There's a new sheriff in town" - Disney buckles in battle with DeSantis"

The Walt Disney Co. has thrown in the towel in its battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the GOP-controlled legislature after they had their special tax status stripped from them following the company’s vow to oppose a parental rights law last year.

Last week, the legislature passed a bill authorizing the state to take over the Reedy Creek Improvement District surrounding Walt Disney World. The new entity, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, will be run by a five-member board appointed by DeSantis.

The state Senate will have to confirm the governor’s picks, and many expected Disney to fight tooth and nail over DeSantis’ choices, but the president of Walt Disney World Resort, Jeff Vahle, said the company will not oppose him.

“For more than 50 years, the Reedy Creek Improvement District has operated at the highest standards, and we appreciate all that the District has done to help our destination grow and become one of the largest economic contributors and employers in the state,” Vahle said.

“We are focused on the future and are ready to work within this new framework and we will continue to innovate, inspire and bring joy to the millions of guests who come to Florida to visit Walt Disney World each year,” he added.