Under the bill, which now goes to DeSantis for signing into law,
the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board, appointed
by DeSantis to oversee development in and around Disney's theme
parks, can cancel agreements that were signed up to three months
before the board's creation.
The board was formed by Florida's legislature in February. It
replaced the Reedy Creek Improvement District as the body
overseeing the 25,000 acres surrounding the Walt Disney World
resort.
Disney did not reply to a request for comment on the bill.
Disney, the largest employer in central Florida, and DeSantis, a
Republican, have been feuding since last year, when Disney
criticized a state measure banning classroom discussion of
sexuality and gender identity with younger children.
DeSantis, who is expected to soon declare his candidacy for U.S.
president, has repeatedly attacked "woke Disney" in public
remarks.
Disney last month filed a lawsuit in federal court, accusing
DeSantis of illegally using state power to punish the company
for exercising its free speech rights.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board responded
with its own lawsuit in a state court this week, saying it
sought to void "backroom deals" favorable to Disney.
(Reporting by Brad Brooks in Lubbock, Texas; Editing by Mary
Milliken and Sonali Paul)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2022 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|