DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ The S&P 500 just turned in its best first quarter since 2019
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The S&P 500 index rose 10.2% during the first three months of the year, its best first-quarter performance since 2019. The S&P 500 on Thursday logged its 22nd record-high close of the year. Companies in the S&P 500 saw earnings grow 4.3% during the fourth quarter of 2023 from the prior year, according to FactSet data. Analysts polled by FactSet expect S&P 500 earnings to grow by more than 10% for all of 2024. About 140,000 cars a day traversed the I-35W bridge that once stood more than 100 feet above the Mighty Mississippi.

Persons: Bell, Bitcoin, What’s, Leslie Thompson, Warren Buffett’s, Zachary Hill, ”, Elisabeth Buchwald, Samantha Delouya, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Disney’s, Bob Chapek, “ Don’t, ” Chapek, ” DeSantis, “ I’m, Read, Francis Scott Key, Alicia Wallace, ” Christopher Phelan, ” Read Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New, New York CNN, Traders, Dow Jones Industrial, Nasdaq, Investment Research, Dow, Apple, Nvidia, Meta, Microsoft, Spectrum Wealth Management, Companies, FactSet, Research, Horizon Investments, Disney, Central, Republican Gov, Central Florida Tourism, Twin, University of Minnesota, CNN Locations: New York, China, Florida, Central Florida, Central Florida Tourism District, Orlando, Baltimore, Minneapolis, Mississippi, Twin Cities, Mighty Mississippi, Minnesota

☆ Disney agrees to settle Florida lawsuit with special district backed by DeSantis
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board chairman Martin Garcia, right, delivers remarks as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listens during a news conference at CFTOD headquarters at Walt Disney World on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Disney agreed Wednesday to end litigation in state court involving a Florida special tourism district that the entertainment giant effectively controlled for more than five decades until last year after Gov. The lawsuit was originally filed in state court by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District to void agreements the old district board had signed with Disney right before it was dissolved at DeSantis' behest after Disney opposed Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill backed by the governor. Walt Disney World President Jeff Vahle, in a statement, said "We are pleased to put an end to all litigation pending in state court in Florida between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.

Persons: Martin Garcia, Ron DeSantis, Disney, Jeff Vahle, Vahle, DeSantis Organizations: Florida Gov, Walt Disney, Disney, Gov, Central, DeSantis, Republican Locations: Florida, Lake Buena Vista , Florida, Orlando, Central Florida

☆ Disney and Florida reach a deal, putting their legal war on hold
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Disney World and Florida have settled their legal dispute. The board of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District — which was DeSantis hand-picked to take control of Disneyworld's special tax district — agreed on Wednesday to settle the state lawsuit brought by Disney. AdvertisementBut just before DeSantis' allies took over the board, Disney's outgoing board members passed an agreement stripping the board of much of its power, effectively hamstringing DeSantis' incoming board. Related storiesNow, as part of the Disney-proposed settlement, Disney will agree to return power to the DeSantis-appointed board, which can now have a say in development plans and expansion. The settlement also instructs the tourism board to consult with Disney as it reviews and amends planning documents for the Disney World site.

Persons: Disney execs, DeSantis, Ron DeSantis, —, Bob Iger, Disneyworld, hamstringing, Iger, Disney, Charbel Barakat, Disney — I'm, Barakat, Walt, Jeff Vahle, Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Egan, Jones, Nelson Peltz Organizations: Disney, Florida Gov, Service, Central, Improvement, DeSantis, Walt Disney World, Associated Press Locations: Florida, Central Florida, Reedy, Disney

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The shakeup of Walt Disney World's governing district more than a year after it was taken over by Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees continued Wednesday with the departure of its board chairman who had been highly critical of Disney. In an email, DeSantis' communications director, Bryan Griffin, thanked Garcia for “successfully navigating” the transition of the district from a governing body controlled by Disney supporters to the current iteration controlled by DeSantis appointees. As punishment for opposition to the law, DeSantis took over the district through legislation passed by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature and appointed a new board of supervisors. Disney sued DeSantis and his appointees, claiming the company’s free speech rights were violated for speaking out against the legislation.

