Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed two members to Disney World’s governing board that the state notoriously took over in 2023.

DeSantis has named banker Matt Ravenscroft and lawyer David Woods to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD).

“Ravenscroft is the Executive Vice President and Director of Sunrise Bank in Orlando,” DeSantis said in a press release to announce the choices. “Previously, he served as a Senior Vice President of Old Florida Bank, United Heritage Bank, and Citrus Bank. Ravenscroft earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida.”

Woods works at Woods & Woods, P.A., DeSantis highlighted.

“His practice areas include real estate, wills, trusts, and estates,” DeSantis said. “Woods earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and media studies from Florida State University and his juris doctor from St. Thomas University.”

Their appointments are subject to Senate confirmation.

The CFTOD oversees the largely behind-the-scenes side of Disney World — roads, infrastructure and emergency services that respond when guests are hurt or sick.

The special district, however, was thrown into the national media limelight in 2023 during the infamous DeSantis-Disney feud. 

Then-Disney CEO Bob Chapek hesitatingly spoke out against Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act, which critics called the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

What came next was a wave of backlash among Florida Republicans.

The Legislature passed a 2023 law that gave DeSantis the power to appoint members onto the CFTOD, which had formerly been called the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

Previously, Disney had largely controlled its own governing board. DeSantis said it was inappropriate for The Mouse to have such an advantage above the other theme park operators in Orlando.

These days, the CFTOD is no longer in the headlines.

CFTOD Administrator Stephanie Kopelousos — DeSantis’ former Senior Advisor and the Director of Legislative Affairs — handles day-to-day operations. But the public fight against Disney and Republicans has died down. In a sign of a healed relationship, DeSantis appointed Disney World President Jeff Vahle to a high-profile University of Central Florida Trustee position last year.

When it comes to raising money for his extremely online campaign for Florida Governor, Republican James Fishback is a fish out of water.

Despite weeks of earned media on various national outlets, it appears Floridians have little interest in writing the Madison Republican a check. His first fundraising report, encompassing activity through the end of last year, is more suited to a campaign for a Soil and Water Board than one to replace Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Fishback raised an anemic $950 since opening his campaign account, a number that looks even worse when his list of very small-dollar donors is considered.

Campaign Treasurer and “Chief Strategy Officer” Alexander Munguia got the ball rolling by contributing a whopping $50.

Aaron Baker, a repeat candidate for U.S. Congress whom Fishback touted in a recent interview with Tucker Carlson as his preference over U.S. Rep. Randy Fine in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, chipped in $100.

Benjamin Salyers, a fireman from Palm Bay, led all donors with $500 contributed.

Munguia also leads the Florida First PAC, a vehicle to accommodate donors who wish to give above state contribution limits. The account has yet to receive one contribution.

We reached out to Munguia for some context for the fundraising report, but did not immediately hear back Tuesday morning.

Fishback is far behind every plausible candidate in the race in terms of resources.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has repeatedly been called a “slave” and other pejoratives by Fishback, ended 2025 with roughly $45 million raised.

Former House Speaker Paul Renner, who hasn’t gotten nearly the national showcase Fishback has despite a record of conservative accomplishments in Tallahassee, raised nearly $5.5 million by the end of 2025.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins just launched his campaign Monday, but his first fundraising report likely will show he belongs in the race.

National media has given Fishback a platform befitting a serious candidate, though that effort is turning into a punchline given the laughably low amount Fishback has raised in an open race.