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Florida man sues Reedy Creek over elevator ride at Disney Springs parking garage
Read full article: Florida man sues Reedy Creek over elevator ride at Disney Springs parking garageThe lawsuit says that the man — Michael Johnson — took the elevator in July 2022 during a trip to Disney Springs with his duaghter.
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 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.
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.
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 Gov. DeSantis signs bill to void Reedy Creek development agreement with Disney
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill to void Reedy Creek development agreement with DisneyGov. Ron DeSantis has thrown the latest punch in his ongoing feud with Florida's largest employer, Walt Disney World, by signing a bill aimed at voiding the former Reedy Creek Improvement District's development deal with the theme park and media giant.
Would Disney’s CEO meet with Gov. DeSantis over differences? ‘Of course,’ Iger says
Read full article: Would Disney’s CEO meet with Gov. DeSantis over differences? ‘Of course,’ Iger saysDespite tensions between the Walt Disney Company and Florida’s governor, Disney’s CEO says he would be glad to meet with Governor Ron DeSantis and hash out their differences.
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.
End of Disney’s ‘corporate kingdom?’ 2 Disney-controlled governments remain in power
Read full article: End of Disney’s ‘corporate kingdom?’ 2 Disney-controlled governments remain in powerAs Gov. Ron DeSantis is poised to reinstate and modify the special district that provides some government services to the Walt Disney World resort, two separate Disney-controlled municipalities continue to operate using governmental powers the state granted them more than five decades ago.
Florida House passes bill to rename, remake Disney’s Reedy Creek
Read full article: Florida House passes bill to rename, remake Disney’s Reedy CreekFlorida House Lawmakers in Tallahassee passed a bill Thursday that will change the governing body that runs Walt Disney World property in the latest chapter of the fight between Florida Gov. DeSantis and Walt Disney World.
Bill putting Disney’s special district under DeSantis’ control moves forward in Florida House
Read full article: Bill putting Disney’s special district under DeSantis’ control moves forward in Florida HouseThe Florida House is ready to take up a proposal that would shift control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District and give it a new name.
Reedy Creek board meets amid Florida special session on Disney district
Read full article: Reedy Creek board meets amid Florida special session on Disney districtThe Reedy Creek Improvement District board met amid a special session that could give Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis control over the Disney district.
Disney faces losing control of its kingdom with Florida bill
Read full article: Disney faces losing control of its kingdom with Florida billDisney’s government in Florida has been the envy of any private business, with its unprecedented powers in deciding what to build and how to build it at Walt Disney World.
New bill would give Florida Gov. DeSantis control over Disney district
Read full article: New bill would give Florida Gov. DeSantis control over Disney districtFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis could take control over the board of a special governing district Walt Disney World operates over its theme parks in the state.
Florida special session set for next week to handle Disney’s Reedy Creek, immigration, more
Read full article: Florida special session set for next week to handle Disney’s Reedy Creek, immigration, moreFlorida’s lawmakers will go to Tallahassee next week for a special session to handle a number of issues, including reforming Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.
New details emerge in DeSantis-Disney’s Reedy Creek district battle
Read full article: New details emerge in DeSantis-Disney’s Reedy Creek district battleThe Florida Legislature will get Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to remake the special taxing district for Walt Disney World in the upcoming legislative session, according to a notice filed in Osceola County.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes back over report about Disney’s Reedy Creek
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes back over report about Disney’s Reedy CreekFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office on Friday pushed back against a published report that claimed state lawmakers were working to reinstate Disney’s own government.
Future of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District remains uncertain
Read full article: Future of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District remains uncertainLess than 11 months before the Reedy Creek Improvement District is scheduled to be abolished, there are still no announced plans to replace any of the governmental services the special taxing district currently provides to the Walt Disney World resort property.
How a legal battle with Disney helped create one of Orlando’s most powerful attorneys
Read full article: How a legal battle with Disney helped create one of Orlando’s most powerful attorneysYou likely know John Morgan from billboards across Florida or from his commercials featuring the popular tagline "For The People."
‘Ugly middle school breakup:’ Orlando columnist explains fight between Disney, DeSantis
Read full article: ‘Ugly middle school breakup:’ Orlando columnist explains fight between Disney, DeSantisThe man who deemed the recent fight between Disney and Florida politicians “like a really ugly middle school ugly middle school break up” sat down to talk with Florida’s Fourth Estate hosts Ginger Gadsden and Matt Austin about the Reedy Creek Improvement District debacle.
DeSantis promises legislation to prevent Disney debt from falling to taxpayers
Read full article: DeSantis promises legislation to prevent Disney debt from falling to taxpayersGov. Ron DeSantis reiterated his promise that Florida's taxpayers will not take on Walt Disney World's debt when and if the Reedy Creek Improvement District dissolves in 2023, teasing that he may have some legislative measures in place to prevent that from happening.
