You Won't Believe What Disney Lost From Conflict with DeSantis

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This week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared victory in his ongoing battle against Disney, Florida's largest employer.

"Today, the corporate kingdom finally comes to an end," DeSantis said.

He was alluding to the theme park's long-standing system of self-governance, which was established over 50 years ago that helped bring the entertainment giant to Florida and became the most prominent private employment in the state.

The Reedy Creek Improvement District, which served as Walt Disney World and other parks' own municipal government, is now under the control of the state of Florida.

The new legislation provides that the district, previously known as Reedy Creek, now goes by a new name. DeSantis will appoint a new board and effectively take control of the district. Under the prior arrangement, Disney governed the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

What did Disney lose in its conflict with DeSantis?

Although the new law makes some substantial modifications, the most significant is repealing a former mandate that would have led to the district's complete dissolution.

The statute does alter who is in charge of the state's administration of Disney's kingdom.

Under the new law, the Central Florida Tourist Oversight District replaced the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The bill also eliminated certain periphery privileges, like banning Disney from building an airport.

But in other areas, at least for the time being, experts say, things are essentially business as usual. There are still many of the fundamental rights that gave Reedy Creek its distinctive character, such as the power to issue bonds.

The most significant change is DeSantis showing Disney and all left-leaning companies who is the sheriff in Florida. He sent a message that he would not tolerate companies disagreeing with him in the public forum. You're either with DeSantis or against him.

What do you think about DeSantis focusing so much of his efforts on Disney?

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