DeSantis Threatens To Build Prison Next To Disney World In Latest Fight With Company

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) threatened to develop land next to Disney World into a state-run prison. The latest spar with the media brand comes after the governor lost a legal battle with the company over its self-governing status.

The state of Florida owns 40 acres of land neighboring Disney. DeSantis claimed he is working on legislation to turn that land into a state park, another theme park or even a state prison.

“Who knows? I just think that the possibilities are endless,” the Governor said during a press conference.

The governor also detailed a bill that heads to the state legislature this week. The new legislation would impose stricter inspection standards on the family-friendly theme park, forces the company to sign-post warnings about child trafficking, makes Disney re-appraise the land for higher taxes and build new affordable housing for cast members.

DeSantis has focused on eliminating the company’s government largess since it opposed Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill in April 2022. The strongman approach toward the company is likely a linchpin in the governor’s rumored presidential run in 2024.

“This state is governed by the interests of the people of the state of Florida. It is not based on the demands of California corporate executives,” DeSantis said in 2022 after Disney voiced opposition to his legislation. “They do not run this state. They do not control this state.”

Disney’s second-time CEO Bob Iger called the governor’s consistent attacks against the brand “anti-business” in a shareholders meeting.

“A year ago, the company took a position on pending Florida legislation,” Iger said in the meeting. “And while the company may have not handled the position that it took very well, a company has a right to freedom of speech just like individuals do.”

Article by Ben Shimkus