Disney scraps plans for Florida employee campus amid feud with Gov. DeSantis

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Disney is reportedly scrapping plans to open a new employee campus in Lake Nona, Florida amid the ongoing feud between the company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Several US media outlets cited a letter by Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney’s parks, experiences and products division to the employees, saying that the company will not be building its new campus and will no longer be asking more than 2,000 California-based employees to relocate to Florida.

“While some were excited about the new campus, I know that this decision and the circumstances surrounding it have been difficult for others,” he wrote in the letter.

“This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe it is the right one,” he wrote. “As a result, we will no longer be asking our employees to relocate. For those who have already moved, we will talk to you individually about your situation, including the possibility of moving you back.”

The decision came as the company is feuding with DeSantis, who is expected to enter 2024 presidential race next week.

The Walt Disney Co. filed a lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last month, claiming retaliation and business damage from a proposed bill threatening to revoke the media and theme park company’s self-governing privileges.

Disney's move came after DeSantis signed a bill in February that would strip the company of its self-governing authority, which the theme park has had for more than half a century.