Independent Audit Blasts Disney For Pulling ‘Bait And Switch’ On Florida: ‘A Mousetrap’

[whiteness]

https://www.dailywire.com/news/excl...ulling-bait-and-switch-on-florida-a-mousetrap

Disney's special governing district was “a stunning deviation from the good governance standards of the State of Florida,” audit concludes

 

[Southernmiss]

There's the Ops article, and then there's this
https://www.aol.com/audit-walt-disney-world-56-030739226.html
Audit of Walt Disney World’s 56-year history in Sunshine State alleges 'corporate cronyism'

HANNAH MACKENZIE
December 4, 2023 at 9:07 PM

ORLANDO, Fla. - The "Most Magical Place on Earth" is back in the headlines.

A new 72-page audit, released on Dec. 4 by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight Committee (CFTOD), details Disney’s 56-year history in the Sunshine State, and according to the report, the creation of Reedy Creek, which the committee described as a "special district that facilitated the most egregious exhibition of corporate cronyism in modern American history."

University of Central Florida political science professor Aubrey Jewett said the report does not reveal anything to those up to date on the topic who don't already know, and he cautions readers to consider the source.

"It kind of restates the obvious, but kind of puts it in a way that makes it seem somehow people didn’t really know what was going on, or they didn’t realize the extent to which Disney controlled this district, when in fact, of course, everybody knew that when they entered into this agreement," Jewett said. "In one degree, the district did control this, but in another, they hired some other people to write it... but I think the people that wrote it understood what was required of them by the district, like what the district was looking for. So, they put a certain slant on it."

According to Jewett, the audit was legally required. The oversight committee, which was appointed by Gov.Ron DeSantis, had one year to publish it following the disbandment of the Reedy Creek Improvement District


"Disney, has already in response to this report, said… and Disney’s lawyers have said, just because Disney had a lot of perks under this agreement, doesn’t take away from the fact you’re still trying to take it away to punish us," Jewett said. "The governor and the legislature, sometimes have actually admitted that in public, that they were doing this to punish and control Disney."

Punishment, Jewett said, is in response to Disney’s public disagreement with DeSantis’ "parental rights in education" law – which critics refer to as the "don’t say gay" law.

"The Disney vs. DeSantis battle has been quiet over the last few months, relative to how it was in the beginning," Jewett said. "This was just the top-line story over and over again. Now, it’s devolved into a long court battle and not so much in the public eye. Both the governor and Disney, for different reasons that this is probably not a great thing for

Jewett added that for both Disney and Gov. DeSantis, it is probably not best for them "to continue to harp about publicly."

The audit, according to Jewett, will likely be entered as evidence in both ongoing Disney legal battles – one at the state level, another in the federal courts.

FOX 35 reached out to Disney for a statement, to which it responded:

"This report is an exercise in revisionist history. It is neither objective nor credible and only seeks to advance CFTOD’s interests in its wasteful litigation that could derail investment within the district. Further, it does not change the fact that the CFTOD board was appointed by the governor to punish Disney for exercising its Constitutional right to free speech. This report also comes on the heels of numerous reports in the media which have raised legitimate concerns around the governance of the district under its new leadership. While the board may wish to undermine Disney’s ability to continue investing in the region, we are extremely proud of our impact on the Central Florida economy over the past half-century, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest quality experience for the tens of millions of guests who visit Walt Disney World each year."

 

[john7994]

Of course it did - would anyone expect this board to come up with any other positive conclusions - lovely grabby headline too! Apparently, creating jobs is a burden to the community now! Excited to see Disney’s full response and this diligence of “good government” applied to the other special districts in the state of Florida. Despite claiming none exists elsewhere, did they actually do a forensic audit elsewhere?

Wrongdoing (if any) should be addressed regardless of who is responsible. The question is - will any other special districts get this same level of scrutiny. Sadly, the lack of taxing of Disney benefits will amount to some penalty but the tone of righteous indignation in the audit related to Disney cronyism rings a bit hollow in light of the new Board’s makeup, who appointed them, and $400k annual salary of the board administrator - the justification for that is to do more of the same of what they accused Disney of doing? Funny how that works.

As others have weighed in at this point, all this will be used for is to further substantiate the allegations of Disney being targeted by the government. Especially in the way it was written (a La National Enquirer), it’s another unforced error in subjectivity being applied by one-sided legislation and the new board. All they had to do was play it straight, fulfill the legislative mandate, and move on.

 

[whiteness]

University of Central Florida political science professor Aubrey Jewett said the report does not reveal anything to those up to date on the topic who don't already know, and he cautions readers to consider the source.

I sure didn't know most of the stuff in the report.

