The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is looking at making $8 million in cuts to law enforcement overtime for Disney properites in the district. This district is where most of Walt Disney World Resort resides. The board for the district is saying that this cut for law enforcement officers in off-duty shifts is no longer tenable due to its mounting legal costs in its fights against Disney. Because of this, the district is looking to cut costs elsewhere.
Currently the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has two main lawsuits it is facing against Disney. A federal lawsuit was brought against Governor DeSantis and included district board members. This lawsuit accuses the Governor and the board of a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” against the company. This comes after a series of events that began when Disney came out against Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill last year. This led to a feud between Disney and Governor DeSantis that led to the dissolution of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was then replaced by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has countersued Disney as well.
Recently, Governor DeSantis made a motion in federal court for Disney’s lawsuit against him and the district be dismissed. Disney countered this motion with a strongly worded response. Governor DeSantis has until August 9, 2023 to respond. Currently Disney is seekingthe lawsuit to go to court on July 15, 2024, the same day that the Republican National Convention begins.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has also said that it is looking at other ways to cut costs as it relates to its spending on Disney. Currently the deal with the Orange County Sheriff’s office continues through the fall of 2024.
The board for the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is all appointed by the Governor of Florida. Disney has not publicly responded to this move by the board to cut costs by cutting law enforcement.
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