EATONVILLE, Fla. – On Tuesday night, the Eatonville council will vote on a resolution to clarify the mayor’s executive powers and reaffirm that council approval is required for certain actions.
The resolution comes after the mayor’s involvement with the transfer of the Hungerford property from Orange County Public Schools to Dr. Phillips Charities in late September.
The Hungerford property, once home to the Hungerford School, a pioneering institution for Black students, is at the center of the dispute. While Mayor Gardner supported an agreement to redevelop the over 100-acre site, several council members felt excluded from the decision-making process.
“To not move forward is never an option,” Mayor Angie Gardner told the media following the official transfer.
[WATCH: Eatonville discusses next steps after Hungerford land deal with Dr. Phillips Foundation]
This transfer came just a week after the Eatonville town council voted 4-1 to recommend that Orange County Public Schools reject the agreement. Council members argued that they, not the charity, should decide the land’s future.
“I’m not happy with this process, not at all, and I don’t support this process,” Vice Mayor Theodore Washington said.
Councilman Tarus Mack echoed the sentiment.
“I’m not happy at this time, I’m not happy at all,” he said.
Despite the council’s opposition, Mayor Gardner supported the transfer, which promises to bring a green space, pavilion, early learning center and health care facility to the site.
[WATCH: Orange County School Board unanimously approves Eatonville deal for historic Hungerford property]
Now, the council is requesting a cease-and-desist order, asking the mayor to stop using her authority to make decisions on their behalf. They cite her actions regarding the Hungerford property as the reason for this request.
“On or before the Sept. 30, 2025, Orange County School Board Meeting, the Mayor of the Historic Town of Eatonville was already engaged in the Memorandum of Understanding process with the Orange County School Board and the Dr. Phillips Foundation concerning the development of the Hungerford Property,” the resolution reads.
“The Town Council contends the MOU did not fully reflect the views of the Town Council and residents. And, that the Mayor did not exercise her full duties to inform the Town council members about the MOU or other underlaying issues that may be unknown to the Town Council members.”
The town gathered in early October to discuss the future of the property and review the town’s updated master plan.
Kimberly LaRoche, who grew up in Eatonville, hopes any redevelopment will foster community unity.
“I’d like to see anything in place there that is going to continue the education process and continue further development and involvement of the community,” LaRoche said. “Because it’s what we’re all about. This is the town that freedom built, right? So with freedom came that collective responsibility to look out for each other.”
The meeting is at 7:30 p.m.