ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — WFTV is working to find out what will happen to the votes cast for Earl K. Wood after the 96-year-old Orange County tax collector died on Monday.
Wood was first elected tax collector in 1964, and has served nearly 48 years in office.
He was running for reelection this year in a race that had drawn some controversy. He originally said he planned to retire, but then threw his hat back in the ring on the last day of qualifying.
With the election just 23 days away, it's too late to take Wood's name off the ballot, and many absentee voters have already mailed their ballots in.
WFTV's Drew Petrimoulx learned there have already been absentee votes cast in Wood's favor.
His employees, who he considered his family, mourned Wood's death Monday.
"We lost not only a great boss, but a great friend," said Kelly Goodwin.
His top deputy said Wood died of natural causes at his home early Monday morning.
“Orange County has lost a man whose enduring legacy will be that of public service and dedication to community. My heart goes out to Mr. Wood’s family and friends and I hope they find peace during this difficult time," Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said in a statement Monday.
Wood's Republican challenger Jim Huckeba launched an attack campaign, accusing him of doing little work while collecting big salary and benefits checks.
They had planned on having a plane tow a 'Where is Earl?' banner through downtown Monday morning, but that was canceled when his death was announced. But WFTV found signs promoting the campaign posted around town.
When the news broke, the opponents quickly ended the attacks, sent out a statement of condolence and began collecting the signs.
Wood's death leaves a vacancy in his office and in the race against Huckeba.
"His name will be on the ballot and if there is a replacement candidate, then a vote for Earl K. Wood would be a vote for the replacement candidate," said Orange County Supevisor of Elections Bill Cowles.
The 80 voting members of Orange County's Democratic Party have scheduled a special meeting Wednesday night to pick a replacement.
Gov. Rick Scott has the power to appoint a replacement to fill Wood's office until a new tax collector is sworn in Jan. 8.
Wood first moved to Orlando with his family in 1932. He was a graduate of Orlando High School, which is now Howard Middle School.
Wood was also active in the community, raising money for the Shriners Hospital and there was even an Earl K. Wood scholarship awarded to students who excelled in public speaking.
Wood served five years in the Army and was a veteran of WWII.
WFTV
