2024 Winter Springs City Commission Election Results and New Leadership

2024 Winter Springs City Commission Election Results and New Leadership

Dear Winter Springs Community,

I’m thrilled to share that the 2024 Winter Springs City Commission election has brought in a new team of leaders ready to create positive change. This election marks an exciting turning point, with three newly elected City Commissioners, Sarah Baker, Mark Caruso, and Paul Diaz. Their vision aligns with our community’s goals of improved transparency, stronger infrastructure, and thoughtful growth for Winter Springs.

Meet the New Winter Springs City Commissioners

Our 2024 City Commission election was a powerful statement from Winter Springs residents. In District 1, Paul Diaz won with a commitment to strengthen the city’s financial systems. His background as an accountant equips him to address financial challenges and foster responsible budgeting.

Mark Caruso took the District 5 seat in a competitive three-way race, leveraging his experience as a former police officer to focus on public safety and infrastructure upgrades. Mark’s readiness to collaborate and learn reflects the unity that Winter Springs residents expect from our leadership.

In District 3, Sarah Baker secured a strong win, with her platform focused on improving infrastructure, specifically tackling stormwater and wastewater issues in Winter Springs. Her firsthand experience with these challenges ensures that she will advocate strongly for sustainable solutions to flooding and public safety concerns.

Winter Springs’ Call for Change in the 2024 Election

This year’s Winter Springs City Commission election highlights the community’s desire for a transparent and proactive approach to governance. As Sarah expressed, it’s time for a renewed focus on essential services, including park accessibility, infrastructure repairs, and planned growth that fits Winter Springs’ character. By electing commissioners who are committed to open dialogue and accountability, our community has set a clear direction for a stronger Winter Springs.

Looking Ahead: Improving Infrastructure, Accessibility, and Development

Our new commissioners are ready to tackle the infrastructure and growth needs of Winter Springs. From improving roads and parks to thoughtfully managing development, their work will lay the foundation for a thriving, resident-focused city. As we saw in the 2024 Winter Springs City Commission election, the community is eager for elected officials who will make development decisions that enhance the quality of life without compromising the community’s unique character.

A Future Built on Transparency and Community Involvement

The Winter Springs 2024 City Commission election results underscore the commitment of our new leaders to transparency and community engagement. With their dedication to addressing issues like stormwater management, sustainable development, and park accessibility, I’m optimistic about our city’s future.

Together, we are shaping a new era for Winter Springs—one where every resident can take pride in our progress and look forward to a brighter, more resilient community. I’m excited to continue working alongside Sarah, Mark, and Paul to make Winter Springs the best it can be. Here’s to a new day for Winter Springs and a bright future for all!

Warm regards,

Victoria Bruce

City Commissioner, District 2, Winter Springs

Welcoming City Manager Kevin Sweet: A New Chapter for Winter Springs

Welcoming City Manager Kevin Sweet: A New Chapter for Winter Springs

Dear Winter Springs Community,

We’re proud to introduce Kevin Sweet as our newly appointed City Manager for Winter Springs. With over two decades of experience in local government, Kevin brings a wealth of expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and emergency preparedness—skills that align perfectly with our community’s growth and needs.

The appointment was unanimously approved at the Winter Springs Commission meeting on September 23, 2024. Kevin’s leadership background includes significant roles in Wrentham, Maynard, and Taunton, Massachusetts, where he served as Town Manager and the Director of Emergency Management. His credentials, including an ICMA-Credentialed Manager certification, a Master of Public Administration in Financial Management from Norwich University, and a Master of Science in Emergency Management from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, reflect his dedication to public service.

Kevin’s professional memberships span the International City/County Management Association, the International Association of Emergency Managers, and the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association, reinforcing his commitment to advancing best practices in local government. He will officially join us on December 16, 2024.

To help residents learn more about his vision, Kevin has developed a 90-Day Entry Plan. This plan will focus on strengthening communication, building relationships with residents and community partners, and setting strategic goals for the city’s future. We’re excited to share this plan with you here:

I believe Kevin’s forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of municipal management will help us make a real, positive impact for all residents. Together, we can look forward to a future that upholds transparency, strategic growth, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of Winter Springs.

Warm regards,

Victoria Bruce

City Commissioner, District 2

Tuskawilla Road Cleanup Event with Commissioner Victoria Bruce

Tuskawilla Road Cleanup Event with Commissioner Victoria Bruce

Date & Time

November 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM

Location

Tuskawilla Road, Winter Springs, FL

On November 2, 2024, Commissioner Victoria Bruce partnered with the Seminole Education, Restoration & Volunteer (SERV) Program to kick off a new environmental initiative, adopting a section of Tuskawilla Road. Community members joined forces to help beautify Winter Springs and promote a cleaner, healthier environment. This event marked a crucial step in reducing pollution and fostering local pride.

The cleanup began with an educational presentation led by SERV Coordinator Elizabeth Stephens, who discussed watershed awareness and the significance of preventing pollutants from entering local waterways. Volunteers also received a hands-on demonstration on storm drain marking—a practical step to keep contaminants out of the community’s water systems.

Event Highlights

  1. Orange trash bags and safety vests were provided to volunteers, and many wore bright colors to stay visible and safe while working along the roadside.
  2. Attendees were encouraged to bring water and dress comfortably for working outdoors, contributing to a successful, smooth event.

As the day wrapped up, participants celebrated a job well done. One volunteer expressed their appreciation, saying, “It’s just great to be out here in the community…and this time, I got to do it with Victoria, a true community leader. We’ve got to keep our communities clean.”

