Disney tries to keep its special district, now federal judge issues ruling

A federal court judge has tossed out a legal challenge to a decision by Florida lawmakers to cancel a special tax district that was set up to provide Disney with special privileges, ruling the dispute involves state law.

The Washington Examiner reported the lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had demanded a halt to the legislative plans to dismantle the Reedy Creek Improvement District that essentially gives Disney total control of its own property.

If the cancellation is fully implemented, the company will be subject to county zoning and regulatory agencies, such as building codes, and highway requirements, and instead of paying for those improvements through its own district, likely would be obligated to pay taxes for those services from the two counties in which its properties lie.

The privilege for Disney was canceled by lawmakers who were concerned about the company's open antagonism toward a new state law protecting young children in schools from LGBT agenda indoctrination. The company had stated its goal was to overturn the law.

The Examiner reported U.S. District Judge Cecilia Altonaga ruled this week the federal court didn't have jurisdiction because it was a state dispute.

And she said the plaintiff's arguments regarding the First Amendment were flawed. Further, the law doesn't take effected until July.

The district was created by the state – at the request of Disney – in the 1960s and allowed nearly total control by the company over its own properties.

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https://www.wnd.com/2022/05/disney-tries-keep-special-district-now-federal-judge-issues-ruling/?ats_es=57139bde57e070d7cce67b2f02003c45