Bill to drastically change Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District passes in the Florida Senate

Feb 10, 2023 in "The Walt Disney Company"

Posted: Friday February 10, 2023 1:45pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The bill to overhaul Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District is continuing to pass through the Florida State legislator, with the Senate approving the bill in a session today.

Reedy Creek oversees water and sewer systems, utilities, roads, parking, a fire department and other infrastructure throughout Walt Disney World

As expected, the bill passed easily 26-9, and will now move to the desk of Governor Ron DeSantis to be signed.

The bill moves to replace the governing body's board with five members appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In addition, the Reedy Creek Improvement District would be renamed "Central Florida Tourism Oversight District."

The creation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District in 1967 allowed Disney the luxury of establishing its own independent government that handles many aspects of the Walt Disney World property, including emergency services, infrastructure, and construction permitting.

Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle commented last week on the move, saying "We are monitoring the progression of the draft legislation, which is complex given the long history of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year."

The action by DeSantis comes in retaliation to Disney's public opposition to the parental rights law, which took place under the ex-CEO Bob Chapek.

Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Ron DeSantis clashed over Disney's opposition to the new law

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tissandtully20 days ago

Yeah, apparently she should be done on Feb. 26th, but who knows what Ronnie has in mind.

JoeCamel20 days ago

She still there? Thought she was busy with her OF

tissandtully20 days ago

Glances over at Bridget.....

lazyboy97o22 days ago

You’re so out of touch with the times. Institutional knowledge isn’t based. The terms are clearly part of the facade of propriety. The posts are minor patronage and an example of “new” ideas of executive power. People can rotate through and they get to pad their resume because the board only needs to exist, not overtly act, at this time. So long as Disney remains compliant anyone can provide the rubber stamp. Who has remained is quite telling.

wdwmagic22 days ago

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board Changes Again as Vice Chair Departs https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/reedy-creek-improvement-district/news/18feb2025-central-florida-tourism-oversight-district-board-changes-again-as-vice-chair-departs.htm

LAKid5322 days ago

Because the originals work is done.

mmascari22 days ago

How normal is it for boards roughly like this one to change members this often disconnected from their terms? I keep wondering what the point of terms even is, if we're just going to replace members whenever anyway.

lazyboy97o25 days ago

This is not normalcy nor should we lie and pretend it is. Development and building are local concerns and this structure remains abnormal and completely outside the construct of what are supposed to be legal taxing authorities. The threats remain clear, even if they’re just more loudly coming from others at the moment, and Disney is actively complying.

JoeCamel25 days ago

I think I would like to know Gilbert's campaign contribution history he seems to fit the bill of a Florida real estate salesman. Those and car dealers seem to gravitate to being politicians. Oh and lawyers too. I guess I yearn for the days of citizen service where the motives were clear but the money is way too high a bar for most.

Stripes26 days ago

These seem like decent appointments. Certainly better than the departing board members. With these appointments, it would seem to me that the new board will have members that are all qualified to be there. With the showdown over, things have returned to normalcy.

wdwmagic26 days ago

DeSantis Reshapes Disney's Central Florida Tourism Oversight District with New Appointments https://www.wdwmagic.com/other/reedy-creek-improvement-district/news/15feb2025-desantis-reshapes-disneys-central-florida-tourism-oversight-district-with-new-appointments.htm

DCBaker26 days ago

Ron DeSantis has appointed 3 new members to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors: TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Alexis Yarbrough as Chair, John Gilbert, and Scott Workman to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Alexis Yarbrough Yarbrough is the current Chair of the Broward College District Board of Trustees. She previously served as Chair and Commissioner on the Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission. Yarbrough earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Miami and her juris doctor from Nova Southeastern University. John Gilbert Gilbert is the Executive Managing Director at Stream Realty Partners. He was recognized as the 2007 and the 2012 Orlando Office Broker of the Year by the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks, Commercial Real Estate Development Association. Gilbert earned his bachelor's degree in real estate from Florida State University. Scott Workman Workman is the Owner of Workman Transportation and Owner and President of Workman Travel. He has been active in the transportation industry in Orlando for over 25 years. Workman attended the University of Iowa. These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-appoints-three-central-florida-tourism-oversight-district

lazyboy97o29 days ago

The FCC is investigating Comcast over their internal corporate practices that have nothing to actually do with broadcasting. Make no mistake, this is why Iger capitulated.