DeSantis has his own issues with the Disney special district situation. Disney currently has over a billion dollars in municipal bonds out there, and if the district was fully dissolved that debt would revert back to Orange county. It’s estimated that the counties property tax bills would go up 25% or more overnight. Additionally, Orange county would be responsible for all the municipal services that Disney now provides such as fire/EMT’S, 911, building inspections, fire marshal, sanitary inspections, etc. That would push up Orange counties debt even further. Look to see Disney and Florida quietly and unobtrusively hammer out a deal to let WDW to retain some portion of their autonomy in exchange for some concessions on particular issues. I’m a follower of the parks and the hue and cry for Chapek’s head began when he botched this situation. Iger in many ways is no less woke than Chapek, but he’s much more diplomatic and intelligent. Chapek at the time of his departure was almost universally reviled by parks customers and Dis employees alike.
CC
The increase in property tax would be paid by Disney, they don’t get those services for free…..
There are plenty of private properties that are not special exemption areas that provide their own security, emt services, and fire protection.....
. every refinery in the country has their own of each of these services, and none have special tax exemptions....
. why should any of the Disney properties be treated differently?
You're leaving out the part where Orange County would have the right to TAX Disney' property... Cities don't provide services for free ... you know, right?
When Walt moved to Orange County - buying land - pretending to be a 'Gas Company' the quality of their construction was so far above Southern Standard Building Code there was no reason to do inspections. When Walt was in charge that's how it was up and down the park: superior - way above minimum standards on everything.
It's different now that groomers are running the place. God only knows what short cuts they'll take to kick up profits. It's time for Disney to be treated like the scummy lowlife company they are. Walt's been dead for a long time... it's time to get real.