The longstanding legal tussle between Walt Disney World and allies of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has reached a pivotal settlement, heralding a new era for the governance of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Both parties have agreed to terms that nullify controversial contracts and suggest a future of cooperative engagement, resolving nearly two years of litigation which emerged from a dramatic takeover of the district’s board by DeSantis appointees.
This complex saga began when Disney supporters following the company’s opposition vocally opposed Florida’s 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” law, which limits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. Governor DeSantis assumed control of the governing district through legislation enacted by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature, subsequently appointing a new board of supervisors, prompting Disney to claim a violation of free speech rights and subsequently sue DeSantis and his appointees. The clash peaked when a federal judge dismissed the suit, leading to Disney’s appeal and a countersuit in state court.
Under the settlement, Disney concedes to the board’s declaration that the comprehensive plan approved by Disney supporters prior to the takeover is now void. Furthermore, Disney assents to the invalidity of a development agreement and restrictive covenants made prior to the takeover. Yet, a 2020 comprehensive plan will guide future operations, with room for amendments by the current board. This compromise also involves Disney pausing the appeal of the federal lawsuit.
Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort, welcomed the settlement, stating, “This agreement opens a new chapter of constructive engagement with the new leadership of the district and serves the interests of all parties by enabling significant continued investment and the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs and economic opportunity in the state.”
Governor DeSantis echoed satisfaction at a news conference, declaring, “We have been vindicated on all those actions. Those 11th-hour covenants and restrictions were never going to be valid. We knew that.”
The dispute’s resolution coincided with changes in the district’s leadership. Earlier this month, the district’s administrator, Glen Gilzean, departed to assume the role of county elections supervisor. Subsequently, the DeSantis-appointed board chairman, Martin Garcia, also resigned the following week. To fill these vacancies, Governor DeSantis appointed Orlando businessman Craig Mateer to the board on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, board members approved former DeSantis advisor Stephanie Kopelousos as the new district administrator.
As the district looks to move forward, board member Charbel Barakat expressed a collaborative spirit, “We are eager to work with Disney.”
Relevant articles:
– Disney And DeSantis Board Reach Settlement Agreement—Declares Controversial Contract ‘Null And Void’, Forbes, Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:29:26 GMT
– Settlement reached in lawsuit between Disney and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ allies, The Associated Press, Wed, 27 Mar 2024 18:28:00 GMT
– Settlement reached in lawsuit between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Disney, WESH 2 Orlando, Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:11:00 GMT