Ron DeSantis Releases Statement After Reedy Creek Debacle

In the months-long heated battle between The Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the Governor thought that he had come out on top. After arguing with Disney over the state’s controversial Parental Rights in Education bill, DeSantis and the Florida legislature dissolved the Reedy Creek Improvement Act. The Reedy Creek Board — along with the Reedy Creek name — was disbanded, and a new board took over. The board was renamed the Central Tourism Oversight Committee, and the members were all hand-picked by the governor.

When the state takeover was announced, Disney was oddly quiet. They didn’t fight and said that they would work with the governor. Many were shocked to see them rolling over so easily. However, on March 29, we learned that Disney was doing anything but capitulating. Behind the scenes, Reedy Creek was making deals that would last decades. Deals that could not be undone by a new board. The new Tourism Oversight Committee did not know about these deals, and is now looking into what legal options they have.

Now, Governor DeSantis is weighing in on the issue as well. On March 30, the office of the governor released the following statement:

“The Executive Office of the Governor is aware of Disney’s last-ditch efforts to execute contracts just before ratifying the new law that transfers rights and authorities from the former Reedy Creek Improvement District to Disney. An initial review suggests these agreements may have significant legal infirmities that would render the contracts void as a matter of law,” she added. “We are pleased the new governor-appointed board retained multiple financial and legal firms to conduct audits and investigate Disney’s past behavior.”

For Disney’s part, their spokesperson shared that Disney, and the Reedy Creek board — followed the letter of the law before signing these deals. One of the agreements making the most waves in one involving a land parcel. That agreement will be good until 21 years after the death of the youngest current descendant of King Charles, or until Disney abandons the land.

New board members have voiced their frustration with Disney, claiming that Disney has stripped the board of all its power. One board member said that, right now, the board only has control over road construction and infrastructure in the area.