Head of Florida Commission Resigns for New Disney District

A lot has changed in the last year with Disney. The battle between The Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been ongoing. Although the Governor previously reported he was “over it” the changes and issues are still very much prevalent.

One change that was implemented was the abolishment of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District. Reedy Creek Improvement District or now known as Central Florida Toursin Oversight District, is known for “the purpose of which is to support and administer certain aspects of the economic development and tourism within District boundaries.”

The change began in April 2022 after Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill which went into effect June 1, 2023. Along with the change of name, the district endured other changes like a newly appointed board. One of those board members was Glen Gilzean who also works another important role for the state of Florida.

Today, Gilzean had to make a decision between the two roles, and WESH has reported which he chose.

Ethics Chair Faces Conflict of Interest

As head of the Florida Commission on Ethics, Glen Gilzean was also appointed as District Administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. While his new role pays a whopping $400,000 WESH reported, questions were raised on if the two roles conflicted. “Last Thursday, Steven Zuilkowski, who serves as both general counsel and deputy executive director for the commission, issued an opinion essentially saying Gilzean’s Disney job conflicted with state law that governs who can serve on the ethics commission board,” WESH wrote.

Due to the conflict of interest, Gilzean resigned from his role as head of the Florida Commission on Ethics. His resignation letter read,

“It recently came to my attention that my position as District Administrator of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District may not be compatible with my position as a member and Chairman of the Florida Commission on Ethics. After reviewing the matter with legal counsel, I have decided that prudence dictates that I discontinue serving in one of the two positions. Therefore, I respectfully tender my resignation from the Florida Commission on Ethics, effective immediately,”

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District ” is responsible to oversee land use and environmental protections within the District, and providing essential public services.” This includes fire protection, emergency medical services, water, wastewater services, flood control, and many more aspects.

What are your opinions of the changes to the district?