The Walt Disney Company has sued the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly the Reedy Creek Improvement District, over a failure for the district to release public records. In the lawsuit, Disney accuses the district of failing to preserve and turn over public records in violation of Florida law and the state’s constitution.
Disney asked an Orange County circuit court judge to set an “immediate” hearing so that the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District can be declared as unlawfully withholding public records and then order the agency to immediately provide Disney with all of the outstanding requested records. The lawsuit comes after the district failed to respond to to a public record request the company submitted to the government agency on May 11.
The lawsuit also accuses the district of allowing both District employees and board members to use personal electronic devices, email, and messaging accounts for government business. This was done without adequate processes to ensure the preservation of public records. Disney also claims that as many as 50 employees have departed the district since Governor DeSantis took it over and appointed his own board in February. Disney says that the remaining employees are “exhausted” and lacking confidence in the new leadership.
“On the public records front, this has led to delays, inadequate preservation, storage and production of public records, and improper and unsupported claims of privilege and exemption from disclosure, in violation of the Florida Constitution and (Florida’s Public Record Act),” the lawsuit states.
Disney’s complaint states that the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District relies on board members and employees, including District Administrator Glen Gillian, to “self-select text messages or emails responsive to public record requests on their own, without technical instruction from the District or any effort to verify compliance.” The complaint continues to say that the district also didn’t preserve data from the personal devices of departing employees.
The lawsuit was filed toward the end of the day on Friday, December 22, just before the Christmas holiday weekend began. It is the next step in an ongoing feud that has been going between Disney and Florida leaders. The feud started last year when Disney came out against legislation that Governor DeSantis advocated for. This led to Governor DeSantis attacking Disney and saying “there’s a new sheriff in town.” Things continued to escalate and eventually Governor DeSantis advocated for legislation that allowed him to take over what was formerly the Reedy Creek Improvement District and replace it with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. This led to lawsuits from Disney and then a countersuit from the new district. At this time, the future of the district will most likely be determined by a judge.
With the lawsuit being filed just before the holiday weekend, it is quite possible that there won’t be an answer immediately by a judge. Daps Magic will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
