One of the concerns? With Disney's money out of the picture, residents were worried about a tax increase.

The new law-which largely took effect in 2023-was signed into law, despite criticisms. Eventually, Bob Chapek, then Disney's CEO, announced that the company had been opposed to the bill 'from the outset,' explaining that they 'chose not to take a public position because we felt we could be more effective working behind the scenes directly with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.' When that didn’t work, the company officially criticized the law and also said it would put an end to political donations in the state. Initially, Disney remained silent, angering many of the company's employees.

Among other things, the law prohibits instruction or classroom discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation and requires schools to notify parents when children receive mental, emotional, or physical health services unless educators believe there is a risk of 'abuse, abandonment, or neglect.' In March of 2022, DeSantis signed the controversial ' Parental Rights in Education' bill-called 'Don't Say Gay' by critics-bill (SB 4-C) into law. In 2022, Disney-owned land constituted 87.7% of the total taxable assessed value within the district. Funding for special districts is generally determined by a tax assessment on the value of commercial properties.

Businesses in special districts, also referred to as special services areas or community improvement districts, pay to fund projects, services, and maintenance typically otherwise covered by state and local governments. Since then, Reedy Creek-one of about 1,800 special districts in Florida-has paid for and maintained services in the district, which receives about 250,000 visitors daily. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images The Reedy Creek Improvement District was created by state law in May 1967 to give the Walt Disney Company governmental control over the land in and around its central Florida theme parks. Ron DeSantis signed a bill dissolving the theme parkâs special purpose district. District administrative office building is seen at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, the day after Florida Gov. LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - 3: The sign outside the Reedy Creek Improvement.

Something Out There by Ronald Kelly