Posted on 03/30/2023 7:03:32 AM PDT by Coronal
LAKE BUENA VISTA — Gov. Ron DeSantis’ handpicked board overseeing Disney World’s government services is gearing up for a potential legal battle over a 30-year development agreement they say effectively renders them powerless to manage the entertainment giant’s future growth in Central Florida.
Ahead of an expected state takeover, the Walt Disney Co. quietly pushed through the pact and restrictive covenants that would tie the hands of future board members for decades, according to a legal presentation by the district’s lawyers on Wednesday.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s new Board of Supervisors voted to bring in outside legal firepower to examine the agreement, including a conservative Washington, D.C., law firm that has defended several of DeSantis’ culture war priorities.
“We’re going to have to deal with it and correct it,” board member Brian Aungst Jr. said. “It’s a subversion of the will of the voters and the Legislature and the governor. It completely circumvents the authority of this board to govern.”
Disney defended its actions.
“All agreements signed between Disney and the district were appropriate and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine law,” an unsigned company statement read.
(Excerpt) Read more at orlandosentinel.com ...
Disney is fighting a losing battle. There will be plenty of ways the State can hurt them. They will lose in Florida courts too. Florida’s Supreme court is heavily conservative.
Disney knows not to interject itself in Florida law (that their attempt will be punished) again. So, this victory at best is a Pyrrhic One. Disney is laying off thousands today so I don’t think they are looking for more conflict.
And a toll booth. Or several
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