DeSantis’ Reedy Creek Power Grab Investigation Comes Up Empty

Florida’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody, has completed her investigation, requested by Governor Ron DeSantis, into Reedy Creek’s eleventh-hour deal to keep developmental control in Disney’s hands for decades to come. According to her, “no records exist.”

First reported back in February and then touted in the media as a personal victory over the Governor several weeks later, the now-abolished Reedy Creek Improvement District’s Board of Directors met to approve unique agreements that would prevent the new leaders of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District from interfering with any potential Theme Park development plans The Walt Disney Company has in mind for the resident Walt Disney World Resort.

Reedy Creek officials claimed that everything was done legally and properly approved by the State government. But many, including Governor DeSantis, saw the move as a stunt of sedition.

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Recently, Governor DeSantis requested the chief inspector general and attorney general to probe for “documents discussing an intention or goal of circumventing, avoiding, frustrating, mitigating or otherwise attempting to avoid the effects of anticipated actions by the Florida governor and the Florida Legislature.”

According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Moody asked for copies of emails, text messages and other correspondence from board members, district employees and other affiliates related to the deals,” and “John Guard, chief deputy attorney general, also wrote to the five former board members seeking any communications regarding the agreements on their personal devices.” But they and the district report that “no records exist.”

Related: Disney CEO Bob Iger Says He Would be “Glad” to Meet With Ron DeSantis

The attorney general’s office is currently evaluating its options as they review the district’s response. Meanwhile, the new Board members appointed by Governor DeSantis plan to meet on Wednesday, April 19, to discuss the investigation. According to the Sentinel, “They will also take up a resolution declaring themselves to be the “superior authority” on planning, zoning and land-development regulations over the Disney-controlled cities of Bay Lake and Lake Buena Vista.”

We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on this story as more developments come to light.