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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Stripes7 minutes ago

I don’t think Disney is in the market to buy or sell any broadcast stations.

mmascari11 minutes ago

Maybe. There's only something for a judge to block if Disney fights it. If it happens, Disney may just give up and cave if they're worried about some other activity, such as a M&A purchase being blocked.

Stripes22 minutes ago

Many of those terminations have been blocked too. An executive order revoking the FCC license for any station would be one of the clearest examples of an unconstitutional action.

flynnibus31 minutes ago

That's what all the federal employees thought too...

Stripes32 minutes ago

An executive order stating otherwise would be quickly blocked by a judge. There is little, if any, risk to the company here. Carr is just trying to look like he’s doing something without actually doing anything.

lazyboy97o49 minutes ago

Until an executive order says otherwise. Iger has repeatedly caved to illegal actions. No reason to expect he won’t do so again.

Stripes52 minutes ago

None of the FCC licenses for Disney owned ABC stations expire until after the end of the Trump administration.

lazyboy97o2 hours ago

Bob Iger is a coward who has been unable to actually buy protection. https://www.yahoo.com/news/fcc-investigate-disney-over-dei-151311359.html

DCBaker1 day ago

Here's the full packet: https://www.oversightdistrict.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-28-25-BOS-Agenda-packet.pdf Item 7.4 on the Sunshine Corridor PD&E Study:

Dr.GrantSeeker3 days ago

Oof, 2031 is a long ways away! Wonder how long it will actually take if and when they start it. Edit: thanks Len!

castlecake2.03 days ago

lentesta3 days ago

AFAIK the road budget is still in place. IIRC it was a tie-in of Western Way to the east side of property. ETA: Yep. Look at Exhibit D in this doc from the CFTOD boaerd meeting on 2024-06-05.

LAKid533 days ago

What more can be done?

Dr.GrantSeeker4 days ago

I remember RCID approving a bunch of infrastructure work for Western Way and the BV Drive intersection right before they became CFTOD. Do we still know if these improvements are going to happen and when? @lentesta I’m tagging you because i vaguely remember you talking about this a year ago-ish, which is how I learned about it in the first place. Unless my memory is totally wrong (which it could be) so I apologize in advance if you never mentioned these improvements!