DeSantis-appointed board chair claims Disney’s dismissal of federal charges as evidence of their falseness.
Disney Drops Charges Against Central Florida Tourism Oversight District
The recent move by Disney to drop four out of five claims in its federal court case against the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has been described as a significant development by Chairman Martin Garcia. In a board meeting on Wednesday, Garcia addressed Disney’s decision, stating that it proves the charges were “bogus” and nothing more than a “publicity stunt.”
“It is a noteworthy event when lawyers voluntarily dismiss causes of actions against defendants. In doing so, Disney has all but admitted it knew that the federal charges against this board were bogus, and, moreover, that the filing of them constituted a publicity stunt — not to mention a repugnant one that took place at the expense of both the integrity of the legal system and of the economic interests of the taxpayers in this district,” Garcia said.
Garcia also expressed confidence that Disney’s last remaining charge, which focuses on alleged violations of free speech, will not hold up. He referred to it as an “extraordinary concession” and compared it to a major tremor.
The ongoing legal battle between the board and Disney involves lawsuits in both state and federal court, with Gov. DeSantis also being involved in the federal lawsuit. The federal court case now revolves around a single claim related to First Amendment rights, while the state court case addresses the legality of the board’s actions to void an agreement Disney had with the previous board.
Garcia Criticizes Disney’s Conduct
In addition to discussing the legal proceedings, Garcia criticized Disney’s past conduct when it controlled the Reedy Creek Improvement District. He accused the company of exploiting the generosity of the people of Florida and engaging in questionable governance practices.
“Disney exploited the generosity of the people of Florida over the years through the 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement Act. What worked in the early years to spark economic development in Central Florida, later proved to be an urban planning quagmire with horrific governance practices,” Garcia said. “A light was finally shined on this problem, and Disney got caught. Disney used the 1967 act to establish footing in Central Florida to minimize, if not eliminate, all hurdles in its campaign to mold the district to serve the best interests of Disney at the expense of the public good.”
Garcia concluded his remarks by expressing pride in the board’s work since its appointment and a commitment to continue serving the residents, employees, tourists, and other constituents of the district.
The dispute between Disney and DeSantis, which led to the restructuring of the Central Florida district encompassing the Walt Disney World Resort, originated from the company’s opposition to Florida’s parental rights in education law in 2022.
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