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The next scene in the ongoing battle for the future of Reedy Creek Improvement District will likely take place next, when a special legislative session debates their next step.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Press Secretary released a statement yesterday, stating that the Governor “anticipates a special session next week on Reedy Creek and other items”.
The End of An Era?
For those who don’t know, Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District was created in 1967 as part of the Disney’s plans to create Walt Disney World.
The district gives the company the power to, levy taxes, determine land use, and provide essential public services.
Photo: also Disney
The district was created to give Disney the flexibility to build the planned community of EPCOT, and was easily approved by state legislatures.
In fact at the time of its founding, the Reedy Creek District legislation passed the State Senate unanimously. In the House, there was only one dissenting vote.
Under the new proposed legislation, “Disney will no longer control its own government, will live under the same laws as everyone else, will be responsible for their outstanding debts, and will pay their fair share of taxes,” according to DeSantis spokeswoman Taryn Fenske.
Photo: Fox Business
A notice on the Osceola County website in early January announced that the Legislature would take up legislation that would “increase state oversight, accountability, and transparency” of the district.
Will Iger’s Return Change Anything?
Disney has long opposed any changes to the district. When CEO Bob Iger re-assumed power in November 2022, he noted that the relationship between Florida and Disney has been mutually beneficial.
Photo: PRNewsFoto/ also The Walt Disney Co.
“The state of Florida has been very important to us for a long time. And we have been very important to the state of Florida.”
While, Much of the controversy between the state and Disney happening under the watch of former CEO Bob Chapek, Disney will turn to Bob Iger to broker peace.
