Eatonville’s interim mayor wants to change the way the town does business.

“A mayor is not bigger than the policies and procedures,” said Mayor Eddie Cole.

  • Interim Mayor Eddie Cole was elected last week
  • He wants to begin changing Eatonville's image
  • Special election set for June 18

Mayor Cole sat down for an exclusive interview with News 13.

Cole is the latest person to be in charge of the historic town after Mayor Anthony Grant was suspended from office. Grant was indicted on voter fraud charges in March.

Cole was appointed interim mayor by a vote of 3 to 1 at a special town council meeting last week.

"I don’t believe in the title. I believe in the responsibility,” Cole said.

In the next 21 days, Cole said he’s going to focus on serving the people. 

He wants to begin changing Eatonville’s image by promoting better habits, like keeping the streets clean and providing excellent customer service for residents.

“Mindset. Change the mind, change the heart of the people, they’ll start working with you,” Cole said.

But Mayor Cole said regardless of what people may think about him or his agenda, town council has the ultimate say in Eatonville. 

“If it’s a major decision, we’re still talking about the majority of the council,” Mayor Cole explained.

That includes the future decision to redevelop the Hungerford School property off Kennedy Blvd, near I-4, and which developer will get the project.

“I would love to see a lot of mixed use,” Cole said. “I would love to know that I can go over on that property and I don’t have to leave Eatonville. I can get something to eat. I can watch a movie if I want to. I can walk. I can jog. I can play basketball. I can look at the developing companies. I can work over there if I would like to. I could see some history.

“When I look at it, it’s a gamut of things that property could afford us, if we’re all working together. And I don’t see a problem in that.”

The special election to fill the vacancy will be held Saturday, June 18. Cole is a candidate, along with former Mayor Bruce Mount and former Councilwoman Frances Sealey.

News 13 reached out to each candidate.  

Mount responded, saying he is the best candidate for the position because he recently served as mayor for six years and he has the experience necessary to move Eatonville forward.