Desantis' Board Files Counter Lawsuit Against Disney

In a surprising turn of events, the board appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to oversee Walt Disney World has officially filed a lawsuit against the entertainment giant. This comes just days after Disney sued the governor and his replacement board, which is now in charge of overseeing the development and maintenance of Disney World property.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, in a counterpunch to Disney's action, has alleged that the former Reedy Creek Board failed to file proper notice of a public meeting in February. This meeting resulted in an agreement that gave Disney sole control over developing its property. The tourism district also claims that Reedy Creek had no authority to assign development rights and argues that agreements between Disney and its former board are null and void.

The lawsuit was filed in circuit court in Orange County this morning, coinciding with a special meeting of the tourism oversight board. This meeting was held in response to Disney's federal court lawsuit, where the company alleges that its constitutional rights were violated by Governor DeSantis and the new board.

Governor DeSantis stood by his board's decision to sue, stating that he believes it will be successful due to the extensive background law in their favor. However, during public comment at the meeting, one individual expressed disagreement with the governor's actions, highlighting the importance of respecting differing political views.

Disney's lawsuit stems from their claim that the governor and state retaliated against them when they opposed the so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill. The governor-appointed board has authorized its attorneys to fight Disney's lawsuit, further escalating this battle between two powerful entities.

The Importance of Proper Notice and Authority

One key issue raised by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is the failure of the former Reedy Creek Board to provide proper notice of a public meeting. This raises questions about transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. It is crucial for public entities to adhere to legal requirements and ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to participate and voice their concerns.

Additionally, the district argues that Reedy Creek had no authority to assign development rights to Disney. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of agreements made between the company and its former board. If these agreements are indeed null and void, it could have significant implications for Disney's control over its property and future development plans.

The Battle Continues: Retaliation or Protection of Rights?

Disney's lawsuit against Governor DeSantis and the new board alleges