2 Big Announcements We're Expecting This Week About Disney's Reedy Creek District

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board is planning to hold a Board of Supervisors meeting soon. So, why is this important?

Reedy Creek Improvement District

First, for context, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) is the Board that replaced Disney World’s Reedy Creek Improvement District. The new Board of Supervisors was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and since taking over, has already made several changes in the District. You may also recognize this Board as the group that is suing The Walt Disney Company. We’ve been following both the lawsuit and the subsequent board meetings, and now we’ve got an update.

The next Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors meeting is set to take place on July 26th at 9:30AM. The meeting agenda lists several items, including an update on the collective bargaining agreement with the Reedy Creek firefighters, a few public hearings, and an “Attorney/Client Executive Closed Session.”

Attained via Central Florida Tourism Oversight District

Let’s discuss what this means.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

First, the CFTOD is expected to provide an update on the collective bargaining agreement with the Reedy Creek firefighters. We’ve previously covered the details of the agreement, but in short, Reedy Creek firefighters and first responders were seeking a raise, but had to go through another round of contract negotiations with the new District Administrator Glenton Gilzean.

Reedy Creek Fire Department

The issue first came about after staffing issues following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Orlando Sentinel quoted Board spokesperson Alexei Woltornist, who said, “Administrator [Glenton] Gilzean is actively working with the fire department to finalize a deal that offers a competitive compensation package and gives firefighters the resources they need to protect the public.”

Click here to learn more about the contract battle

Attorney/Client Executive Closed Session

The meeting agenda also notes an Attorney/Client Executive Closed Session. Board members are expected to discuss “strategy and settlement negotiations related to litigation expenditures in the following cases: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. v. DeSantis, et. al., N.D. Fla. Case No. 4:23-cv-00163-MW-MJF and Central Florida Tourism Oversight District v. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., Orange County Circuit Court Case No. 2023-CA-011818-O.”

Obtained via Click Orlando Livestream — Governor DeSantis

In other (non-legal) words, this closed-door meeting will cover the ongoing state court lawsuit against Disney. The meeting comes shortly after both Disney and the CFTOD filed proposed orders on Disney’s motion to dismiss. The judge is expected to rule on the motion to dismiss the lawsuit soon.

We will continue to look out for updates regarding the political conflict between Disney and the CFTOD. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.