Disney's bitter war with Ron DeSantis comes to end

Disney's war with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has come to an end with the settlement of a lawsuit.

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board, which governs the special tax district where Disney is located, voted unanimously Wednesday morning in favor of the agreement and dropped most of its legal opposition to a state law restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity, reported the Washington Post.

“We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court in Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World.

Disney had filed a lawsuit accusing the Republican governor of trying to punish the company for its then-chief executive exercising his right to free speech by publicly opposing the state’s Parental Rights in Education bill, which became known as the “don’t say gay” law.

DeSantis responded to the criticism by pushing for legislation that would dismantle Reedy Creek tax district that has long managed the 25,000 acres around Walt Disney World, and replace it with a body populated by his allies.

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A federal judge dismissed Disney's lawsuit in January, and the new Disney World oversight board installed by DeSantis accused its predecessors of sharply limiting their powers just before leaving their roles to give the company more control over the amusement park.

The settlement nullifies actions taken by the former Reedy Creek special taxing district days before DeSantis appointees took over.

“With this agreement, we’re eager to work with Disney and other businesses within Central Florida to make our destination known for world-class attractions and accountable governance,” said Charbel Barakat, vice chairman of Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.