LAKE BUENA VISTA – In light of Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent sanctions against their company, Disney has cancelled plans to undergo a $1 billion investment in Florida in the coming years. The state stands to lose out on around 2,000 jobs that would’ve been brought in. The feud between DeSantis and Disney stems from statements by Disney against legislation that enraged the governor.
The thousands of jobs that were previously planned to be brought to Florida were going to be relocated from California prior to this newest move. Already California Governor Gavin Newsom, a political rival of DeSantis, is publicly reveling in the news.
“This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe it is the right one,” said Josh D’Amaro, the chairman of Disney Parks.
Along with the political background of Disney’s decision, it was also called for by many of the employees who would’ve been asked to move to Florida. Some of the affected personnel left the company in the aftermath, which was put into motion by former CEO Bob Chapek. Now, in the second tenure of Bob Iger as CEO, the company is navigating its future plans in the midst of a feud with a man who may soon be president.
While the cancellation of the move will likely have a negative impact on Florida’s economy, it was only one part of a larger plan; Disney still has some $17 billion in spending planned for its Disney location in the coming years, though Iger has hinted that DeSantis’ actions in the coming months may have the potential to impact that as well.
