BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Bradford County Development Authority became collateral damage in a clash between titans, but there is hope it might be saved.
Walt Disney Company recently came out against Gov. Ron DeSantis signing the Parental Rights in Education bill. It was pressured to do so when its financial backing of conservative politicians was revealed by opponents of the bill, who criticize its perceived attack on young gay and transgender students and gay families.
The bill became widely condemned as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. It prohibits classroom instruction related to sexual orientation or gender identity through the third grade, and requires instruction in higher grades to be age and developmentally appropriate.
Disney responded to DeSantis signing the bill by releasing a statement claiming it would work with others to repeal the law or see it struck down in court.
During a special session, the governor and Republican-led Legislature fought back, stripping Disney’s status as a special governing district, which allowed it to approve its own developments, levy its own taxes, and provide for its own infrastructure and services, just like any other municipality.
Much has been reported in the aftermath about local governments surrounding the Orlando resort being stuck with its financial debt obligations, which add up to $1 billion.
In passing the law, the governor and Legislature will end any special districts set up before Nov. 5, 1968, as of June 1, 2023. Among those districts is the Bradford County Development Authority.
Even locally, the BCDA might be as obscure as Disney’s Reedy Creek. Its membership is not, however, and includes Patricia Evans of Capital City Bank, former Sheriff Bob Milner and realtor Dean Weaver. Working with partners in local government, legislators and other leaders, the chamber of commerce and the North Florida Economic Development Partnership and others, BCDA strives to promote Bradford County and the incentives for businesses and industry to develop here.
Evans said BCDA is still meeting to figure out what this sudden development means for the group’s future.
“In the interim, BCDA has been and will continue working diligently along with all our county, state, and federal partners, coordinating efforts, leading discussions and advocating for the needed infrastructure. Our focus remains on working with the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce to offer support of existing businesses while proactively working with others to identify new opportunities for economic development in Bradford County,” she said.
County attorney Will Sexton said there was no intent to “come after” BCDA on the part of the governor or Legislature. He believes there will be ample time to reestablish the development authority in its original or modified form so the group can continue its work beyond next summer.