Persons: Walt Disney, Ron DeSantis, Martin Garcia's, Glen Gilzean, DeSantis, Martin didn't, Bryan Griffin, Garcia, “, Garcia “, ” Griffin, Stephanie Kopelousos, Kopelousos, ”, Disney, Mike Schneider Organizations: Gov, Disney, Central, Republican, DeSantis, Florida Legislature, Straight Alliance Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Central Florida, Orange County, Orlando, Florida

☆ Atheists are still reluctant to ‘come out’
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-10 | by ( Harmeet Kaur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Just like people of faith, not all atheists believe the same things. Because atheists are defined by what they don’t believe, it’s difficult to generalize what they do believe. What do atheists believe? Nearly a third of atheists believe humans have souls or spirits in addition to their physical body. It's hard to talk about atheists as a large group because they're defined by what they don't believe in.

Persons: CNN —, Ron DeSantis, it’s, “, Ricky Gervais, ‘, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Nick Fish, ” Fish, don’t, ”, Jason Lancaster, Diana Nyad, Oprah, Will Gervais, Maxine B, Najle, Gervais, ” It’s, —, I’m, Jocelyn Williamson, doesn’t, ” Williamson, “ There’s, Williamson, They’re, Fish Organizations: CNN, Florida Gov, Gallup, Merriam, American Atheists, Pew Research, Getty, Pew, Central, Central Florida Freethought, Central Florida Freethought Community, ” Atheists, Interfaith Council of Central, Christian, Habitat, Humanity Locations: Florida, Central Florida, Interfaith Council of Central Florida

☆ Disney files appeal after judge dismisses lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and allies
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Disney is appealing a major setback earlier this week in its ongoing legal and political battle with Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis. On Thursday, Disney filed a notice of appeal, challenging a Florida federal judge’s decision to throw out its case accusing DeSantis of punishing Disney for exercising its right to free speech. The judge ruled that Disney lacked standing to sue DeSantis and that the company’s claims against the governor’s oversight board failed on merit — a win for DeSantis. On Wednesday, a Disney spokesperson said the company was undeterred, despite the initial dismissal. The board has threatened to hike taxes, raise utility rates and develop the land around the entertainment giant’s Central Florida theme parks.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Disney, DeSantis, Disney’s, Bob Chapek, ” Organizations: CNN, Disney, Republican, Florida federal, DeSantis, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney World, Central, ” Locations: Florida, Central Florida

☆ Judge dismisses Disney lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis alleging retaliation
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Ron DeSantis stands at a campaign event at the Los Angeles Harbor Grain Terminal on September 29, 2023 in Long Beach, California. A judge on Wednesday dismissed a federal lawsuit Disney filed against Florida Gov. Judge Allen Winsor ruled that Disney lacked legal standing to sue DeSantis and the secretary of Florida's Commerce Department. DeSantis had touted the law, and his fight with Disney, during his unsuccessful run for the Republican presidential nomination. A Disney spokesperson told CNBC Wednesday, "This is an important case with serious implications for the rule of law, and it will not end here."

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Allen Winsor, DeSantis, Winsor, Disney Organizations: Gov, Disney, Florida Gov, Florida's Commerce, Central, Republican, Walt Disney Resort, CNBC Locations: Long Beach , California, Florida, Central Florida, U.S, Tallahassee

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney this week requested a second delay in a state court case involving its legal battle with Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointees over who controls Walt Disney World's governing district, as the company accused them and the governor's office of stonewalling requests for documents that are part of the litigation. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesDisney, DeSantis and the district have taken their fight over who controls the district to state and federal courts. The district said in court papers that it had provided the appropriate documents. Earlier this month the Republican Party of Florida ousted Christian Ziegler as chairman of the state party.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Walt, DeSantis, ” Erin O'Donnell, Disney, hasn't, hadn't, Nick Meros, Bridget Ziegler, Christian Ziegler, “ It’s, ” O'Donnell, Mike Schneider Organizations: Disney, Gov, Walt Disney, GOP, Florida Legislature, Central, Liberty, Republican Party of Florida Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Florida, Central Florida, Sarasota

☆ Wu-Tang and Speakeasies? Visit these 3 hidden Orlando gems if you want to escape the cold, according to my dad, a local.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Lauren Edmonds | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

"It's basically a speakeasy," Edmonds told Business Insider. The cozy speakeasy offers live music and good drinks for those who can guess the daily password. According to Yelp, the spot isn't known for its food, but customers can find delicious cocktails at various price points, including $12 daiquiris and $15 original Hanson's Shoe Repair cocktail. Fortunately, the venue shares its daily password on X, formerly known as Twitter. The bar offers daily themes like Wu-Tang Wednesdays and A Tribe Called Quest Thursdays.

