Firefighters back DeSantis plan for Florida to control Disney area

According to the report, the union representing Disney World’s first responders is backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to take control of the Reedy Creek beautification area.

“Things should be better than what we have now,” the communications director for Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters Local 2117 told the Orlando Sentinel Monday.

DeSantis is expected to appoint a new board to manage Reedy Creek, a special area that Disney has operated since its inception in 1967.

The move is part of a new plan announced Friday on the Osceola County website that says Florida lawmakers will seek legislation to “enhance government oversight, accountability, and transparency” for the county, giving Disney quasi-state control over its properties. theme park in Florida.

Currently, Reedy Creek is able to issue bonds, levy taxes, oversee land use and conservation, and provide basic public services.

The planned legislation will ensure that the House of Mouse will pay off more than $700 million in unsecured debt accumulated by the Reedy Creek Improvement District, and not to taxpayers in Orange County, which encompasses that county.

The county is due to dissolve June 1 in accordance with legislation approved by lawmakers and signed into law by DeSantis last April. This followed a row between the Governor and the House of Mouse over the controversial so-called Don’t Say Gay Bill, which bans discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation for children from kindergarten through third grade.

After DeSantis signed into law the dissolution of Reedy Creek, the first responders union told the Sentinel that its members were concerned about losing certain benefits. Union leaders have since contacted DeSantis’ office and are “encouraged” by the governor’s “track record” in looking after Florida’s first responders, the paper said.

“We really hope that this new board will boost the morale of Reedy Creek. [and] will make us an elite emergency department again,” Stromsnes said. “We have faith in the Governor that we will be there and that this will be the best place to work.”

In recent years union members have complained about understaffing, poor employee support, and that changes in the department’s mutual aid policy with neighboring fire departments potentially pose a risk. for the safety of Disney employees and guests, according to the Sentinel. Both Disney and Reedy Creek called the allegations untrue.

The union hopes that DeSantis’ rule will not only increase the county’s accountability, but also make it easier to communicate for negotiations on a new union contract for firefighters and paramedics.

Disney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.