Central Florida News
VIDEO: Governor DeSantis Signs Legislation “Ending the Corporate Kingdom of Walt Disney World”
Published
3 years agoon
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (FNN) – “The corporate kingdom comes to an end,” Governor Ron DeSantis declared as he opened his press conference at Reedy Creek Fire Station #4 Monday morning to sign H9-B, legislation completely dissolving the Reedy Creek Improvement District.
The governor announced the individuals he has appointed to the board that will govern Walt Disney World going forward, explaining that he first urged the Florida legislature to draft the bill last year because he felt it was unfair that Disney had the exemption to govern itself and properties and enjoyed tax exemptions while all other theme parks were taxed by the Florida government and had no exemptions.
Tim Stromsnes, communications director of the Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters Local 2117 union, noted that the RCID began to decline in quick responsiveness to emergencies due to a lack of priority on safety for first responders and that the district chose to instead prioritize bringing more money into its coffers.
In a press release, the Governor’s Office detailed that the legislation amends the Reedy Creek Improvement District charter by:
- ending Disney’s self-governing status
- ending Disney’s exemption from the Florida Building Code and Florida Fire Prevention Code
- ending Disney’s exemption from state regulatory reviews and approvals
- ending Disney’s secrecy by ensuring transparency
- ensuring that Disney will pay its fair share of taxes
- preventing “leftist local governments from using the situation to raise local taxes”
- imposing Florida law so that Disney is no longer given preferential treatment
- ensuring that Disney’s municipal debt will be paid by Disney, not Florida taxpayers
DeSantis’s Thoughts on the Fatal Shooting in Orlando
The governor was asked about the shooting death of 24-year-old Spectrum News 13 reporter Dylon Lyons as well as 38-year-old Nathacha Augustin and nine-year-old T’yonna Major, who were killed in Pine Hills last week, and the fact that the killer had such a criminal history. He expressed outrage at the fact that the killer, 19-year-old Keith Melvin Moses, was still on the street by that point. “These prosecutors need to hold criminals accountable,” he said. He referenced State Attorney Worrell’s disclaimer Thursday that her office could only prosecute juvenile offenses up to a year-plus.
When asked about fixing the juvenile justice system, which many elected leaders say is lacking funding, he mentioned that he’s working on a portion of the budget that would increase the pay for prosecutors, and additionally creating a school to help offenders get on “the straight and narrow.”
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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com
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Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.
Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.
Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.
House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.
Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.
“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”
Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races
Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.
“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”
The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.
According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.
Historic Member of Congress
Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie David
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.
Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.
Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.
Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.
Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.