Persons: —, Kevin Edmonds, He's, Edmonds, Yelp, Wu, Tang, we've, Mama Ling Organizations: Service, Business, Orlando, Orlando Public, Twitter, Chamber, Orlando's Milk Locations: Orlando, Central Florida, Ohio, South Eola, Orlando's, Gouda

☆ DeSantis board accuses Disney of controlling previous one with gifts
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

It found the board was "inverted to serve Disney," which held voting control of the prior board of supervisors. The Central Florida Oversight Board will meet Wednesday to vote whether to accept the report, which was prepared for the board by a group of experts. In what Disney described as retaliation, the Florida legislature in February replaced the old board with a new Central Florida Oversight District, whose five supervisors are handpicked by DeSantis. In April, Disney sued Florida in federal court, claiming DeSantis and his allies of "weaponizing" state government to punish Disney for exercising its free speech rights. The DeSantis-appointed oversight board counter-sued in state court, seeking to void the "backroom deals" favorable to the entertainment giant.

Persons: Octavio Jones, Ron DeSantis, Walt Disney's, Disney, DeSantis, flagrantly, John Classe, Dawn Chmielewski, Ken Li, Lisa Shumaker Organizations: Walt Disney, REUTERS, Walt, Disney, DeSantis, Central, Central Florida Tourism, Florida Oversight, Reuters, American Express, Florida, Thomson Locations: Orlando , Florida, U.S, Florida, Reedy, Central Florida, New York

☆ Florida GOP chairman's hunt for a threesome results in sexual assault allegation
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

But a recent rape allegation against Christian Ziegler undermines the principles they tout. Christian Ziegler, however, still showed up at the woman's apartment and raped her, the woman told Sarasota police, according to the Post. AdvertisementMeanwhile, the rape allegation against Christian Ziegler is a profound step away from the "pro-family" values his supporters have celebrated him for. An attorney for Christian Ziegler did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent during the weekend. A GOP power coupleFlorida GOP chairman Christian Ziegler greets former president Donald Trump at the Republican Party of Florida Freedom Summit.

Persons: Bridget Ziegler, Christian Ziegler, —, Ziegler, Bridget, Bridget Ziegler's, Donald Trump, Joe Burbank, they've, Sen, Rick Scott, Florida's, Scott, John Stemberger, Stemberger, Ziegler's, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Gavin Newsom, Christian Zeigler, Spencer Roach, Roach Organizations: Service, Florida GOP, Liberty, Sarasota Police, Florida Center, Government, Washington Post, GOP, Republican Party of Florida Freedom Summit, Orlando Sentinel, Tribune, Getty Images, Florida Politics, Republican Party, Business, Gov, Central, Board, Disney, Sarasota County School, Republican Party of Sarasota, California Gov, Post, Associated Press Locations: Florida, Sarasota, Sarasota County, Iowa, Central Florida

The request for documents and communications was made Thursday by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, now controlled by DeSantis appointees. The district wants all Disney communications about DeSantis, as well as communications dealing with laws passed by the Republican-dominated Florida Legislature that switched control of the district from Disney supporters to the governors’ appointees and nullified deals the company made with the Disney-controlled district before the state takeover. Before control of the district changed hands from Disney allies to DeSantis appointees, the Disney supporters on its board signed agreements with Disney shifting control over design and construction at Disney World to the company. The new DeSantis appointees claimed the “eleventh-hour deals” neutered their powers, and the district sued the company in state court to have the contracts voided. Political Cartoons View All 1253 ImagesDisney has filed counterclaims which include asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable.

