[NYPOST] The Florida board tasked with overseeing Disney World’s operations voted unanimously to OK a countersuit against the House of Mouse Monday — after Disney filed a initial claim against Gov. Ron DeSantis last week.The entertainment giant sued DeSantis and his hand-picked board in Tallahassee federal court in a bid to reestablish control over the Orlando theme park. The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District will defend itself in that suit as well as challenge Disney in Orlando state court.
"This district will seek justice in state court here in central Florida where both it and Disney reside and do business," board chair Martin Garcia said at a Monday meeting. "Yes, we’ll seek justice in our own backyard."
DeSantis initially clashed with Disney after it opposed a bill banning school instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in kindergarten through the fourth grade. The governor asserted that the material was not appropriate for young children, while critics countered that it was hostile to the LGBTQ community.
DeSantis then sacked members of the board that oversees Disney’s special tax district and replaced them with his political allies, arguing that Florida’s largest employer had to be reined in.
But the outgoing board members quietly ceded their power back to Disney in February to neutralize the remade panel’s influence.