It’s been a few months since Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dissolved Disney World’s Reedy Creek District and created the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District in its place.
Since the change was made, we’ve seen several new developments, including a few lawsuits and many eventful board meetings. Now, a major change has come to the board itself, with a new member being appointed to fill an empty spot left by another member who recently resigned.
According to Governor DeSantis’ website, the governor has appointed a new member to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District: Charbel Barakat.
ClickOrlando reports that Barakat already serves on two other state boards (which DeSantis also appointed him to), for the Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission and on the Florida Development Finance Corporation.
He is also the vice president of the Tampa chapter of the Federalist Society (a conservative legal group).
Barakat is replacing Michael Sasso, who resigned recently because DeSantis appointed Meredith Sasso (Michael Sasso’s wife) to the Florida Supreme Court.
According to ClickOrlando, “State and federal records show Barakat has contributed thousands of dollars to Republican candidates and groups over the last few years, including to DeSantis in 2022.”
We’ll continue to watch for more updates on the latest news about the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, so stay tuned to AllEars.
Click here to learn about the other members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
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What do you think of this change? Let us know in the comments.
DeSantis needs to get out of Disney. Disney is for all families, not the narrow view DeSantis has. I hope Disney stops using FL based merchants in favor of more progressive states merchants. A shareholder class action lawsuit against DeSantis is needed.