On Thursday, the Florida House of Representatives voted to approve three bills: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ congressional map and two measures against Disney–one of which is meant to wipe out Disney’s 55-year-old government structure, the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
With the current set up, the district provides water, sewer, electric power and public safety for millions of visitors, employees and residents.
However, this new legislation would dismantle Disney’s special district as of June 1, 2023. The district, which was created by a 1967 state law, allows Disney to self-govern by collecting taxes and providing emergency services. Disney controls about 25,000 acres in the Orlando area, and the district allows the company to build new structures and pay impact fees for such construction without the approval of a local planning commission.
As shared by a recent report by WESH, Orange County officials have stated the dissolving of Reedy Creek would be a massive blow to the county’s budget.
“If we had to take over the first response and public safety components for Reedy Creek with no new revenue, that would be catastrophic for our budget in Orange County. It would put an undue burden on the rest of the taxpayers in Orange County, to fill that gap,” he said.
Another bill from the Governor would diminish an exemption from the state’s new social media or “Big-Tech” law, which opens companies up to lawsuits, if they suspend or de-platform messaging, especially from politicians.
At the current moment, the bills are headed to DeSantis’ desk for signing. After he signs, they will likely be challenged in court.
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