Gov. DeSantis speaks on local government and Disney in Lake Buena Vista

Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:
DeSantis
FILE – Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks to reporters at U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn’s Annual BBQ, Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Ankeny, Iowa. DeSantis is cutting campaign staff as he struggles to catch former President Donald Trump in the GOP’s crowded primary contest while facing sudden financial pressure. DeSantis let go fewer than 10 paid staffers late last week. That’s according to a DeSantis aide granted anonymity to discuss internal campaign strategy. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference on local government reform and the Reedy Creek legislation in Lake Buena Vista.

Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly Joined DeSantis during the press conference Thursday.

The press conference began at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District located at 1900 Hotel Plaza Blvd.

DeSantis began by addressing the AT&T nationwide outages and informed the audience that emergency services are still available.

DeSantis then began recounting his experience handling Disney World and the lack of regulations.

FILE – In this Jan. 9, 2019, photo, guests watch a show near a statue of Walt Disney and Micky Mouse in front of the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, part of the Orlando area in Fla. Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to punish Disney World, took his fighter mentality to a new level. In retribution for Disney’s criticism of a new state law condemned by critics as “Don’t Say Gay,” DeSantis signed legislation on Friday, April 23, 2022, stripping the theme park of a decades-old special agreement that allowed it to govern itself. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

Since passing the regulation legislature, DeSantis claims that local taxes have not increased despite popular critiques and that local businesses can gain a footing in the Reedy Creek District.

He then continued to mention that Disney’s presence in the area made it difficult for outside vendors to become profitable as the competition was too overwhelming.

DeSantis then claimed he would change focus to help give local businesses a tax break within the district.

He said that $18.4 million had been saved by property tax savings in 2023 due to the legislature’s impact.

DeSantis then shifted attention to Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, who praised the diverse job creation since the legislature passed new laws.

According to Kelly, outside vendors can now have equal opportunities for contracts within the district, which was unavailable before the Florida government intervened.

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