The DeSantis vs. Disney battle is heating up
Images: Scott Eisen/Getty | VisitOrlando
This week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced plans to nullify a series of past agreements that allowed Walt Disney World to retain governing powers over most of the land near its theme park in Orlando.
- Disney’s special land arrangement was created by Florida’s legislature in 1967 because, at the time, none of the nearby counties were able to provide power or water to Disney World. The 25,000-acre district, which essentially functions as a local government supporting Disney World, has remained in effect ever since.
🐭🐘 Snap, back to reality (aka modern times)... Gov. DeSantis and Disney began feuding last March, when the company spoke out against a controversial state law restricting public schools from teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity (which was recently expanded to grades K-12, instead of just K-3).
The following month, in April 2022, Gov. DeSantis signed the first in a series of new laws aimed at taking back control of the special district from Disney. The initial one revoked the company's special tax status, while further laws ended up replacing the Disney-controlled government with a board appointed by the governor.
But there was just one issue. Last month, the new board members revealed their Disney-aligned predecessors had signed an agreement before leaving office that stripped the incoming DeSantis-appointed board of most powers, ceding control back to Disney World for at least 30 years.
- As it currently stands, the board maintains a sliver of its previous authority, with its only duty being to maintain roads and basic infrastructure within Disney’s district.
👀 Looking ahead… Florida lawmakers are planning to vote on legislation that would formally nullify the Disney-favored agreement in the coming days or weeks, with many Republicans arguing the prior board didn’t follow certain procedures required by law.
If the measure passes, it’s widely expected to trigger a legal battle with Disney. And Mickey Mouse is gearing up for a fight – Disney has reportedly called on its lobbyists to aggressively target any bills introduced in Florida’s state legislature that could harm the company, sources told NBC News yesterday.
📊 Flash poll: Do you agree with Gov. DeSantis’ attempts to strip Disney of its governing powers in Florida?
See a 360° view of what media pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that Florida’s fight against Disney represents a huge waste of time, money, and credibility for Gov. DeSantis, who is essentially punishing a company for exercising their constitutionally-protected right to free speech.
- Others contend that Florida Republicans are incredibly hypocritical to claim that their fight against Disney is part of a crusade against corporate welfare, when they’ve passed bills giving handouts to large companies as recently as this week.
- “Gov. DeSantis’ ridiculous fight against Disney” –Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board
- “DeSantis’ third strike against Disney shows what a powerful man with thin skin can do” –Miami Herald Editorial Board
- “DeSantis’s political war on Disney makes Trump look reasonable” –Eugene Robinson, WaPo
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that Disney shouldn’t have allowed itself to be bullied into taking a political stance, but that DeSantis has shown he’s far more interested in scoring political points than actually helping Florida citizens.
- Others contend that Disney brought its problems on itself by making a decision to become the centerpiece of today’s culture wars in a very public manner.
- “The Stupid War Between Disney and DeSantis” –Holman W. Jenkins, WSJ
- “DeSantis is right: Disney brought its problems on itself” –Billy Hallowell, Washington Times
- “Donald Trump Sides With Disney” –WSJ Editorial Board
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