Ron DeSantis appoints co-author of the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill to the new governing district of Walt Disney World

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Ron DeSantis at Reedy Creek Improvement District

Posted: Monday February 27, 2023 10:51m ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Bridget Ziegler, one of the authors of Florida's controversial Parental Bill of Rights law, has been appointed as one of five board members on the new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, replacing the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

The appointment of Zeigler appears to double down on the state's retaliation against Disney for their opposition to the Parental Bill of Rights, also known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

Another member of the new board is Ron Peri, a former senior pastor of Evangel Baptist Church and now CEO of The Gathering, which describes itself as a "way to reach and disciple men from all walks of life."

Rounding out the new new Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, are Martin Garcia, Brian Aungst and Mike Sasso, all lawyers. Garcia is a big donor to the Florida Republican Party who donated heavily to the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC in 2022.

Ron DeSantis at Reedy Creek Improvement District

The bill that DeSantis has signed today at Walt Disney World's Reedy Creek Fire Station 4 replaces the governing body's board with five members appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In addition, the Reedy Creek Improvement District will be renamed "Central Florida Tourism Oversight District." Disney will be responsible for paying hundreds of millions in outstanding Reedy Creek debt.

Reedy Creek Improvement District overview

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flynnibus1 day ago

Looks to be moved https://www.oversightdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BOS-Meeting-04-24-24-Agenda-Outline.pdf

wdwmagic1 day ago

Amazing, there is actually some real business on the agenda for a change.

DCBaker1 day ago

The agenda outline for the next CFTOD meeting on Wednesday, April 24 is available at this link*: https://www.oversightdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BOS-Meeting-04-24-24-Agenda-Outline.pdf *Edited to update as the link was changed after posting (thanks @flynnibus!).

flyakite3 days ago

Batman'sParents6 days ago

Was curious about this: Is there an expectation that CFTOD will delegate some responsibilities to the cities as part of the understanding between the state and Disney?

Dcgc289 days ago

All good! I was going to be blown away lol

MR.Dis9 days ago

error, I edited the original post

mkt10 days ago

Here's the motion

mkt10 days ago

what's the new case number? Disregard, found it. 24-10342-H

Dcgc2810 days ago

They objected the delay?

MR.Dis10 days ago

Federal Judge officially granted a 60 day delay on the Federal Case. Disney requested so a new developement agreement could be negotiated, the CFTOD did not object.

mmascari15 days ago

Same formality as completing the new agreement. They clearly think everyone will work in good faith and get an acceptable resolution. One where not having representation in the CFTOD board is ok.

flynnibus15 days ago

Sounds like walking away from the Federal case is only a matter of formality at this point... or the roof caving in. Those aren't the words of someone cautiously optimistic for an outcome... those are the words of someone who already knows the game plan and they aren't holdiing a gun to anyone.