Persons: Ron DeSantis ’, “, ”, DeSantis, Mike Schneider Organizations: —, — Florida Gov, Disney, Walt Disney World, Central, Republican, Florida Legislature, The Central, Improvement Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, — Florida, Central Florida, Florida, The Central Florida, Tallahassee

☆ It's a small world with a big impact: Disney generated over $40 billion for Florida in fiscal year 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Disney experiences brought in $40.3 billion in economic activity in Florida in fiscal year 2022. Disney economic activity is keeping unemployment low and tax revenue high. That study looks at the total impact of Disney experiences in Florida, which includes the Walt Disney World Resort , Disney Vacation Club, and Disney Cruise Line. In essence, about one out of every 36 dollars spent in Florida directly or indirectly came from a Florida Disney experience. AdvertisementIn total, according to the report, Disney generated $6.6 billion in taxes in fiscal year 2022.

Persons: —, it's, Adam Sacks, Ron DeSantis Organizations: Disney, Oxford Economics, Service, Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation, Disney Cruise, Oxford, Oxford Economics's Tourism, Florida Disney, Central, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Walt Disney Locations: Florida, Oxford Economics's, Central Florida, California, Walt

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney on Tuesday released a study showing its economic impact in Florida at $40.3 billion as it battles Florida Gov. Disney accounted for 263,000 jobs in Florida, more than three times the actual workforce at Walt Disney World, according to the study conducted by Oxford Economics and commissioned by Disney, covering fiscal year 2022. The jobs include Disney employees as well as jobs supported by visitor spending off Disney World property. In central Florida, Disney directly accounts for 1 in 8 jobs, and for every direct job at Disney World, another 1.7 jobs are supported across Florida, Oxford Economics said. Before control of the district changed hands from Disney allies to DeSantis appointees, the Disney supporters on its board signed agreements with Disney shifting control over design and construction at Disney World to the company.

Persons: Disney, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, “, Mike Schneider Organizations: Florida Gov, Disney, Walt Disney, Oxford Economics, Sunshine State, Central, Florida Legislature Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Florida, Disney, Oxford, DeSantis, Southern California, Orlando , Florida, Central Florida, Orlando, Tallahassee

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Morale and trust within the Walt Disney World government has deteriorated since allies of Florida Gov. With the departure of so many district employees in such a short period of time, the district is “no longer functional,” a facilities director who left last month wrote in her exit survey. Disney has sued DeSantis and the members of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board in federal court in Tallahassee over the takeover, claiming its free speech rights were violated. Disney is also battling the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District in state court in Orlando. Before control of the district changed hands, the Disney supporters on its board signed agreements with Disney to shift control over design and construction at Disney World to the company.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, ”, “, there’s, DeSantis, hadn't, Matthew Oberly, Martin Garcia, ” Garcia, Glen Gilzean, Gilzean, Mike Schneider Organizations: —, Walt Disney, Florida Gov, Central, District, Associated Press, Republican, GOP, Florida Legislature, Disney, Improvement Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Florida, Central Florida, “, Reedy, cronyism, Tallahassee, Orlando

☆ Disney accuses DeSantis-appointed district of withholding key lawsuit documents for nearly 2 months
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Walt Disney World is currently locked in a lawsuit with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, formerly called the Reedy Creek Improvement District, was controlled by Disney allies for more than five decades until it was taken over by DeSantis appointees earlier this year. AdvertisementAdvertisementDisney has filed counterclaims which include asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable. Disney also is seeking from DeSantis' office and several state agencies internal communications, including text messages, emails, and documents. DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have asked a federal judge to throw out Disney's First Amendment lawsuit, calling it meritless.

Persons: Disney, Ron DeSantis, —, Walt, DeSantis Organizations: Walt Disney, Central, Service, Florida Gov, Disney, Improvement, Productions Locations: Central Florida, Florida, ORLANDO, Fla

Ron DeSantis' appointees is dragging its feet in providing requested documents to Disney in a lawsuit over who has design and construction powers over the company’s sprawling theme park resort in central Florida, Disney said in court papers. The new DeSantis appointees claimed the “eleventh-hour deals” neutered their powers, and the district sued the company in state court to have the contracts voided. Disney has filed counterclaims which include asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable. Disney also is seeking from DeSantis’ office and several state agencies internal communications, including text messages and emails, and documents. DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District have asked a federal judge to throw out Disney’s First Amendment lawsuit, calling it meritless.

