Universal Orlando has been granted a special development and tax district that covers some 700+ acres. The district will be named the Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District and is expected to provide $174 million for infrastructure within the district, including a commuter rail linking Orlando International Airport and the International Drive tourism area next to the new Epic Universe theme park. The District was approved by Orange County commissioners on October 10th.
The district will also cover Universal Oralndo’s brand new theme park Epic Universe, which is expected to open in 2025. A portion of the $174 million will be used for improvements to the future Epic Boulevard, which will be the main entrance to the new theme park similar to Disney World’s World Drive. The majority of the money will be used to link the airport to Universal’s new theme park via train.
The Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District will be established by Orange County under Florida Statute 190 like the nearly 1,000 additional Community Development Districts in the state.
Universal Orlando is not the only taxpayer in the district, although they do own the vast majority of the land. The initial members of the Board of Supervisors will be exclusively Universal employees, according to the Orlando Business Journal.
The Shingle Creek Transit & Utility Community Development District is another in a long list of special districts within the State of Florida. As defined by the Florida Constitution, a special district such as the Shingle Creek Transit & Utility CDD, is a “unit of local government created for a special purpose”.
The creation of this special taxing district draws direct parallels to the former Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was created and maintained to provide limited local government services for the creation and ongoing operation of Walt Disney World.
Just like Univeral’s new District, the Reedy Creek Improvement District was comprised of Disney employees on the Board of Supervisors.
Just like Universal’s new District, the Reedy Creek Improvement District had multiple landowners.
Just like Universal’s new District, the Reedy Creek Improvement District used additional local taxes for the creation of tourism infrastructure.
Unlike Disney, Universal has not spoken out about the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, so they are spared the wrath of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has not issued a statement about this new theme park/tourism development district run by the theme park that would benefit from the district the most.
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I love this article. 😂 Well done.
Worst governor of FL in our history
Yes, socialists will love this article. Truth be damned. Distinctions between the absolute autonomy of Reedy Creek and these other districts “just like” Reedy Creek psychotically ignored. For instance, Universal will not have the right to build a nuclear power plant, aka nuclear reactor on site without approval of the state. But Disney got political in a way you agree with, so you love them and hate their “opponents”. I love how your side throws around the term “hater” to shut up anyone who disagrees with you. Next time you feel like spouting the “hater” slur, look in the mirror. Making Disney play by the same rules as universal and sea world and Busch gardens, etc. Is fine. Greatly looking forward to the added completion Epic Universe will give Disney. It seems to be the only way to get Disney to reinvest some of their obscene park profits back into the actual parks. Free the Imagineers!!!
You pointed out a single difference. Where are these other differences that were “psychotically” ignored? It seems like you have an axe to grind and are grasping at the thinnest of straws to do it. It’s fair to point out similarities and how entities are still getting these special district arrangements when they aren’t being singled out and punished.
What is the principled reason this district gets exclusively Universal employees for its Board of Supervisors but the legislature stripped Disney’s ability to do the same? You just said you wanted them to play by the same rules. These are clearly not the same rules, and you haven’t provided a meaningful distinction other than “well, this special district can’t build a nuclear power plant.” Okay, and? Sounds like the solution would have been to amend that out of RCID’s delegated powers instead of going this far. Get real.
It’s like deSantis wants to lose in court.
Wow. That’s a lot of words to say “I agree with Desantis targeting Disney out of political bias because I share his politics.” Typical fascists, cheering on their high heel wearing leader.