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Image Credit: Inside The MagicRon DeSantis held a press conference this morning at the former Reedy Creek building inside Walt Disney World (WDW) Resort. He met inside the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) to discuss important topics, including his ongoing feud with the House of Mouse.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Holds Press Conference Inside of the CFTOD Building – New Updates on Ongoing Feud With Disney World
Ron DeSantis met inside the Disney World governing district, the CFTOD, alongside Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly to give recent updates on numerous things, including discussing the big takeover one year ago. DeSantis went in-depth with the special district handing out special privileges to Disney officials, while Reedy Creek was still Disney’s governing district.
During a press conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was warmly received, with applause and a display of the American flag distributed among attendees. DeSantis addressed the ongoing national outage of AT&T’s wireless service, stating that he has communicated with the company but has not provided any updates on the cause. He emphasized the importance of good governance and positive government reform, highlighting the recent takeover of the Reedy Creek district.
DeSantis criticized Disney’s previous district management, citing issues such as a lack of community development, special treatment, and exemptions from regulations. He announced tax cuts, property tax savings achieved under the new management, and efforts to address conflicts of interest and improve accountability. DeSantis praised the progress made under the new management, asserting that it has benefited the entire state of Florida.
Others Speak Out During Press Conference, Adding to the Florida Governor’s Success
During the same press conference, Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly commemorated the first anniversary of the bill signing of the CFTOD takeover on February 27. He highlighted the establishment of a new, vibrant ecosystem conducive to job creation and economic growth in Central Florida. Secretary Kelly praised the positive impact of the takeover on small emerging businesses, attributing their success to the efforts of Governor DeSantis and Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Administrator Glen Gilzean.
Looking toward the future, he expressed optimism about further investments in small businesses and anticipated growth in the private sector. Notably, he mentioned that despite previous limitations, $30 million in loans have been disbursed to businesses in the area, thanks to the CFTOD’s intervention. Secretary Kelly concluded by commending the achievements of the district workers under the leadership of Governor DeSantis and others involved.
Martin Garcia, Chairman of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), expressed gratitude to Governor DeSantis for initiating the CFTOD. He criticized the previous governance of Reedy Creek as emblematic of corporate cronyism, citing unprecedented government entitlements enjoyed by Disney. Garcia highlighted disparities before and after the CFTOD takeover, emphasizing how Disney exerted control over district policies and board appointments, even compensating board members.
Garcia also detailed instances of preferential treatment, such as free park passes for Disney employees and the avoidance of impact fees. Under CFTOD leadership, Garcia noted a transformation towards accountability, transparency, and equal opportunity, heralding the agency’s commitment to all Floridians.
He outlined seven key accomplishments, including establishing government independence, tax reduction, and eliminating Disney perks for government workers. Garcia underscored milestones such as collective bargaining with firefighters and recruiting top-tier leaders to rectify past mistakes. Ultimately, he asserted that CFTOD, under Governor DeSantis’ guidance, has rectified the wrongs of Disney and Reedy Creek.
Drew Crawford, an attorney from Polk County, shared his involvement as requested by CFTOD and Governor DeSantis to perform magistrate duties. He expressed concerns about lacking infrastructure codes across the parks and properties. Crawford thanked Governor DeSantis and CFTOD for their tireless efforts and accomplishments over the past 12 months.
The Mother Who Once Loved WDW
During the press conference, a mother who grew up in Polk County and held a deep affection for Walt Disney World Resort addressed the audience. She expressed lingering distrust towards Disney despite its positive impact on her life.
Her disappointment stemmed from Disney’s stance on the Don’t Say Gay Bill passed in 2022, believing the company should not have engaged in the political controversy initiated by Governor DeSantis. She voiced concerns about what she perceived as “woke ideologies” propagated by Disney and other entities nationwide. Despite her disillusionment, she maintained hope for Disney’s return to its former state.
Ron DeSantis Ends Press Conference With Positivity
As the press conference ended, the Florida Governor returned to the podium to end things on a positive note. He addressed a recently dismissed case involving Disney. He asserted that despite Disney’s efforts to contest the decision, they lack a valid basis for the case.
Judge Allen Winsor of the U.S. District Court issued a ruling in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, resulting in the dismissal of Disney’s federal lawsuit. This case, centered around First Amendment rights, involves Governor DeSantis’s oversight of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and its relationship with Disney World. Notably, the CFTOD, now under DeSantis’s administration, governs Disney World following its takeover some time ago.
Governor DeSantis emphasized that the old district, presumably referring to Reedy Creek, will not be reinstated, indicating a definitive move forward.
He reiterated his commitment to progress alongside the CFTOD, emphasizing the pursuit of new reforms to benefit the state. Governor DeSantis expressed his desire for Disney’s success but emphasized the importance of accountability to the public rather than solely to the company itself.
WDW to Still Receive Billions in Expansions, Updates, and Additions Despite Ongoing Battle With the Florida Governor
The press conference comes just days after it was announced that Disney World would be moving forward with their plans to invest billions of dollars into expanding and improving the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in Florida, despite multiple attempts from the Florida Governor at attempting to disrupt those plans.
The update came from a recent update to the Disney Connect website, where the Walt Disney Company, including Disney CEO Bob Iger, ensured to discuss its ongoing plans not to be shaken or moved by DeSantis or the CFTOD to continue its plans to invest over $16 billion to WDW in the coming years. WDW already plans to invest nearly $2 more than last year alone to improve the overall guest experience at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT.
What’s Next for Ron DeSantis and the CFTOD
Based on insights shared during the press conference, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) have outlined several key objectives for the future:
Moving forward: Governor DeSantis and the CFTOD are determined to navigate beyond previous controversies and legal disputes, including the recent dismissal of Disney’s federal lawsuit. Their focus is on embracing progress and leaving past challenges behind.
Implementing new reforms: Governor DeSantis and the CFTOD are dedicated to enacting fresh reforms to benefit Florida and its residents. These initiatives are expected to prioritize accountability, transparency, and equal opportunity within the CFTOD’s jurisdiction, fostering a more fair and effective governance framework.
Supporting small businesses: The CFTOD remains committed to supporting small and emerging businesses, as demonstrated by the recent allocation of $30 million in loans within the Disney World area. This initiative aims to empower local entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth.
Promoting economic prosperity: Efforts will be channeled towards bolstering economic growth in Central Florida, focusing on creating an environment conducive to job creation and investment. By fostering a thriving economy, Governor DeSantis and the CFTOD aim to enhance the overall well-being of the region’s residents.
In summary, Governor DeSantis and the CFTOD are resolutely focused on building upon past achievements, tackling challenges head-on, and striving for the continuous advancement and prosperity of Central Florida. Their collective efforts underscore a commitment to progress and positive change for the benefit of all regional stakeholders.
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