WEATHER ALERT
Woman dies in crash within Disney World district, FHP says
Read full article: Woman dies in crash within Disney World district, FHP saysA 23-year-old Winter Garden woman died at the scene of a single-vehicle crash along a road within the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Firefighters adopt puppies saved from hot car at Disney Springs
Read full article: Firefighters adopt puppies saved from hot car at Disney SpringsInvestigators said the owner of the vehicle told them he purchased the puppies just hours prior, and the family was enjoying a 90-minute dinner at Disney Springs.
Attorneys try to stop DeSantis appointees from giving depositions in Disney lawsuit
Read full article: Attorneys try to stop DeSantis appointees from giving depositions in Disney lawsuitAttorneys for the Walt Disney World governing district taken over last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ supporters don’t want the governor’s appointees answering questions under oath as part of a lawsuit against Disney.
Fight between Disney and DeSantis appointees over district control gets a July court hearing
Read full article: Fight between Disney and DeSantis appointees over district control gets a July court hearingThe court fight between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees over control of Walt Disney World’s government won’t be decided until at least this summer, provided the two sides don’t reach a settlement beforehand.
Glen Gilzean, the new Orange County elections supervisor, settles in
Read full article: Glen Gilzean, the new Orange County elections supervisor, settles inOn Thursday, Gil Gilzean had just four days on the job as Orange County’s newly-appointed supervisor of elections when he met face-to-face with the man who held the position for nearly three decades.
DeSantis taps Disney tourism district chief to head Orange County elections office
Read full article: DeSantis taps Disney tourism district chief to head Orange County elections officeGov. Ron DeSantis appoints the head of the district that oversees Walt Disney World property to be Orange County’s supervisor of elections.
Gov. DeSantis marks 1 year since signing bill to abolish Disney district
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis marks 1 year since signing bill to abolish Disney districtFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference Thursday morning in Lake Buena Vista to mark one year since he signed a bill to abolish Disney’s special taxing district in Orange and Osceola counties.
Central Florida tourism district board unveils new name for Reedy Creek Fire Department
Read full article: Central Florida tourism district board unveils new name for Reedy Creek Fire DepartmentThe Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has announced the new name for the Reedy Creek Fire Department.
'What is it they’re trying to hide?' Disney accuses DeSantis-appointed district of withholding records
Read full article: 'What is it they’re trying to hide?' Disney accuses DeSantis-appointed district of withholding recordsAttorneys representing the Walt Disney Company have accused the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, or CFTOD, of withholding records as part of a lawsuit filed against the company by the special taxing district.
Orange County lawmakers to seek Disney district redo
Read full article: Orange County lawmakers to seek Disney district redoOrange County lawmakers Friday backed a longshot proposal that could essentially return to the Walt Disney Co. control of a special taxing district that was revamped after Gov. Ron DeSantis got into a feud with the entertainment giant.
Disney says in lawsuit that DeSantis-appointed government is failing to release public records
Read full article: Disney says in lawsuit that DeSantis-appointed government is failing to release public recordsDisney has filed a lawsuit claiming that the oversight government for Walt Disney World, which was taken over by appointees of Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year, has failed to release documents and properly preserve records in violation of Florida public records law.
Disney sues state-controlled former Reedy Creek district over public records request
Read full article: Disney sues state-controlled former Reedy Creek district over public records requestWalt Disney Parks and Resorts filed a lawsuit late Friday accusing the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, or CFTOD, of failing to preserve and turn over public records in violation of Florida law and the state’s constitution.
DeSantis seeks dismissal of Disney’s 1st Amendment lawsuit over former Reedy Creek district
Read full article: DeSantis seeks dismissal of Disney’s 1st Amendment lawsuit over former Reedy Creek districtLawyers representing Gov. Ron DeSantis will ask a federal judge Tuesday to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts involving the special taxing district formerly known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
‘Reedy Creek failed’: Hundreds of district employees owe over $2M in back taxes
Read full article: ‘Reedy Creek failed’: Hundreds of district employees owe over $2M in back taxesIn a letter to the IRS, district officials explained that Disney theme park passes and discounts given to employees weren't properly reported as taxable benefits.
Reedy Creek no more: DeSantis-appointed Disney district unveils new website, logo
Read full article: Reedy Creek no more: DeSantis-appointed Disney district unveils new website, logoSome 10 months after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law to rename Disney’s special taxing district the “Central Florida Tourism Oversight District” and appointed a new board to oversee it, the district has unveiled a new website URL.
Morale down, cronyism up after DeSantis takeover of Disney World government, ex-employees say
Read full article: Morale down, cronyism up after DeSantis takeover of Disney World government, ex-employees saySince allies of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took over Walt Disney World’s government earlier this year, morale has deteriorated, the governing district has been politicized and cronyism permeates the organization.
