As Disney’s ongoing political battle with Florida governor Ron DeSantis is starting to settle, it seems that changes will soon be made across Disney’s special district.
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream
Although we are still waiting for a ruling on an appeal that Disney filed at the federal level, the state-level case reached a settlement. As a refresher, this state court case (2023-CA-011818-O: CENTRAL FLORIDA TOURISM OVERSIGHT DISTRICT vs. WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS US INC) was brought by the district against Disney. It claimed that certain agreements Disney entered into with the old board were null and void. Disney later filed a countersuit against the CFTOD board, claiming that they willfully failed to search for and produce documents pertinent to the case. A settlement was reached in March that includes the dismissal of the documents case as well. Now that a settlement has been reached, it seems that DeSantis’s oversight board is considering upgrades near Disney World.
The Orlando Sentinel reported that the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board is considering allotting nearly $100 million toward a plan to upgrade bridges and roads near and around Disney World. The Board met to vote on Wednesday, May 22nd, and voted in favor of exploring issuing bonds in order to begin six different transportation projects before this fall.
©Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board Livestream
The Sentinel reported, “The project list includes the third phase of the World Drive North improvement plan, which involves the construction of 1.6 miles of four-lane road. Funds would also go to replace aging bridges, widen Western Way, resurface roads and improve interchanges.”
Welcome to Disney World!
“It’s great we are able to take a positive step,” said Charbel Barakat, acting chairman of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s Board of Supervisors.
This isn’t the only major step that has been taken as political tensions die down. It seems that Disney will soon resume political contributions in Florida for the first time since 2022 — when the battle with DeSantis first began.
Disney’s Princess Tiana is featured on the invitations to Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson’s fundraiser next month — indicating the return of Disney into Florida politics, in the form of in-kind donations.
Sourced via Orlando Sentinel
Thompson said that Disney provided them with theme park tickets, “in what’s known as an in-kind contribution.” This would mark the first financial contribution to a political campaign in over two years.
Magic Kingdom
Are these two major steps forward a sign that Disney’s battle with DeSantis is truly ending? DeSantis’s board making improvements near Disney World and Disney’s choice to step back into the political scene could be a great sign.
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What do you think of DeSantis’ board’s decision to vote for road upgrades?
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Remember when little Ronnie Mussolini said that the taxpayers wouldn’t have to pay for any district improvements when he and his Minions took over? Well I guess that was a lie.
As far as political contributions, I’m pretty sure Disney won’t donating any money to the Florida GOP and most likely only support the Dems.