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7h ago

Orange School Board Approves Deal to Transfer Hungerford Site to Dr. Phillips Charities

Key terms and timelines remain undisclosed ahead of a public meeting on Oct. 3.

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Town of Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner speaks during a press conference following the approval of the memorandum of understanding at an Orange County Public Schools Board meeting to discuss the Hungerford land deal between the district and Dr. Phillips Charities, on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. The Town of Eatonville council has signaled it does not support the deal. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)
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Overview

  • Board members voted unanimously to advance a memorandum of understanding that includes a $1 million down payment from Dr. Phillips Charities for the 117-acre site.
  • The agreement outlines nonprofit-led development with housing, education and medical facilities, parks, retail and a hotel, with some land to be donated back to Eatonville.
  • Eatonville’s mayor Angie Gardner endorsed the deal as a pivotal opportunity, while several council members said they were blindsided and had urged a delay.
  • Dr. Phillips Charities leaders described their role as stewardship rather than profit-seeking and cited prior work on Orlando’s Packing District; OCPS leaders pledged strict accountability.
  • Next steps include contract negotiations, formation of a citizen advisory board, and community input at an Oct. 3 session at the Denton Johnson Community Center.