Photo: John M. Chase / iStock Unreleased / Getty Images
(Orlando, FL) -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis can claim another victory in the state's ongoing legal battle with Disney.
In a surprising turn, Disney has dropped its lawsuit and will no longer seek self-governance of Walt Disney World. DeSantis appointed a new technocratic administrator to oversee the theme park’s governance.
The prolonged feud between DeSantis and Disney began after the company publicly opposed the “Don’t Say Gay” law in Florida, which banned classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades.
The bitter battle that spanned over two years is now starting to find resolution, allowing both parties to move forward. Disney’s maneuver to retain control over the land was declared “null and void,” and a lawsuit over public records was dismissed.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District announced the entertainment company and the board have agreed to a settlement aimed at ending all lawsuits against each other. DeSantis and state lawmakers set up the board to replace Disney's self-governing Reedy Creek Improvement District.