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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JohnDFeb 11, 2026

The Florida Senate Ethics and Elections Committee met this morning to formally confirm Ravenscroft, Woods, and other Florida nominees in about one minute. The confirmations go to the floor of the Florida Senate next. See pp. 2, 75-78 of Meeting Packet: https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/DownloadMeetingDocument/8229 Video here: https://www.flsenate.gov/media/VideoPlayer/6145

EeyoreFan#24Jan 23, 2026

Back to just maintaining (insert dramatic pause)……“roads and basic infrastructure.”

lazyboy97oJan 21, 2026

Just because they’re currently rubber stamping doesn’t make it any less corrupt.

MisterPenguinJan 21, 2026

Well, there you go. A denial by the Board. Can we have our perks back? -Firefighters et. al No. -Board.

DranthJan 21, 2026

WHAT? You mean he wasn't being honest? How can I go on knowing he was full of it?

Chi84Jan 21, 2026

Good luck with that.

DranthJan 21, 2026

Personally I am still waiting for Universals special district to have the Governor appoint members instead of them all being Universal employees. Wouldn't want him to be a hypocrite for going against everything he said about RCID right before the new one for Uni was approved. I'm sure he has just been busy and he will call a special session and get it done any day now!

castlecake2.0Jan 21, 2026

I read it and have also attended several district meetings. The original batch he chose were all trying to prove a point while the newer appointees are more focused on actual gouvernement business

Disstevefan1Jan 21, 2026

The worst thing I remember was CFTOD took away perks employees had when it was RCID.

MR.DisJan 21, 2026

Could some one please remind me of any request that Disney has made that the board has denied, as far as I know there has not been one request denied. So no real effect on how WDW has been run since the change. The only pain Disney has had in the past several years if the constant over evaluations by County Assessor office of WDW properties. From what I have read, every single challenge Disney has made has been upheld. Yet the Assessor office continues with their crusade to make Disney pay more. Just to remind everyone Disney is already the single biggest tax payer in the county.

Chi84Jan 21, 2026

It’s not because there’s no reason for him to pretend to hate Disney now.

wdw71fanJan 21, 2026

I'm guessing you didn't read the entire article. Two brand new Desantis appointees are on the board now. Business as usual.

castlecake2.0Jan 21, 2026

Good riddance, now hopefully the district can get back to actually doing their job

DCBakerJan 21, 2026

According to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District website, Brian Aungst Jr. and Bridget Ziegler are no longer listed as current members of the Board of Supervisors. Their spots have been filled by Matt Ravenscroft and David Woods, who were recently appointed by Governor DeSantis.