If Disney really did everything stated, the people responsible should be prosecuted. The company should be prosecuted.

I love Disney. I literally moved across the country to be within driving distance of Disney World. I have a Disney annual pass. I do not have a Universal annual pass. Most of the people reading what I am writing probably also love Disney. But if Disney did what was described in the audit, and it is found to be illegal, then we shouldn't defend that just because we love Disney. Or hate the "other side."

Replace the people responsible, force Disney to change it's business practices to comply with the law if needed, and Disney will be just fine. It might cost them some money, but Disney will still be Disney.

Disney cannot excuse years of bad behavior because the current governor is a "big meanie", or they feel that bad behavior was somehow "grandfathered in" at this point. Disney should be made to take responsibility for their own misbehavior. And suffer the consequences for it when appropriate.

 

[john7994]

I sure didn't know most of the stuff in the report.

If Disney really did everything stated, the people responsible should be prosecuted. The company should be prosecuted.

I love Disney. I literally moved across the country to be within driving distance of Disney World. I have a Disney annual pass. I do not have a Universal annual pass. Most of the people reading what I am writing probably also love Disney. But if Disney did what was described in the audit, and it is found to be illegal, then we shouldn't defend that just because we love Disney.

Replace the people responsible, force Disney to change it's business practices to comply with the law if needed, and Disney will be just fine. It might cost them some money, but Disney will still be Disney.

Disney cannot excuse years of bad behavior because the current governor is a "big meanie", or they feel that bad behavior was somehow "grandfathered in" at this point. Disney should be made to take responsibility for their own misbehavior. And suffer the consequences for it when appropriate.

Absolutely agreed in so far as it’s applied across the board and equally - not aware of any other legislative mandates requiring forensic audits on any other special districts in the state of Florida.

 

[whiteness]

Absolutely agreed in so far as it’s applied across the board and equally - not aware of any other legislative mandates requiring forensic audits on any other special districts in the state of Florida.

We live in interesting times, to be sure. I can think of other examples where laws seem to be selectively applied against politically unpopular people or their companies. I fully agree that selective prosecution is very unfair and casts our legal system in an highly unfavorable light. Even when the individual cases seem to merit prosecution in isolation, it seems unjust when the same standard is not applied equally to everyone.

That said, I would like to gently point out that:
1. Ironically, the same people and groups that defend Disney against "selective prosecution" are the ones most likely to ignore "selective prosecution" against other parties. I won't name names, but I suspect that I don't have to. Most of you know what I mean. Selective prosecution as a political weapon is nothing new, and Florida certainly didn't invent it. They are amateurs compared to other East Coast states that I won't name. Whataboutism doesn't excuse anything but, again ironically, using "selective prosecution" as a defense is, itself, a form of whataboutism.
2. I once got pulled over by a traffic cop for speeding. I pointed out to the cop that I was hardly the fastest car on the road. He replied "maybe, but you were the easiest to catch." Disney always had a massive target on their back. If, as suggested, "everyone knew" that they were doing all the stuff alleged in the audit, then it was just a matter of time before they got caught. The only reason they haven't gotten caught until now is because it was politically and economically expedient not to "catch" them. So, yeah, maybe DeSantis had a political reason to officially and publicly acknowledge what everyone "already knew" to be true, and that bothers people that don't like DeStantis' politics. But rather than blaming DeStantis for finally taking action in 2023 after decades of ignoring the issue, we should be pissed off at all of his predecessors that failed to do their jobs. It was always going to happen. Disney was a massive, obvious target. DeSantis, for his own reasons, just happened to be the guy that called them out on it.

 

[john7994]

We live in interesting times, to be sure. I can think of other examples where laws seem to be selectively applied against politically unpopular people or their companies. I fully agree that selective prosecution is very unfair and casts our legal system in an highly unfavorable light. Even when the individual cases seem to merit prosecution in isolation, it seems unjust when the same standard is not applied equally to everyone.

That said, I would like to gently point out that:
1. Ironically, the same people and groups that defend Disney against "selective prosecution" are the ones most likely to ignore "selective prosecution" against other parties. I won't name names, but I suspect that I don't have to. Most of you know what I mean. Selective prosecution as a political weapon is nothing new, and Florida certainly didn't invent it. They are amateurs compared to other East Coast states that I won't name. Whataboutism doesn't excuse anything but, again ironically, using "selective prosecution" as a defense is, itself, a form of whataboutism.
2. I once got pulled over by a traffic cop for speeding. I pointed out to the cop that I was hardly the fastest car on the road. He replied "maybe, but you were the easiest to catch." Disney always had a massive target on their back. If, as suggested, "everyone knew" that they were doing all the stuff alleged in the audit, then it was just a matter of time before they got caught. The only reason they haven't gotten caught until now is because it was politically and economically expedient not to "catch" them. So, yeah, maybe DeSantis had a political reason to officially and publicly acknowledge what everyone "already knew" to be true, and that bothers people that don't like DeStantis' politics. But rather than blaming DeStantis for finally taking action in 2023 after decades of ignoring the issue, we should be pissed off at all of his predecessors that failed to do their jobs. It was always going to happen. Disney was a massive, obvious target. DeSantis, for his own reasons, just happened to be the guy that called them out on it.

