Counter lawsuit filed as Desantis-Disney dispute escalates

Friday, 02 May, 2023 1

The DeSantis-Disney feud is getting increasingly messy.

Days after a Disney lawsuit was filed against Florida governor Ron DeSantis for retaliation over its opposition to the state’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, the governor has hit back.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — which is stacked with DeSantis appointees — countersued.

Disney’s original lawsuit is seeking to void the state’s takeover of the theme park resort district.

Disney was able to self-govern over many matters for decades in the previously known Reedy Creek district where the theme parks are located.

The new board’s counter lawsuit wants to maintain oversight for things like design and construction in the district which covers about 25,000 acres.

The board’s lawsuit claims a recent agreement by Disney ‘reeks of a backroom deal’ and lacked authority to do so.

It claims the Disney last minute agreement is unenforceable under Florida law.

“We will seek justice in our own backyard,” said Martin Garcia, chair of the Tourism Oversight District.

The feud between Disney and DeSantis has raged on over a year after the theme park operator spoke out against the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law.

“No corporation is above the law,” DeSantis said.

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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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