EATONVILLE, Fla. – Eatonville residents gathered Friday night to discuss the future of the historic Hungerford property and review the town’s updated master plan. The meeting focused on this week’s land purchase agreement between Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and the Dr. Phillips Foundation.
Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner addressed questions from residents about the more than 100-acre property, emphasizing the importance of working together as the project moves forward.
[WATCH: Orange County Public Schools agrees to sell Hungerford property to Dr. Phillips Charities]
“To not move forward is never an option,” Gardner said. “One of the residents mentioned it. Hey, let’s just get with it. There’s no turning back as soon as the deal is sealed.”
The public was invited to speak at the podium, including longtime Eatonville resident Angela Johnson, whose family has deep roots in the community.
“My mother went to Hungerford, graduated in 1955,” Johnson said. “For me, that is very important. I have a six-year-old granddaughter now. So the goal is to see something develop there that will benefit her in the future.”
[WATCH: Proposed deal could change course of history for town of Eatonville]
While optimistic, Johnson also shared concerns about the town’s finances and the importance of ensuring residents’ voices are represented in future agreements.
“In this case, when the town has struggled financially for a long time under the financial oversight of the state of Florida, it’s very important that we have a solid tax base,” she said. “It’s important to me that the voice of the residents is embedded into any contractual agreement.”
Dr. Phillips Foundation Board Chair Terry Prather attended the meeting to answer questions and reaffirm the foundation’s commitment to community engagement.
“We will continue to listen to residents,” Prather said. “That’s what we’re all about — strengthening communities.”
Prather explained that an advisory board will oversee the development process, which will include multiple steps such as planning, infrastructure, and community engagement.
Residents who attended the meeting said they plan to stay involved by attending upcoming town council meetings to track progress on the project.