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While the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board has been specially handpicked by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, one of their recent moves might have revealed some unfortunate realities about the Republican politician.
The battle between the Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is legendary at this point. What began over a disagreement about the Parental Rights in Education Act (known in popular parlance as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill), escalated into a bitter legal battle with both sides not pulling any punches. While both parties have since stood down from an intense battle, there are some not-so-savory truths that have come to light about both the Mouse House and the Florida governor.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Disney CEO Bob Iger / Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr; Disney
Related: New Report Accuses Disney of Buying Influence With Reedy Creek Board
Recently, it became clear that the CFTOD board endorsed an audit that accused the former Reedy Creek Improvement District board of using free park perks to influence officials and politicians unfairly in their favor. The audit asserted that these perks were “akin to bribes,” wherein the company gave public employees complimentary annual passes and steep discounts.
However, there’s a catch. Included in this list of people who benefitted from these “bribes” is the Florida Governor, who has been on a mission to take down Disney himself and even used this mission as one of the primary drivers of his Presidential campaign.
“Partners” statue in front of Cinderella Castle, Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort / Credit: Disney
Related: On the Event of Disney100, Critics Feel Walt Disney Would Have “Cringed” at Recent Strategies
As reported by NBC News, “DeSantis, according to state records, benefited from $6,809 worth of Disney food and beverage donated to his political action committee in 2019. His committee also received $100,000 in cash donations from Disney between 2019 and 2021.”
In addition, the Republican Party of Florida also reported approximately $850,000 worth of in-kind Disney donations since 2014, “including hotel rooms, park tickets, food, beverages, event space and other items listed as’ entertainment,’” according to campaign finance disclosures.
Reedy Creek Improvement District, Glen Gilzean, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis / Images Credit: Disney, National Urban League, Gage Skidmore, Flickr
Related: Disney Reveals Plans To Move To Another U.S. State
It’s another development in a long list where many have questioned the legitimacy of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fight against Disney.
