DeSantis’s Reedy Creek Board Approves Whistleblower Policy to Promote “Transparency”

It’s the dawn of a “new culture” within the Walt Disney World Resort; at least, that’s certainly what Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s hand-picked Reedy Creek Improvement District board replacement, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board believes. The committee just approved and introduced a surprising new policy in what they purport is an effort to bring a new culture of “openness” and “transparency.”

Trouble in the Magic Kingdom for CFTOD Board

The new Reedy Creek board, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, has not had the easiest time settling into its new role. The Walt Disney Company has been fighting against the Disney World and Reedy Creek takeover, pulling no punches. While the board has retaliated in turn, it’s therefore faced some hiccups while navigating choppy waters.

In fact, recently, the board was making news for the newest group it’s alienated—the Disney World firefighters union—who staunchly supported the new board coming into power. The union hoped the new board would usher in a new age and rebuild formerly burnt bridges. While the board hasn’t yet done that, it has done something else.

CFTOD Board Approves New Whistleblower Policy

“We want to adopt a policy that says we don’t have deaf ears, nothing will fall on deaf ears,” Board Chairman Martin Garcia said on Wednesday. “So if you have an issue, here is a new policy. Here is a new culture.”

As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, the CTOD board just approved a policy that “provides protections for whistleblowers and sets out the process for reporting unlawful activity and other concerns.” The policy is effective immediately for nonunionized staff and will apply to unionized Cast Members and Disney employees at a delay—August 1 at the earliest.

In other news about the new Reedy Creek board, they also recently unveiled their new logo, and the board is taking steps to finally settle into its role. However, it remains to be seen what each member’s seat at the table will actually bring to Walt Disney World.