Disney revenues increase in second quarter with help of parks, Disney+
Read full article: Disney revenues increase in second quarter with help of parks, Disney+While the company touted its gains to investors, it did not say anything about the dismantling of the special district that governs Walt Disney World.
Orlando lawmakers: Gov. DeSantis may replace Reedy Creek with state-run district
Read full article: Orlando lawmakers: Gov. DeSantis may replace Reedy Creek with state-run districtDemocratic state lawmakers are set to hold a news conference Monday morning to address the new Florida law which will dissolve six special districts in the state, including the Reedy Creek Improvement District which allows Walt Disney World to self-govern.
Repeal of Disney’s Reedy Creek ‘will not cause tax increases’ for Floridians, DeSantis press secretary says
Read full article: Repeal of Disney’s Reedy Creek ‘will not cause tax increases’ for Floridians, DeSantis press secretary saysChristina Pushaw said Disney would pay its fair share of taxes, no Floridians would be “on the hook” and a plan would be made available in the next few weeks.
‘We’ll live through this:’ Reedy Creek board tries to allay concern about dissolution, but questions linger
Read full article: ‘We’ll live through this:’ Reedy Creek board tries to allay concern about dissolution, but questions lingerThe Board of Supervisors for Reedy Creek will meet for the first time since the state legislature voted to strip Disney of its self-governing power.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis calls for special session to address property insurance crisis
Read full article: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis calls for special session to address property insurance crisisGov. Ron DeSantis has called a second special legislative session, this time with the goal to address Florida's property insurance crisis which has seen many homeowners lose their insurance or see their premiums skyrocket.
Credit rating agency places ‘rating watch negative’ on Reedy Creek bond debt after DeSantis signs law to dissolve districts
Read full article: Credit rating agency places ‘rating watch negative’ on Reedy Creek bond debt after DeSantis signs law to dissolve districtsIf dissolved, the Reedy Creek Improvement District's debt obligations, revenues and responsibilities would be transferred to Osceola and Orange counties and the small cities of Lake Buena Vista and Bay Lake.
Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill eliminating Disney’s self-government, some other special districts
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill eliminating Disney’s self-government, some other special districtsFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law that eliminates special districts created before 1968, including Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.
EXPLAINER: Why are Disney and DeSantis feuding in Florida?
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Why are Disney and DeSantis feuding in Florida?The Florida Legislature has passed a bill to dissolve a private government controlled by Disney that provides municipal-like services for its 27,000 acres in the Sunshine State.
Gov. DeSantis highlights slightly longer red snapper fishing season in Florida
Read full article: Gov. DeSantis highlights slightly longer red snapper fishing season in FloridaGov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday held a news conference at Destin Harbor Boardwalk in Okaloosa County to highlight an upcoming 57-day Gulf red snapper fishing season in Florida.
Florida House approves governor’s redistricting map, bill to dissolve Reedy Creek
Read full article: Florida House approves governor’s redistricting map, bill to dissolve Reedy CreekThe Florida Senate already approved the special district bill on a largely party-line vote Wednesday, with one Republican joining all Democrats against the bill.
Orange County would see financial burden if Reedy Creek dissolves, tax collector says
Read full article: Orange County would see financial burden if Reedy Creek dissolves, tax collector saysDissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District would be a financial burden on the county, according to Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph.
Years of fruitful relations between Disney, Florida at risk
Read full article: Years of fruitful relations between Disney, Florida at riskThe idea was presented to Florida lawmakers in a movie house outside Orlando 55 years ago: Let Disney form its own government and in exchange it would create a futuristic city of tomorrow.
Florida Senate approves terminating Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District
Read full article: Florida Senate approves terminating Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement DistrictThe Florida Senate voted Wednesday to eliminate Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District, alongside districts populated by Black Democrats, backing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed redistricting plan.
Orange County mayor worried Reedy Creek repeal could mean ‘cost shifts’ for taxpayers
Read full article: Orange County mayor worried Reedy Creek repeal could mean ‘cost shifts’ for taxpayersMayor Jerry Demings said leaders in Orange County are closely watching developments in Tallahassee after Republican lawmakers introduced legislation that would strip Walt Disney World of its special governing powers.
Special district bill will leave Orange, Osceola taxpayers with Disney debt, Democrats say
Read full article: Special district bill will leave Orange, Osceola taxpayers with Disney debt, Democrats sayDemocratic attempts to water down a bill that would dissolve six special districts in Florida, including Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District, failed in the Florida Senate Tuesday night.
