Disney sues Ron DeSantis at war over Reedy Creek

Disney has sued Ron DeSantis and the Florida Tourism Oversight Board for taking away their control of Reedy Creek.

The company hit back at the war over the district by accusing the Republican of “weaponizing” his power to impose political punishment.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court after the DeSantis-appointed board voted to nullify a deal Disney was trying to close in the final days before being stripped of power after lawyers for the new board argued the deal was illegal. explain.

In the filing, business executives accused DeSantis and Florida of a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” in the strife sparked by Disney criticizing the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District spans nearly 40 square miles and includes the entire Walt Disney World Resort. Area is renamed the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and includes a new DeSantis-appointed five-member board

The Reedy Creek Special Tax District is home to Disney World, employs 75,000 people and attracts 50 million visitors annually.

It has been effectively autonomous since 1967 and Disney has had control over properties and decisions in the district.

“For more than half a century, Disney has had an immeasurable impact on Florida and its economy, making Central Florida one of the world’s top tourist destinations and drawing tens of millions of visitors to the state each year,” the lawsuit reads.

“People and families from all corners of the world have traveled to Walt Disney World for the unparalleled guest experience it provides and the deep emotional connection generations of fans have had with Disney’s timeless stories and characters,” it continues.

“A targeted campaign of government retaliation — orchestrated every step of the way by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech — now threatens Disney’s business operations, jeopardizes its economic future in the region and violates its constitutional rights.”