Disney will no longer go through with plans to construct a new employee campus in Lake Nona, Florida, as its ongoing feud with the state’s governor Ron DeSantis continues to escalate, CNBC News reported.
Disney’s parks, experiences and products chairman Josh D’Amaro cited “changing business conditions” as the reason for the project’s cancellation in a memo to employees Thursday and indicated that the company will no longer be asking more than 2,000 California-based employees to relocate to Florida, and any employees who have already moved to Florida should relocate back to California.
“It is clear to me that the power of this brand comes from our incredible people, and we are committed to handling this change with care and compassion,” he said.
“It is clear to me that the power of this brand comes from our incredible people, and we are committed to handling this change with care and compassion,” he said.
According to The New York Times, about 200 employees have already moved to Florida.
In his memo, D’Amaro pointed out that $17 billion was still earmarked for construction at Disney World over the next decade — growth that would create an estimated 13,000 jobs. “I hope we’re able to,” he said.
From CNBC:
Disney’s announcement comes amid a bitter feud between the company and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The company filed a lawsuit accusing DeSantis and the new board members of its special district of carrying out a campaign of political retribution against the entertainment giant.
DeSantis targeted Disney’s special district, formerly called the Reedy Creek Improvement District, after the company publicly criticized a controversial Florida bill — dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by critics — that limits discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms.
Read the full report over at CNBC.
Image via Shutterstock.com
