Tension between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney World escalated this week after Mr. DeSantis’s appointees to the board that oversees Disney World’s governing district moved to block perks for district employees that have cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
The DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District filed a complaint to the state’s inspector general saying that the previous Disney oversight board, then Reedy Creek Improvement District, for decades gave employees millions of dollars in season passes and discounts on hotels, merchandise, food and beverages.
Last March, Mr. DeSantis took over Disney’s self-governing district following the company’s public opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law which banned lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in the early grades. Through legislation, Mr. DeSantis took control and appointed the new board to oversee the Disney district.The DeSantis-appointed board is now moving to end the district employee perks.
The actions were self-enriching, the Oversight District board said, because the Reedy Creek board members were only allowed a maximum of $100 per month in compensation. The Oversight District set plans in motion to eliminate the benefits. Board-appointed district Administrator Glen Gilzean, who was brought in last May, recently faced his own ethical dilemma. Mr. Gilzean also served as the chair of the Florida Commission on Ethics, and had to step down from his position as chairman Tuesday to keep his job at Disney.
Disney and the DeSantis administration have been suing each other since the government moved to end the district’s independent status.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Free Disney World passes is latest front in war between Disney and DeSantis appointeesGov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees to a board that oversees Disney World’s governing district have launched a battle against the company on a new front — free passes and discounts for employees.
Read more »
Free Disney World passes is latest front in war between Disney and DeSantis appointeesGov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees to a board that oversees Disney World’s governing district have launched a battle against the company on a new front — free passes and discounts for employees.
Read more »
Free Disney World passes is latest front in war between Disney and DeSantis appointeesGov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees to a board that oversees Disney World’s governing district have launched a battle against the company on a new front — free passes and discounts for employees.
Read more »
Free Disney World passes is latest front in war between Disney, DeSantis appointeesAlready involved in two lawsuits with Disney, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees to a board that oversees Disney World’s governing district on Monday launched a battle against the company on a new front - free passes and discounts for district employees.
Read more »
DeSantis' appointees attack Disney over local employee perks and discountsAllies of Ron DeSantis have fired another shot at the Walt Disney Company amid the Florida governor’s long-standing rivalry with the media company.
Read more »
Ron DeSantis escalates Disney war by going after employee benefitsRon DeSantis has been locked in conflict with Disney since the company opposed his move to restrict LGBTQ+ education in Florida.
Read more »