ORLANDO, Fla. – A year after Florida lawmakers granted Governor Ron DeSantis control over Walt Disney World’s governing district, DeSantis celebrated the success of the takeover despite challenges.
Legal Victory
DeSantis proudly announced a recent legal victory against Disney over control of the district, previously led by Disney supporters for over five decades. The governor’s appointees now oversee the district.
Transparency and Accountability
The governor claimed that the takeover had brought about increased transparency and accountability. He mentioned reducing the tax burden for Disney and other businesses at the resort and improving competitive contract awards by the district. Municipal services such as firefighting, planning, and mosquito control fall under the district’s jurisdiction.
Impact
DeSantis emphasized that the benefits of the takeover extended not only to the region but to the entire state of Florida.
Disney’s Response
Disney’s legal battle against DeSantis and his appointees suffered a setback when a federal judge in Tallahassee dismissed a free-speech lawsuit. Disney has filed an appeal.
This development comes amidst continuing lawsuits and controversies surrounding DeSantis’ appointees to the board of Disney World’s governing district.
Disney’s Legal Battle Over District Control
Disney recently found itself embroiled in a legal dispute over the control of a district, which was transferred from Disney supporters to DeSantis appointees. The contentious legislation was believed to be in response to Disney’s public opposition to the state’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law. This law, enacted in 2022, prohibited classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades and had been championed by DeSantis, who had previously targeted Disney in his campaign speeches.
Ongoing Legal Disputes
Dueling Claims
In response, Disney has countered with claims seeking to uphold the validity and enforceability of the agreements in question. Amidst this legal battle, around 50 employees out of 370 have left the district since the change in leadership, sparking concerns about the operational efficiency of the district. Departing workers cited concerns about the district’s politicization, alleged favoritism towards politically connected individuals, and distractions caused by the backgrounds of the five DeSantis appointees.
Overall, the clash between Disney and the DeSantis administration over district control continues to unfold as both sides navigate complex legal challenges and operational disruptions.
Bridget Ziegler Embroiled in Scandal
One of the appointees, Bridget Ziegler, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, has found herself at the center of controversy recently. Despite publicly advocating against LGBTQ+ rights, Ziegler made headlines when she admitted to engaging in a sexual relationship with her husband and another woman.
Hypocrisy Exposed
The Zieglers, known for their vocal opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, have been accused of hypocrisy following Bridget’s revelation. Christian Ziegler, Bridget’s husband and former head of the Republican Party of Florida, has also faced scrutiny after the Sarasota Police Department requested that prosecutors charge him for allegedly videotaping the sexual encounter without consent.
Public Backlash
As the scandal unfolds, Bridget Ziegler faces backlash and scrutiny for her actions, prompting questions about the couple’s stance on personal privacy and LGBTQ+ rights. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions that can arise in public figures’ personal lives.
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