‘Disney chose to kick the hornet’s nest:’ Florida bill threatens theme parks’ home government
Read full article: ‘Disney chose to kick the hornet’s nest:’ Florida bill threatens theme parks’ home governmentThe bill falls in line with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to expand the redistricting special session to include the special districts bill.
What is a special district in Florida? Here’s an explanation
Read full article: What is a special district in Florida? Here’s an explanationGov. Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday the state legislature would be taking up a bill during their special session that would look to dissolve six special districts in the state, including the Reedy Creek Improvement District which governs Walt Disney World.
Florida Gov. DeSantis targets Disney World’s Reedy Creek district in special session
Read full article: Florida Gov. DeSantis targets Disney World’s Reedy Creek district in special sessionFlorida lawmakers currently debating congressional maps proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in a special session will now also consider getting rid of special districts enacted before 1968, which includes Disney’s Reedy Creek district, the governor announced Tuesday at a news conference in The Villages.
‘It would be a disaster:’ Florida lawmakers discuss repealing Disney’s Reedy Creek government
Read full article: ‘It would be a disaster:’ Florida lawmakers discuss repealing Disney’s Reedy Creek governmentThe rights of Reedy Creek Improvement District, Disney's own government, are now being discussed among some Florida lawmakers following controversy surrounding the company's response to Gov. DeSantis' "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Reedy Creek administrators: First responders did not contract COVID-19 on the job
Read full article: Reedy Creek administrators: First responders did not contract COVID-19 on the jobA Reedy Creek representative said the timeline for Grants illness doesnt fall into the accepted CDC guideline of two to 17 days because he started showing symptoms 24 hours after contact with the paramedics. The Reedy Creek communications manager told News 6, We did pull all the EMS reports from June 23 (a week prior to the first person showing symptoms). Reedy Creek paramedics Steven Provost and Brian Astleford were on the June 29 call to Disney Springs and tested positive for the coronavirus four days later. Were on the front lines dealing with COVID everyday, Grant told News 6. They are a lot of employers in Florida simply saying you cant prove you contracted this disease on the job.
Reedy Creek first responders testing positive for COVID-19 denied workers comp
Read full article: Reedy Creek first responders testing positive for COVID-19 denied workers compORLANDO, Fla. First responders with the Reedy Creek Improvement District have launched a legal battle to collect workers compensation benefits after being tested and diagnosed with COVID-19. Michael Grant, a paramedic with Reedy Creek since 2018, tested positive with the virus on the job on July 3 and quarantined at home for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended 14 days. I have a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old and obviously they were my biggest concern.Before working with Reedy Creek, Grant worked for the city of Palm Coast and the Seminole County Fire Department. Records confirm he was diagnosed with COVID-19 on July 3, one day after he was on his shift with Reedy Creek. Despite his contention that he was infected on the job, he was denied workers compensation benefits and because of a unique policy, was forced to use his own personal sick leave.
Disney World law enforcement spending increases
Read full article: Disney World law enforcement spending increasesFor the second year in a row, the agency that provides governmental services to Walt Disney World's property has approved a multi-million dollar spending increase to hire Orange County sheriff's deputies.
Omar Mateen, Pulse nightclub shooter, considered Disney World attack
Read full article: Omar Mateen, Pulse nightclub shooter, considered Disney World attackFederal prosecutors now confirm that Mateen was also considering an attack at the resort’s Disney Springs entertainment district, which was formerly known as Downtown Disney. The government believes Mateen’s wife, Noor Salman, assisted her husband in carrying out the terror attack at Pulse nightclub. A News 6 investigation recently revealed an unprecedented surge in outside law enforcement presence at Walt Disney World. The Reedy Creek Improvement District has allocated $5.6 million to pay for off-duty deputies throughout the fiscal year that began Oct. 1. That new budget nearly quadruples the $1.5 million the Disney-controlled government allocated for off-duty deputies annually from 2011 through 2016.
Firefighters picket Disney Springs opening
Read full article: Firefighters picket Disney Springs openingDISNEY SPRINGS, Fla. – Firefighters and emergency service providers working for Reedy Creek Improvement District, protested a stalled contract negotiations Sunday by picketing at the Disney Springs reopening. "The new parking garage built for Disney Springs by the Reedy Creek government cost much more than treating their employees fairly," said Tim Stromsnes, president of the Reedy Creek Firefighters Association. Stromsnes heads the labor association representing the firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and fire inspectors who provide fire protection and emergency medical services for all Disney owned properties, including the parks and resorts. "If the Disney owned government does not want to work with us, they can impose the contract they want on us with no repercussions from actual voters." Disney World controls around 17,000 votes on its own, well over the 50 percent threshold to win any election.