Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fight with Disney began in earnest last year after he signed a proposal critics have labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” policy. The corporation, a powerhouse in the Sunshine State and Florida’s largest private employer, eventually criticized the anti-LGBTQ measure.
The Florida governor apparently felt the need, not only to disagree with the company’s opinion, but also to punish Disney for daring to issue mild and inconsequential criticisms of a measure he signed into law.
The Republican initially planned to revoke Disney World’s designation as a special tax district, but when that proved untenable — the policy would’ve raised taxes on many nearby Floridians — DeSantis settled on a plan that gave him greater control over the local district’s board. He signed the new policy into law about a month ago.
But what if Disney’s lawyers were more adept than the governor’s? NBC News reported this morning:
Just weeks before Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a new, hand-picked board to take over Disney’s long-held special governing district in Orlando, the entertainment giant created a declaration that said any changes to the district must be made to benefit Walt Disney World.
At issue is a document from early last month — issued the day before Republicans in the state House advanced the DeSantis takeover plan — brought to public attention today by the Orlando Sentinel.
As NBC News’ report added, it grants Disney “prior review and comment” over any changes made to properties in the local district, and forbids the political board from using Disney’s brand name or any of its trademarks. All of this, the document added, would be enforceable “in perpetuity.”
Evidently, the governor’s political appointees weren’t aware of any of this, and they’re not especially pleased. One told the Sentinel that Disney’s move represents a “subversion” of DeSantis’ scheme, and leaves the governor’s board with far less authority…
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