Persons: Walt, Ron DeSantis, Disney, ” Disney, DeSantis, Mike Schneider Organizations: Walt Disney, Florida Gov, Disney, Central, Improvement, “ Productions Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Florida, Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney attorneys want to question a previous administrator of the governing district that provides municipal services to Walt Disney World as part of its defense against a state lawsuit brought by a board made up of appointees of Florida Gov. The agreements were signed in February before the district takeover by the DeSantis appointees, who claim the contracts neutered their powers. The appointees are now suing Disney in state court in an attempt to void the deals. One of the arguments the DeSantis appointees make about why the agreements should be voided is that they weren't properly publicized. Political Cartoons View All 1211 ImagesDisney has filed counterclaims in the state lawsuit which include asking the state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable.

Persons: —, Ron DeSantis, John Classe, DeSantis, Glen, Mike Schneider Organizations: — Disney, Walt Disney, Florida Gov, Central, DeSantis, Republican, Florida Legislature, Disney, Classe Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Central Florida, Florida, Glen Gilzean, Classe

The legal filings marked an escalation in the battle between the entertainment giant and DeSantis, a candidate for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Disney has sued DeSantis in federal court, claiming the governor violated its free speech rights by punishing it for expressing opposition to the law. Meanwhile, the governing district now controlled by DeSantis appointees has sued Disney in state court. Disney filed counterclaims that include asking a state court to declare the agreements valid and enforceable. The DeSantis allies are arguing that one of the reasons the agreements should be invalidated is they weren't properly publicized.

Persons: Ron DeSantis ratcheted, DeSantis, Walt Disney, Disney, —, Mike Schneider Organizations: Disney, Central, Governor Locations: ORLANDO, Fla, Florida, Central Florida, “, U.S, DeSantis

☆ Disney CEO says company will 'quiet the noise' in culture wars -analyst
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( Dawn Chmielewski | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Items with a rainbow-coloured design are seen in a Pride section of a gift shop at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Florida, U.S. July 30, 2022. REUTERS/Octavio Jones/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 20 (Reuters) - Walt Disney (DIS.N) CEO Bob Iger told investors the company will "quiet the noise" in a culture war that has pitted social conservatives against the global media and entertainment conglomerate, according to an analyst note on Wednesday. Iger previously said the company planned to spend $17 billion in investment at Walt Disney World over the next 10 years. At the time, Iger was responding to an investor who said the company was becoming too concerned with social issues. “Our primary mission needs to be to entertain ... and to have a positive impact on the world,” Iger said at the time.

Persons: Octavio Jones, Walt Disney, Bob Iger, Laura Martin, Disney, Wall, Ron DeSantis, “, Iger, Halle, Ariel, ” Iger, Dawn Chmielewski, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Walt Disney, REUTERS, Needham, Walt Disney World, Disney, ESPN, Central, Universal Orlando, Parks, Pixar Animation, Thomson Locations: Orlando , Florida, U.S, Florida, Central Florida, Halle Bailey, Los Angeles

☆ A pastor invited to DeSantis' Disney board meeting quoted the Bible telling people not to 'resist authority' as it strips workers' park perks
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Rebecca Cohen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A pastor invited to DeSantis' Central Florida Tourism Oversight District's meeting told attendees not to "resist authority." The pastor read from the Bible as the board discussed stripping park parks for Disney workers and retirees. Ron DeSantis to run the area around Disney World defended stripping park employees of their perks — moments after a pastor invited to speak urged attendees not to "resist authority." Last month, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board revoked all of the land's firefighters' free passes to the Disney parks and resorts. Disney responded with a lawsuit, and while DeSantis said he's since "moved on" from the fight, Disney is not backing down.

