DeSantis Board Member Emerges Amid Serious Criminal Investigation

The Central Florid Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), run by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, had a Board of Supervisors meeting today, and Bridget Ziegler, a board member, resurfaced following an ongoing severe criminal investigation with her husband.

Ron DeSantis pointing at Bridget Ziegler in front of the Reedy Creek signage inside of Disney World. — Credit: Inside The Magic

Ongoing Criminal Investigation Puts DeSantis Board Member Bridget Ziegler in Spotlight

The former Reedy Creek Improvement District, now the CFTOD, is under the law enforcement and public microscope following a severe criminal investigation for one of DeSantis’s board members.

Bridget Ziegler is an American politician and conservative education activist who serves on the school board for Sarasota County, Florida. She was born on July 23, 1982, and is also a co-founder of Moms for Liberty.

The Sarasota County Police Department has verified with PEOPLE that there is an ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of sexual battery involving Bridget Ziegler’s husband, which dates back to November 2023. The article addresses a sexual assault accusation against Christian Ziegler, who serves as the chair of the Florida GOP, and Bridget Ziegler, his wife. The accuser asserts that they were part of a consensual three-way sexual relationship with the Zieglers leading up to the alleged incident.

Christian Ziegler is the head of the Florida Republican Party and is facing allegations of sexual battery, as mentioned above, putting Ron DeSantis, the CFTOD, and his wife in the hot seat.

Ron DeSantis superimposed over Cinderella's castle — Credit: DeSantis/Disney

Bridget Ziegler, wearing a smile, made a personal appearance at today’s Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors meeting. This marks her first attendance since the commencement of a criminal investigation into her husband, Christian Ziegler.

Having been appointed as one of the founding members in February 2023, her presence has raised questions for some observers, who interpret it as Governor DeSantis reinforcing his stance against Disney’s opposition to a bill by Ziegler.

The growing opposition to Christian Ziegler and Bridget Ziegler in Florida’s political landscape is gaining momentum. There is uncertainty regarding whether her position at CFTOD will be relinquished.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis superimposed in front of Reedy Creek — Credit: NBC, Asher Heimermann via Wikimedia Commons, edited by Inside the Magic

The Republican Party of Florida recently ousted Christian Ziegler amidst ongoing police investigations. In late December, the Sarasota County School Board, where Bridget Ziegler holds a seat, passed a 4-1 resolution urging her to step down, a request she has so far declined.

DeSantis’ CFTOD, which took over from Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District, has already witnessed the departure of one board member. Michael Sasso resigned in May, serving in the role for less than four months.

With Governor Ron DeSantis no longer running for United States President, his government accountability with Disney and Floridians is about to skyrocket in the coming months, with many fearful of his potential “vengeance.” As more police documents are released on DeSantis board member Ziegler, Florida Republicans alike will have to decide where they stand on Ziegler remaining on the CFTOD board.

With DeSantis’s politics surrounding gender identity, sexual orientation, and LGBTQ rights, Floridians are wondering what Mr. DeSantis plans on doing next now that he’s Governor full-time once again, with his second term starting. Many outspoken opponents of DeSantis, including Disney, are curious about his next move.

At this time, Inside The Magic attempted to contact the CFTOD for comment but has not received any.