Again, my statements were clear and unapologetic - any wrongdoing should be addressed - everywhere.

Not going to get into a political discussion because it’s a dead end path on the DIS. But, I disagree on your narrative overall.

 

[whiteness]

Again, my statements were clear and unapologetic - any wrongdoing should be addressed - everywhere.

Not going to get into a political discussion because it’s a dead end path on the DIS. But, I disagree on your narrative overall.

If we want that to happen, we need to demand it of our government. Letting Disney off the hook because others aren't also being investigated and prosecuted won't do anything to help with that.

 

[NYCgrrl]

It’s just politics with nary an independent to be found.
Soooo what else is new?

 

[john7994]

If we want that to happen, we need to demand it of our government. Letting Disney off the hook because others aren't also being investigated and prosecuted won't do anything to help with that.

No where have I suggested that Disney should be left off the hook - so I am not sure why this would be directed to me. Perhaps, you meant it as a general statement.

 

[TippyThomas]

This will end well with everyone agreeing with each other and changing their minds. I'm sure of it. It has to happen at least once or why else would people keep doing this?

 

[Christine]

Next up The Villages, right?

 

[Smugpugmug]

Next up The Villages, right?

If the Villages isn't stopped soon, the entire state of Florida will be turned into golf courses, tennis courts and speakers playing Jimmy Buffett music 24/7! /s

 

[whiteness]

No where have I suggested that Disney should be left off the hook - so I am not sure why this would be directed to me. Perhaps, you meant it as a general statement.

Yes, it's a general statement. We should absolutely demand fair and equal investigation and enforcement of our laws. That's one of government's most important jobs.

But regardless how beloved or economically important Disney is, they are not above the law. And each case must stand or fall on its individual merits.

Almost everyone reading this has reasons to wish Disney well and is grateful for the happiness they've brought us. Its understandable to not be happy this is happening. I'm not happy. I'm worried that it will just result in higher prices and worse service for me as a Passholder. And surely none of the Castmembers deserve to suffer any fallout for this. This is just an unfortunate situation all around. But if people who should know better intentionally broke the law, that cannot be ignored.

 

[john7994]

Yes, it's a general statement. We should absolutely demand fair and equal investigation and enforcement of our laws. That's one of government's most important jobs.

But regardless how beloved or economically important Disney is, they are not above the law. And each case must stand or fall on its individual merits.

Almost everyone reading this has reasons to wish Disney well and is grateful for the happiness they've brought us. Its understandable to not be happy this is happening. I'm not happy. I'm worried that it will just result in higher prices and worse service for me as a Passholder. And surely none of the Castmembers deserve to suffer any fallout for this. This is just an unfortunate situation all around. But if people who should know better intentionally broke the law, that cannot be ignored.

I think nothing positive will come out of this at all - whether monetary penalties, increased costs, reputational harm, or diminished value to CMs for being employed by Disney - none of this bodes well regardless of outcomes.

Although, a bit of we can’t have our cake and eat it too. If such high standards must be enforced - then someone has to pay for it. So when the gnashing of teeth begins about onerous policies, rules, and other outcomes stifling business, experiences, and hurting the Consumer - then who is to blame? And especially when those practices are only applied selectively or targeted - then does it not create another wrong to make a right …

So many better ways this could have been handled - as I have said before - the only losers will be employees, consumers and/or taxpayers. It doesn’t mean BAU should be acceptable - but the one’s never held accountable seem to be the very ones pulling the strings for whatever agendas suit them.

 

[HokieRaven5]

The language use in the introduction alone is enough to call into question the validity of this being an independent audit:


Report on Past Practices of the Reedy Creek Improvement District

That’s not to say there aren’t potentially concerning elements in it that look like they should be investigated further and hopefully provide documentation to back everything up.

 

[Genie+]

It’s fish food. For the fishes that want to be fed.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Wow. An so-called independent audit for a bunch of cronies including the likes of LGBTQ hating, Book Banning and recent alleged threesome hypocrite Bridget Ziegler, publishes a hit piece on Disney asserting cronyism. The hypocrisy force is strong with this one.

