You Won't Believe Why DeSantis Really Wants Disney Gone

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Disney’s decades-long deal with the Sunshine State is about to end soon.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said he would request state officials to exert control over special local government powers once held by Disney World. He also went after Disney last year for disagreeing with one of his statements around the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

Don't disagree with DeSantis

In a notice posted on a county government website in Florida, state lawmakers will be asked to vote during the upcoming legislative session on expanding state oversight of the taxing district that's currently under Disney World's governance.

After castrating Disney World for opposing legislation that limits how educators may discuss LGBTQ topics in the classroom, DeSantis signed a bill last year that eliminated the Reedy Creek Improvement District altogether.

Disney was permitted by the district to function as a quasi-governmental organization, constructing infrastructure, creating opportunities, and obtaining taxes.

Serious economic implications

Experts cautioned that abandoning the agreement would have serious economic repercussions.

The dispute over this special district has attracted national headlines as it is widely seen as a proxy war between Disney and DeSantis after the company’s candid objections to the controversial Parental Rights in Education Act or commonly known as the “Don’t Say Gay" bill.

Disney has objected to the legislation preventing gender-related topics from being taught to pupils. DeSantis turned it into a culture-war issue, calling the company “woke” and alleging it had “crossed the line” for voicing its opinion about anything political.

Beyond the economy, DeSantis has jeopardized all future relationships between the government and the private sector. Why would any company trust the Florida government when they can take a U-turn on a whim, costing a company hundreds of millions?

The special improvement district

Disney is yet to issue its statement regarding the matter.

Reedy Creek was created 50 years ago at the request of Walt Disney, who envisioned building a “city of tomorrow” in Florida. The company had been building and developing the jurisdiction, bringing tourists, opportunity, and infrastructure to anyone living in Florida.

Disney's big sin was saying anything that displaces Ron DeSantis. And Florida taxpayers will have to pay for it once again.

What do you think about DeSantis's measures against Disney?

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