Persons: Firefighters —, Ron DeSantis, Pastor David Netzorg —, —, Netzorg, Pete Simon, DeSantis Organizations: Florida Tourism, Disney, Firefighters, Service, Gov, Emmaus Church, Disney World, Central, Miami Times, Disney firefighters, Improvement, Florida's GOP Locations: Florida, Wall, Silicon, Winter Garden , Florida, Central Florida, Florida's

☆ DeSantis' Disney board wants to cut millions from road fixes at the park. Meanwhile, it's facing huge legal fees to keep fighting Mickey Mouse in court.
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Grace Eliza Goodwin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

DeSantis' Disney board may cut $3 million for roadway repairs and maintenance from its 2024 budget. The tentative budget cuts come as the board expects millions in legal fees in its battle against Disney. The chairman of the board slammed the ousted Disney board, accusing it of "cronyism." Chairman of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Martin Garcia. Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, YouTubeThe district expects to spend over $2.6 million more in 2024 on legal fees — largely connected to DeSantis' ongoing feud with Disney.

Persons: DeSantis, Ron DeSantis, Florida —, Martin Garcia, Garcia Organizations: Disney, Service, Central, The Central, Politico, District Locations: Wall, Silicon, Florida, Central Florida, The Central Florida

Ron DeSantis appointed a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a “parental rights” group that has sought to take over school boards in multiple states, to the Florida Commission on Ethics on Wednesday. Tina Descovich was named to the nine-member, Tallahassee-based commission, which investigates alleged breaches of public trust by elected and appointed officials, as well as state employees. Moms for Liberty started with Descovich and two other Florida women fighting COVID-19 restrictions in 2021. Along with Descovich, DeSantis also appointed South Florida attorney Luis Fuste to the commission. Another vacancy on the ethics commission was created in June, when former member Jim Waldman's term ended.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Tina Descovich, Descovich, ”, DeSantis, Luis Fuste, Glen Gilzean, Gilzean, Jim Waldman's Organizations: — Republican Gov, Liberty, School Board, Florida Coalition of School, Heritage Foundation, Republican, Southern Poverty Law Center, South, Florida Senate, Central, Walt Disney, Disney Locations: TALLAHASSEE, Fla, Florida, Tallahassee, Brevard County, Tampa, Philadelphia, South Florida, Central Florida

☆ Republican lawmakers want to stop businesses in a small Florida town from displaying rainbow stickers to show they are a safe place for LGBTQ+ people
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Republican state lawmakers are attacking a small Florida town's "Safe Place Initiative." The program allows owners to mark their shops safe for LGBTQ+ people by displaying rainbow decals. The lawmakers cited boycotts of Bud Light and Target, which followed the brands' efforts to promote diversity and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. Mount Dora's city council approved the Safe Place Initiative last month. Democratic state lawmaker Anna Eskamani posted the Republican lawmakers' letter on social media, saying it "might be the weirdest letter I've ever read."

Persons: Bud Light, Mount Dora, Anna Eskamani Organizations: Initiative, Service, Disney, Orlando —, Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff's, Osceola County Sheriff's, Democratic, Republican, Rights Locations: Florida, Wall, Silicon, Dora, Orlando, Mount Dora's, Mount, Orange County, Osceola County

☆ Disney's firefighters backed DeSantis as he feuded with the company. Now his new board ignored their pleas and stripped away their park benefits.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Rebecca Cohen | Brent D. Griffiths | John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Disney World's firefighters were once in support of DeSantis' plan to assume control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. A number of firefighters confronted DeSantis' board last week at a meeting about this. But now firefighters are having second thoughts after the new oversight board moved to strip them of special Disney perks they've had for decades. Last week, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the rebranded Reedy Creek board, revoked all of the firefighters' free passes to the Disney parks and resorts. I'm totally fine with that," DeSantis told CNBC, encouraging Disney to drop the suit.

Persons: DeSantis, Ron DeSantis, Tim Stromsnes, they've, Pete Simon, Idalia Organizations: Disney, Service, Florida Gov, Improvement, Firefighters, Orlando Sentinel, Central, Miami Times Online, Times, Times Online, CNBC Locations: Reedy, Wall, Silicon, Central Florida

Search resuls for: "The Central Florida"

25 mentions found