ORLANDO, Fla. – Walt 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.
The entertainment company is asking an Orange County circuit court judge to set an “immediate” hearing to declare that CFTOD is unlawfully withholding public records and order the agency to immediately provide Disney with all outstanding requested records.
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Earlier this year, the Florida legislature made several changes to the special taxing district, formerly known as the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which provides government services to the Walt Disney World resort property.
In February, Gov. Ron DeSantis replaced Disney loyalists on the district’s board with his own appointees.
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In its newly filed lawsuit, Disney claims CFTOD has failed to fully respond to a public record request the company submitted to the government agency on May 11.
The lawsuit also accuses CFTOD of allowing District employees and board members to use personal electronic devices and personal email and messaging accounts for government business without adequate processes to ensure public records are preserved or produced.
Disney claims as many as 50 employees have departed CFTOD since DeSantis appointed the new board in February, with remaining employees “exhausted” and lacking confidence in the new administration.
“On the public records front, this has led to delays, inadequate preservation, storage and production of public records, and improper and unsupported claims of privilege and exemption from disclosure, in violation of the Florida Constitution and (Florida’s Public Record Act),” the lawsuit states.
According to Disney’s complaint, CFTOD relies on board members and employees, including District Administrator Glenton Gillian, to “self-select text messages or emails responsive to public record requests on their own, without technical instruction from the District or any effort to verify compliance.”
Disney’s lawsuit alleges that CFTOD failed to preserve data from the personal devices of departing employees.
A CFTOD spokesperson did not immediately respond to the lawsuit, which was filed shortly before the close of business day Friday ahead of the Christmas holiday weekend.
188605114 Complaint by Anthony Talcott on Scribd
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