On Friday, April 22, Governor Ron DeSantis officially signed a bill that will dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District, a special district run by Disney.

Paulette Montero, Reedy Creek Professional Firefighter 2nd Vice President said the decision will impact hundreds of people including hundreds of first responders employed by the special district.

The more than 200 first responders, like Montero, protect and keep the tens of thousands of Disney World daily visitors safe.

“All of our firefighters and first responders, our paramedics know the property like the back of their hand and are able to provide quick response,” she said.

Montero, 39, said she began her career as a firefighter more than seven years ago at Reedy Creek

“I started my career here, and my goal was to build a career where I can retire from this department,” she said.

Now the uncertainty of the district’s future has her worried. Reedy Creek, not Disney, employs 370 public employees and more than 200 first responders. Reedy Creek is slated to dissolve on June 1, 2023 into Osceola and Orange County respectively.

A spokesperson for the Orange County Fire department reports they currently have more than 1,200 firefighters on staff but, they continue to recruit more. 

“This week has been pretty emotional," the spokeperson said. 

Montero said she was told her pension will remain in-tact as long as she finds a job within the Florida Retirement System. But, they don’t know where they’ll work next. Montero’s not sure if next Summer will be last time she’ll wear her uniform.

“Pretty emotional for everybody. As of today, there’ isn’t a lot of information other than there’ll be change.”

Reedy Creek board members will host its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 27, at 9:30 a.m.