Disney says DeSantis-appointed district is dragging feet in providing documents for lawsuit
Read full article: Disney says DeSantis-appointed district is dragging feet in providing documents for lawsuitDisney says Walt Disney World’s governing district made up of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees is dragging its feet in providing requested documents to the company in a lawsuit over who has design and construction powers over Disney’s sprawling theme park resort in central Florida.
Disney attorneys want to question former administrator in lawsuit with DeSantis appointees
Read full article: Disney attorneys want to question former administrator in lawsuit with DeSantis appointeesDisney attorneys want to question a previous administrator of the Walt Disney World governing district as part of its defense against a lawsuit brought by a board made up of appointees of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Central Florida tourism board promises alternative to Disney perks for workers
Read full article: Central Florida tourism board promises alternative to Disney perks for workersThe Gov. DeSantis-appointed board overseeing Walt Disney World’s property says it is working to find an alternative to benefits for workers and retirees that includes Disney passes and discounts.
Disney district workers criticize DeSantis appointees’ decision to eliminate free passes
Read full article: Disney district workers criticize DeSantis appointees’ decision to eliminate free passesEmployees of Walt Disney World’s governing district are criticizing new board members appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis for a decision to eliminate free passes and discounts to the theme park resort for 400 of its district workers.
Florida Ethics Commission chair resigns, stays with Disney district job
Read full article: Florida Ethics Commission chair resigns, stays with Disney district jobThe chairman of the Florida Commission on Ethics resigned Tuesday, putting to rest concerns about his position in light of his $400,000-a-year job as administrator for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
DeSantis-appointed board asks state to probe $2M paid to Disney for perks
Read full article: DeSantis-appointed board asks state to probe $2M paid to Disney for perksThe oversight board appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to handle Walt Disney World property is asking the Florida Inspector General to investigate why the board’s predecessor spent at least $2 million to Disney for employee perks.
Disney countersues in Florida court after oversight board pushes for judgment
Read full article: Disney countersues in Florida court after oversight board pushes for judgmentThe Walt Disney Company on Thursday filed a countersuit against the DeSantis-appointed board overseeing Disney property in Florida court, alleging breach of contract.
Florida has ‘moved on’ amid Disney fight, DeSantis says
Read full article: Florida has ‘moved on’ amid Disney fight, DeSantis saysGov. Ron DeSantis on Monday said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts should drop a federal lawsuit that claims retaliation by the state and accept changes to a special district that long benefited the theme-park giant.
DeSantis-controlled Disney World district abolishes diversity, equity initiatives
Read full article: DeSantis-controlled Disney World district abolishes diversity, equity initiativesDiversity, equity and inclusion programs have been abolished from Walt Disney World’s governing district, which is now controlled by appointees of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Court refuses to dismiss lawsuit against Disney by DeSantis-appointed board
Read full article: Court refuses to dismiss lawsuit against Disney by DeSantis-appointed boardA Florida court refused Friday to dismiss a lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company brought by the board appointed to oversee Walt Disney World property.
Lake Buena Vista, Bay Lake keep property tax in place to keep off-duty deputies
Read full article: Lake Buena Vista, Bay Lake keep property tax in place to keep off-duty deputiesLeaders from Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake met Thursday to discuss property tax changes affecting off-duty law enforcement services.
Central Florida Tourism Oversight District eyes lower tax rate for Disney, property owners
Read full article: Central Florida Tourism Oversight District eyes lower tax rate for Disney, property ownersAs a feud continues between Gov. Ron DeSantis and The Walt Disney Co., property owners in a special district that includes Walt Disney World could see a reduction in their property-tax rate.
State-run board overseeing Disney property OKs new contract for fire department
Read full article: State-run board overseeing Disney property OKs new contract for fire departmentThe board overseeing Disney World’s taxing district voted Wednesday to approve changes affecting first responders and property owners.
Tourism oversight district’s suit against Disney goes before judge this week
Read full article: Tourism oversight district’s suit against Disney goes before judge this weekAn Orange County circuit judge this week will hear arguments on a request by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to toss out a lawsuit filed by a revamped special district amid a feud between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the entertainment giant.
Florida Gov. DeSantis files motion to dismiss Disney’s federal lawsuit against him
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis files motion to dismiss Disney’s federal lawsuit against himThe Walt Disney Company has no basis for suing Florida’s governor in federal court over actions taken to reform the special district that governed Disney property, according to a new motion filed in the lawsuit between Gov. DeSantis and Disney.
