On Feb. 9, the Florida State House of Representatives approved a bill that will give Governor Ron DeSantis full authority over Orlando’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.
“There’s a new sheriff in town,” said DeSantis in an interview with FOX 13. “That’s just the way it’s going to be.”
Reedy Creek is a unique aspect of Central Florida’s governmental landscape. For over half a century, the Disney corporation has had independent power over the property containing its theme parks. Located about half an hour away from campus, the area spans a total of 25,000 acres in Southwest Orlando and encompasses much of Lake Buena Vista.
The decision sparked immediate controversy locally due to the year-long political firestorm that has been brewing between DeSantis and Disney. After the company publicly denounced the polarizing Florida Parental Rights in Education Act or “Don’t Say Gay” bill, DeSantis made it a point to target Disney’s perceived privileged status.
“These actions ensure a state-controlled district accountable to the people instead of a corporate-controlled kingdom,” said Jeremy Redfern, a deputy press secretary for the governor’s office.
According to the new ruling, the Governor will now be allowed to appoint a board of 5 state-sponsored board members to control the district. It will also be renamed.
Comments are closed.