DeSantis Is Self-Proclaimed "New Sheriff," While Fla., Plebians Struggle With Health Care and Affordable Housing

By Issac Morgan, Florida Phoenix

February 8, 2023

Amid a legislative special session and committee meetings this week in Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner traveled to Ocala, in Central Florida, to discuss tax relief efforts — though the governor also talked about the fate of Disney’s special tax district.

Flanked by the GOP legislative leaders at a news conference, DeSantis touted proposals on permanent tax exemptions on baby items, gas stoves, pet medicine and other tax relief initiatives.

But a major issue in the spotlight during the special session is dismantling the self-governing powers of the Reedy Creek Improvement District in Central Florida, and the Republican governor on Wednesday insisted that the state will take control of the district.

“So there’s a new sheriff in town and that’s just the way it’s going to be,” DeSantis said. “Now this is obviously now going to be controlled by the state of Florida, which is no longer self-governing for them.”

“Disney is no longer going to have self-government,” he said. “Disney is going to pay its fair share of taxes and Disney’s going to honor the debt. And that is exactly what this proposed piece of legislation will do.”

A bill introduced Monday by the Legislature would rename Reedy Creek that has been controlled by Disney World for more than 55 years and replace it with a new board selected exclusively by DeSantis, as previously reported by the Florida Phoenix.

Passidomo and Renner bragged about DeSantis’ tax relief programs during the news conference, and Renner even took a jab at the Biden administration’s policies.

“You know up in Washington D.C. they are spending a lot of money and really not delivering any results. This governor and our Legislature deliver results for the people of Florida,” Renner said.

The Florida Phoenix, a nonprofit news site that’s free of advertising and free to readers, covers state government and politics through a mix of in-depth stories, briefs, and social media updates on the latest events, editorial cartoons, and progressive commentary. The Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers.