a great deal of commerce. Why should any one Company enjoy their own rules while those outside the gate do not reap the benefit.
In fact there is very much a disparity between the two. Other than the Developments and timeshares, the locals live at the poverty line. So let’s be fare.
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