Let's see Disney got a good deal. And Central Florida got an awesome deal. They got to be central Florida instead of southern Georgia. I think it was an excellent deal for Florida considering the difference between the two areas. But now, certain individuals have decided they want to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. There is no bait and switch here. Florida knew going in what Walt wanted for Epcot. And they gave exactly what Walt wanted to Roy. Walt's vision for Epcot didn't come to pass. But the groundwork that was laid remains. And given what I see some states paying companies for 500-2,000 jobs these days, I'd call what Florida paid Disney for central Florida to be what it is instead of Southern Georgia a bargain. And Ironically, these cronies want exactly what Walt wanted. They just want to be the cronies in charge instead of Disney.
.

I mean just look at this junk.
"disastrous for the surrounding communities of Central Florida,” who were on the hook for housing, schooling, hospitals, and other public services for the company’s massive workforce.

Well uh yeah, DUHHHHH. that's how it works everywhere. Companies bring jobs, jobs bring people, the communities build schools for their kids, along with infrastructure and houses for them to live in providing even more jobs. And in this case, Disney being a tourist mecca actually attracted other tourism to the area too. More jobs, more people, more schools. More construction and more jobs. But Bad Disney. Bad Bad Bad. HAHAHA.

 

[Christine]

Wow. An so-called independent audit for a bunch of cronies including the likes of LGBTQ hating, Book Banning and recent alleged threesome hypocrite Bridget Ziegler, publishes a hit piece on Disney asserting cronyism. The hypocrisy force is strong with this one.

Let's see Disney got a good deal. And Central Florida got an awesome deal. They got to be central Florida instead of southern Georgia. I think it was an excellent deal for Florida considering the difference between the two areas. But now, the bigoted hypocrites have decided they want to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. There is no bait and switch here. Florida knew going in what Walt wanted for Epcot. And they gave exactly what Walt wanted to Roy. Walt's vision for Epcot didn't come to pass. But the groundwork that was laid remains. And given what I see some states paying companies for 500-2,000 jobs these days, I'd call what Florida paid Disney for central Florida to be what it is instead of Southern Georgia a bargain. And Ironically, these cronies want exactly what Walt wanted. They just want to be the cronies in charge instead of Disney.
.

I mean just look at this junk.
"disastrous for the surrounding communities of Central Florida,” who were on the hook for housing, schooling, hospitals, and other public services for the company’s massive workforce.

Well uh yeah, DUHHHHH. that's how it works everywhere. Companies bring jobs, jobs bring people, the communities build schools for their kids, along with infrastructure and houses for them to live in providing even more jobs. And in this case, Disney being a tourist mecca actually attracted other tourism to the area too. More jobs, more people, more schools. More construction and more jobs. But Bad Disney. Bad Bad Bad. HAHAHA.

You are so spot on. I don't know what Central Florida would have ever become without Disney taking a chance on that location. Now that it has brought SO much, including other tourism, it's like they want to have amnesia. It will never, ever happen but I'd love nothing more than for Disney to pull up shop and go somewhere else for their "world."

 

[NYCgrrl]

Wow. An so-called independent audit for a bunch of cronies including the likes of LGBTQ hating, Book Banning and recent alleged threesome hypocrite Bridget Ziegler, publishes a hit piece on Disney asserting cronyism. The hypocrisy force is strong with this one.

Let's see Disney got a good deal. And Central Florida got an awesome deal. They got to be central Florida instead of southern Georgia. I think it was an excellent deal for Florida considering the difference between the two areas. But now, certain individuals have decided they want to kill the goose that laid the golden egg. There is no bait and switch here. Florida knew going in what Walt wanted for Epcot. And they gave exactly what Walt wanted to Roy. Walt's vision for Epcot didn't come to pass. But the groundwork that was laid remains. And given what I see some states paying companies for 500-2,000 jobs these days, I'd call what Florida paid Disney for central Florida to be what it is instead of Southern Georgia a bargain. And Ironically, these cronies want exactly what Walt wanted. They just want to be the cronies in charge instead of Disney.
.

I mean just look at this junk.
"disastrous for the surrounding communities of Central Florida,” who were on the hook for housing, schooling, hospitals, and other public services for the company’s massive workforce.

Well uh yeah, DUHHHHH. that's how it works everywhere. Companies bring jobs, jobs bring people, the communities build schools for their kids, along with infrastructure and houses for them to live in providing even more jobs. And in this case, Disney being a tourist mecca actually attracted other tourism to the area too. More jobs, more people, more schools. More construction and more jobs. But Bad Disney. Bad Bad Bad. HAHAHA.

You have more patience than I but then I’m still over SNL’s Jafar interview skit.