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Central Florida Tourism Oversight District

All articles tagged with #central florida tourism oversight district

business-and-politics1 year ago

"Disney and Ron DeSantis Settle Lawsuit Over Florida Tourism Oversight District"

Disney and Ron DeSantis have reached a settlement in the lawsuit over the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, ending almost two years of litigation. The settlement agreement involves dropping covenants and a development agreement made with Disney supporters and operating under an earlier plan. This comes after DeSantis took over the district following Disney's opposition to Florida's "Don’t Say Gay" law. The agreement also includes the appointment of new board members and signals a new chapter of constructive engagement between Disney and the district's new leadership.

via FOX 35 Orlando|
#business-and-politics#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#disney
legal2 years ago

Disney Slams DeSantis and Allies for Un-American "Constitutional Mutiny" in Theme Park District Battle

The Walt Disney Co. has accused Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his allies of engaging in an "ongoing constitutional mutiny" for targeting the company over its opposition to a parental rights bill. In its latest filing in the federal lawsuit against DeSantis, Disney's legal team argued that the governor and his allies reject the First Amendment rule that a state cannot use its official powers to punish disfavored political viewpoints. Disney accused DeSantis of violating the First Amendment by restructuring a company-controlled special district and asked the judge to reject a motion to dismiss the case. Disney's attorneys also argued that First Amendment principles apply to businesses, citing the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United.

via Deadline|
#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#disney#first-amendment
business2 years ago

"Ron DeSantis yields to Disney, approves $3000 stipend while park passes and discounts remain"

Walt Disney World's governing district will provide a $3,000 annual stipend to employees whose free passes and discounts to the theme park resort were eliminated under a policy made by allies of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The decision comes after facing backlash from employees who relied on the perks for affordable access to the parks. The district, now renamed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, took over from Disney-controlled governance earlier this year. Board members claimed the previous arrangement was unethical, while outside experts likened it to an employee benefit. Disney has sued DeSantis in federal court, and the district has sued Disney in state court.

via Fortune|
#backlash#business#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district
business2 years ago

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Replaces Walt Disney World Annual Pass Benefit with Employee Stipend

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board of Supervisors has approved a new benefits stipend policy for its employees and retirees, replacing the previous Walt Disney World Annual Pass benefit. Instead of receiving an annual pass, employees and retirees will receive a $3,000 stipend that can be used to purchase an annual pass if desired. The stipend will be issued annually, subject to tax withholdings and budget appropriations. The decision to replace the annual pass benefit was made due to concerns of inequity and potential legal issues.

via WDW News Today|
#annual-pass#business#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district
travel-and-tourism2 years ago

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Proposes $3.1 Million Cut to Walt Disney World Roadway Repair and Maintenance

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) is proposing a $3.1 million cut to roadway repairs and maintenance around Walt Disney World in their budget for fiscal year 2024. The budget notes a decrease in repairs and maintenance services, with a proposed budget of $13.4 million. The affected roadways include World Drive, Buena Vista Drive, EPCOT Center Drive, Osceola Parkway, and Western Way. The cut budget may not cause significant problems unless serious issues arise. The CFTOD Board will discuss and pass the tentative budget on Wednesday, September 13.

via WDW News Today|
#budget-cut#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#maintenance
politics2 years ago

Florida State Investigates Former RCID and Links Flesh-Eating Bacteria to 5 Deaths

Allies of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, including his recently appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, have filed a complaint accusing the previous Disney oversight board of providing "unethical benefits and perks" to its members and employees, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. The battle for control over the district containing Disney's theme parks has intensified, with tensions between DeSantis and Disney escalating. Disney, which contributes the largest share of tax revenue to the district, has been critical of DeSantis' policies, leading to lawsuits and ongoing conflict between the two parties.

via CNN|
#battle-for-control#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#perks-and-discounts
business2 years ago

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Proposes Lower Property Tax Rate for Disney World

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is proposing a decrease in the property tax rate for its stakeholders, including Walt Disney World. The proposed millage rate for fiscal year 2024 would drop to 12.95 mills, down from the current rate of 13.9 mills. The decision comes from stakeholder feedback and the goal of being independent and fair. The upcoming meeting will also address matters related to law enforcement contracts and negotiations regarding Disney's lawsuit against the Board and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

via WDW News Today|
#business#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#lawsuit
business2 years ago

Disney Fights Back Against DeSantis in Lawsuit Battle

Walt Disney Co is seeking to have a lawsuit filed by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District dismissed as part of its ongoing feud with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The district's lawsuit aims to invalidate "backroom deals" that it claims were made in favor of Disney and violated state law. Disney argues that the lawsuit should be dismissed since the agreements with the prior board were nullified by the state. Meanwhile, Disney is pursuing its own federal lawsuit against DeSantis, alleging that he "weaponized" state government against the company. The district argues that if the judge determines the Disney agreements are invalid, it would undermine Disney's claims in the federal case.

via Reuters|
#business#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#disney
business2 years ago

DeSantis' Board to Enforce Fines on Walt Disney World and All Entities in District

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to create an enforcement citation program that allows them to issue fines to "all groups and legal entities" within the district for violations of rules and regulations. The program introduces a method for the district administrator to designate code enforcement officers who would investigate violations and issue citations. The program also allows the board to appoint a special magistrate to hear appeals of citations issued by the enforcement officers. The CFTOD Board and Walt Disney World are currently suing each other.

via WDW News Today|
#business#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#fines
business2 years ago

Central Florida Tourism District Appoints Glen Gilzean as Administrator with $400K Salary

Glenton “Glen” Gilzean, Jr. has been hired as the new administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, replacing John Classe. Gilzean is the president and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League and the chair of Florida’s Commission on Ethics. The CFTOD Board of Supervisors and Disney are currently suing each other, with Disney citing “a targeted campaign of government retaliation” and the Board asking the state court to render Disney’s development agreement with the Reedy Creek Improvement District as unenforceable, null, and void.

via WDW News Today|
#business#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#disney
business2 years ago

DeSantis faces lawsuit from Disney-appointed board.

The board appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to oversee Disney's district has voted to counter-sue the company in Central Florida, where Disney World is located. The move comes after Disney filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and the board in federal court in Tallahassee. The basis of the board's lawsuit is not yet clear. The board has hired attorneys and financial advisors to consider changes to Disney's special self-governing privileges in Florida. Disney is currently facing layoffs and mounted a lawsuit after DeSantis threatened changes to its special tax district.

via Business Insider|
#business#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#disney
business2 years ago

Disney's Last-Minute Power Grab Leaves Reedy Creek Board Handicapped

Disney made a last-minute deal with the former Reedy Creek board in February, giving the company wide powers and approval to build more theme parks, according to a special council hired by the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board. The deal also bars the new tourism board from making changes to properties without Disney's approval. Board member Ron Peri said the agreement essentially makes Disney the government, and the board has very little power to govern beyond maintaining roads and basic infrastructure. The board sought to hire legal counsel to potentially challenge Disney in court.

via WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando|
#business#central-florida-tourism-oversight-district#development-agreement