Disney Contracts Under Microscope
Local News Staff 
Two weeks ago, it came to light that members of the governor's new Disney district awarded a $240,000 contract to a political insider without considering bids from other companies.
The no-bid contract, given to one of the state's top ethics officials, raised concerns about the transparency of the process within Florida's governance.
Recent revelations expose another instance of a political connection influencing a no-bid deal at the former Reedy Creek district. In this case, the board chairman played a role in awarding a $495-an-hour legal contract to a lawyer who assisted the chairman in obtaining his position overseeing Disney.
Notably, when Martin Garcia sought to impress the state Senate during the confirmation of Governor Ron DeSantis' Disney board appointments, he listed GOP attorney Jason Gonzalez as a reference. Subsequently, after Garcia secured the position, he voted to grant Gonzalez's law firm a $495-an-hour contract without considering proposals from other firms.
The series of events raises questions about the ethical standards of the new Disney board and its commitment to transparent governance.
Adding to the concerns, a former board member, who played a role in helping district director Glen Gilzean secure a $400,000-a-year job, was also the best man at Gilzean's wedding. This pattern of close connections raises eyebrows and fuels perceptions that the organization resembles a fraternity of political insiders, possibly undermining the principles of accountable and ethical government.