DeSantis Versus Disney: Why Florida is in a feud with one of its biggest employers
Read full article: DeSantis Versus Disney: Why Florida is in a feud with one of its biggest employersAs DeSantis prepares to run for president, Disney is likely to follow him in the campaign too, and the feud may influence how people see him.
Florida senate gives approval for Disney monorail inspections
Read full article: Florida senate gives approval for Disney monorail inspectionsThe Florida Senate on Tuesday backed a measure that would lead to state oversight of Walt Disney World’s monorail system, as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fight with the entertainment giant continues to expand.
DeSantis’ tourism board to learn about Disney lawsuit at special meeting
Read full article: DeSantis’ tourism board to learn about Disney lawsuit at special meetingOn Monday morning, the board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District will meet to discuss one thing — Disney’s lawsuit against them.
Meet the lead lawyers handling Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. DeSantis
Read full article: Meet the lead lawyers handling Disney’s lawsuit against Florida Gov. DeSantisThe four lawyers listed on the Walt Disney Company’s lawsuit against Gov. DeSantis include a legendary lawyer who handled cases for Disney and former President Trump, lawyers who focus on contract and constitutional law, and all of them are qualified in some form or fashion to work on the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Disney sues DeSantis in US court alleging campaign of retaliation, rights violations
Read full article: Disney sues DeSantis in US court alleging campaign of retaliation, rights violationsThe Walt Disney Company is going to court against Gov. DeSantis and the state of Florida, as the fight between DeSantis and Disney continues.
DeSantis’ Disney district board: ‘We are going to have to raise taxes’
Read full article: DeSantis’ Disney district board: ‘We are going to have to raise taxes’Gov. Ron DeSantis’ hand-picked board members told concerned business owners their taxes would be raised to help pay for lawyers during the governor’s ongoing fight with Disney.
Disney monorail to face state inspections under Florida Senate bill
Read full article: Disney monorail to face state inspections under Florida Senate billDisney’s iconic monorail system would face periodic state inspections, as Republican lawmakers continue to back Gov. Ron DeSantis in his clash with the entertainment giant.
DeSantis-appointed Disney district board meets to ensure company ‘held accountable’
Read full article: DeSantis-appointed Disney district board meets to ensure company ‘held accountable’Changes could be in the works for Walt Disney World as Gov. Ron DeSantis’ newly appointed board overseeing the theme park’s taxing district is meeting on Wednesday.
DeSantis promises ‘very, very strong action’ against Disney over Reedy Creek agreement
Read full article: DeSantis promises ‘very, very strong action’ against Disney over Reedy Creek agreementFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis would not go into specifics Friday, but he promised that he and the state Legislature would take “very, very strong action” in the coming weeks against Disney for an agreement that serves to strip the new district that oversees Disney World property of much of its power.
Disney CEO Bob Iger calls DeSantis ‘anti-Florida’ in fight over special district
Read full article: Disney CEO Bob Iger calls DeSantis ‘anti-Florida’ in fight over special districtWalt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger addressed the ongoing feud between the theme park giant and Ron DeSantis on Monday hours after the Florida governor fired back at the former Reedy Creek Improvement District, requesting an investigation.
DeSantis fires back after Disney strips power from his special district board
Read full article: DeSantis fires back after Disney strips power from his special district boardFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis fired back at the former Reedy Creek Improvement District and requested a state investigation be launched Monday after learning Disney stripped his special board of its power.
Insider extra: Videos, documents show Disney stripping power from DeSantis’ special district board in public
Read full article: Insider extra: Videos, documents show Disney stripping power from DeSantis’ special district board in publicOn Feb. 8, several dozen spectators took their seats inside the administrative offices of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly known as Reedy Creek Improvement District, to attend a previously-scheduled public meeting of the special taxing district’s board of supervisors.
How Disney stripped power from Florida Gov. DeSantis’ special district board
Read full article: How Disney stripped power from Florida Gov. DeSantis’ special district boardOn Feb. 8, several dozen spectators took their seats inside the administrative offices of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly known as Reedy Creek Improvement District, to attend a previously-scheduled public meeting of the special taxing district’s board of supervisors.
Reedy Creek’s renamed board meets for 1st time since being appointed by Gov. DeSantis
Read full article: Reedy Creek’s renamed board meets for 1st time since being appointed by Gov. DeSantisIt was an emotional start during the first meeting of the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District—the newly renamed Reedy Creek Improvement District—Board of Supervisors on Wednesday.
These are the 5 people Gov. DeSantis appointed to former Reedy Creek district’s board
Read full article: These are the 5 people Gov. DeSantis appointed to former Reedy Creek district’s boardFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his appointment of five members to the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly the Reedy Creek District.