Disney still has some tricks up its sleeve.
According to a report from Fox News, the special board appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to oversee the dissolution of Disney’s special status looks to be heading into a legal fight with Iger and Co.
From Fox News:
In the hours before the Florida House of Representatives approved a state takeover, the board — still under control of company appointees — transferred many duties of the special district over to Disney’s control.
“The Executive Office of the Governor is aware of Disney’s last-ditch efforts to execute contracts just before ratifying the new law that transfers rights and authorities from the former Reedy Creek Improvement District to Disney,” said a spokesperson for the governor’s office, Taryn Fenske.
According to developer agreements signed into effect Feb. 8, the same day the Florida House passed legislation to control aspects of Disney’s land, the Reedy Creek Improvement District transferred most of its power to Disney for the next 30 years.
The governor was not aware of the agreements made by the former board before putting his stamp on the new district, according to DeSantis’ office. However, they were passed by the board during a public meeting that included public hearings.
“An initial review suggests these agreements may have significant legal infirmities that would render the contracts void as a matter of law,” Fenske said. “We are pleased the new Governor-appointed board retained multiple financial and legal firms to conduct audits and investigate Disney’s past behavior.”
“I can’t think of a more naked attempt to circumvent the will of the voters and the will of the Florida Legislature and the will of the governor,” new board member, Brian Aungst Jr., said.
More over at Fox News:
War over the corporate kingdom: DeSantis’ new board spars for control with Disney https://t.co/v0SgTOOwo9
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 30, 2023
