Not a happy ending for the big-eared company in their fight against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Disney announced Thursday, May 18, that the company would give up building a nearly $900 million campus in the Sunshine State to house employees near its theme park.
The group, which has recently initiated significant cost reductions, mainly cites economic reasons. “Given the significant changes that have occurred since the announcement of this project, including new management and changing economic conditions, we have decided not to proceed with construction of the campus,” writes Josh D’Amaro, amusement parks at the group, in Memo addressed to employees and consulted by Agence France-Presse.
However, the decision also comes against the background of strong tensions with the local authorities. Ron DeSantis, a rising star of America’s far right, ended the company’s special status in his state in February.
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Disney responded with a complaint, saying it was “targeted revenge” against the group for denouncing a 2022 bill restricting the teaching of subjects related to sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida elementary schools.
The company announced in July 2021 that it would ask its employees to relocate to a new campus in Florida, which press reports estimated to cost $864 million at the time. “It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but I believe it’s the right one,” Josh D’Amaro notes in the memo.
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