EATONVILLE, Fla. — Despite a plea from the town of Eatonville for more time to make its own bid, a deal that could see the historic Hungerford Property sold to Dr. Phillips Charities is one step closer to being finalized.

What You Need To Know

Eatonville’s Town Council met to regroup Tuesday after their request to delay the Hungerford Property purchase was denied by Orange County Public Schools

Members of the Town Council say they wanted more say in the deal, and want to pursue options that would give them control of the property

Hungerford family descendant Bea Leach Hatler feels the proposed sale could be very beneficial for the historic town

OCPS will have their final vote on the proposed sale of the property at their next meeting on Jan. 13

Tensions are still high between some Eatonville Town Council Members and Mayor Angie Gardner, as the historic town tries to push back against the deal, which would see Orange County Public Schools sell the Hungerford property to the Dr. Phillip Charities, which would develop the land.

The deal was brokered by Gardner without input from the Town Council, which prompted members to vote in November to curtail the mayor’s ability to pursue similar deals in the future.

“You were dead wrong, Mayor Gardner,” Eatonville Town Councilman Tarus Mack said. “You were dead wrong, and I sit with that and will continue to sit with that.”

Mack called the process heart-breaking and a punch to the gut, but members of the council as a whole said they are feeling optimistic that they’ll be able to work with the charity organization to shape the development as it moves forward.

“It’s going to give us enough time to go back to the table with an actual and real plan, so that we can move along and we can be here for Eatonville for the future,” said Eatonville Town Councilwoman Wanda Randolph.

That optimism is shared by a member of the Hungerford family as well.

“We stand proud with Eatonville,” said Hungerford descendant Bea Leach Hatler.

Hatler is a direct descendent of the Hungerford family, which originally donated this property, and has spent the last few years helping the town of Eatonville fight back against unwanted projects.

But she says the current proposal isn’t one of them.

“It may not be the picture you want to see, but it’s for Eatonville and I know there’s going to be a lot of good out of it,” Hatler said. “So, don’t ramp up because of other people’s opinions. Wait and have peace in your soul and let’s see what really happens.”

Hatler has had several conversations with officials at Dr. Phillips Charities, and she said they have told her that this purchase and development will be in the town of Eatonville’s best interest.

She says that she’s tired of seeing the lot vacant and wants to see it put to good use.

“So, we need to take what’s left and make it a diamond for Eatonville,” Hatler said. “Make it shine.”

Hatler said she plans to be do what she can to be a part of the advisory council for the project.

OCPS will have their final vote on the proposed sale of the property at their next meeting on Jan. 13.