In her closing remarks, Commissioner Bruce reflected, “It was a wonderful day, picking up trash with our community, friends, and family. It’s such a great way to enjoy nature while making a positive impact.” She also encouraged residents to consider adopting their own section of road through the SERV program, emphasizing that it’s free and only requires a quarterly cleanup to maintain storm drain cleanliness.

Looking Ahead

The Tuskawilla Road cleanup marks the start of a broader community initiative dedicated to preserving Winter Springs’ natural beauty. Our next cleanup event is already on the horizon, providing residents another opportunity to make a difference. Let’s continue working together to keep Winter Springs clean and beautiful, one event at a time!

For more details on upcoming events, please visit Victoria’s event page.

Advocating for Open Dialogue: Updating the Winter Springs Social Media Policy

Advocating for Open Dialogue: Updating the Winter Springs Social Media Policy

Dear Winter Springs Community,

As your committed city commissioner, I want to address an issue close to my heart and crucial for our community: the need to revamp Winter Spring’s social media policy to embrace the full potential of digital engagement. Since its last revision in 2015, both our community and the digital world have evolved significantly. It’s time our policies reflect these changes to fully capitalize on the benefits of social media.

The Current Policy’s Limitations

The existing Winter Springs social media policy was established at a time when the digital landscape was vastly different. Crafted to manage content in a one-way format, it restricts any form of public interaction on our posts. This outdated approach does not suit the fast-paced, interactive nature of today’s social media environment where dialogue fosters community.

Why Change is Crucial

Interactive social media use is not just about staying current; it’s about effective governance. By opening up our platforms to comments and interactions, we can increase transparency and allow for real-time communication. This will enable us to reach more residents quickly, especially during critical times like post-emergency updates, where speed and dissemination are key. 

The Cost-Effectiveness of Engagement

Utilizing social media for interactive communication is not only effective but also cost-efficient. It allows us to share critical updates quickly and at minimal cost. For instance, after the recent hurricane, a video update from the mayor garnered only 140 views in a week—a clear indication that our one-way communication strategy isn’t meeting its potential to quickly distribute key information.

A Call to Modernize

It’s time to shift from monologue to dialogue. Let’s align our Winter Springs social media policy with the practices of today’s digital age, fostering a space where community feedback is not just expected but encouraged. Opening up our social media comments will not only increase the reach of our communications but will also invite community involvement in municipal processes, enhancing our service effectiveness.

Your Role and the Path Forward

Your engagement is crucial. By supporting this shift, you help us transform how our city communicates and interacts with you, the residents of Winter Springs. Let’s work together to ensure that our social media platforms are more than just bulletin boards—they should be forums for vibrant, constructive community exchanges.

Join me in advocating for a policy that meets the needs of our residents and reflects the dynamic nature of our city. Together, we can make Winter Springs a more connected, informed, and engaged community.

Thank you for your attention and support. I look forward to making these necessary changes together.

Warm regards,

Victoria Bruce

City Commissioner, District 2, Winter Springs

Winter Springs West Side Debate 2024: Candidates Discuss Critical Issues Facing the Community

Winter Springs West Side Debate 2024: Candidates Discuss Critical Issues Facing the Community

The recent Winter Springs West Side Candidate Debate brought critical issues to the forefront, giving voters a clearer picture of how each candidate plans to shape the future of our community. With topics ranging from political unity and infrastructure to land development and the use of city funds, the debate shed light on the diverse approaches each candidate has to offer.

As a Winter Springs City Commissioner, I’ve always believed that transparency, honesty, and informed decision-making are essential to moving our city forward. With that in mind, I wanted to share a recap of the debate to help residents make informed choices about the future leadership of our city.

Political Unity & Future Challenges

Political unity was a central theme, especially given the divisions that have emerged over the past few years. Several candidates agreed that fostering collaboration and leadership across party lines is essential to tackling the key challenges Winter Springs faces—particularly the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and thoughtful long-term city planning.

  1. Paul Diaz stood out with his practical, action-oriented approach. He focused heavily on the need to unify the city by resolving critical infrastructure failures, particularly with the wastewater treatment plants. His argument was clear: unity comes from results, and the city cannot afford further delays on issues as urgent as wastewater management.
  2. Matt Benton reiterated the need to complete ongoing projects, though his response lacked clarity, leaving some voters unsure about his specific plans.
  3. Sarah Baker emphasized the importance of open communication and involving the community in decision-making to foster unity.
  4. Rob Elliot and Mark Caruso both agreed on the need to address immediate infrastructure concerns, though Elliot pointed out the restrictions posed by Sunshine Laws, which make it difficult for commissioners to collaborate outside public meetings.

Land Development & Conservation

Land development was another key issue, particularly the future of the old golf course property near the Highlands. There is broad agreement that any development must align with the character of the community while addressing concerns like traffic, flooding, and environmental impact.

  1. Most candidates favored maintaining the conservation easement on the golf course, with Paul Diazpointing out that 10 to 22 acres might be needed for wastewater plant development. Diaz urged a realistic, balanced approach to development that prioritizes the needs of residents and avoids unnecessary political maneuvering.
  2. Rob Elliot noted that alternative plans are being explored in case the city cannot acquire this land.
  3. Both Karen Meyer and Matt Benton supported a supermajority vote requirement to lift any conservation easements, ensuring that such decisions would only be made if absolutely necessary.
  4. Sarah Baker expressed her concerns about the environmental impact of development, stressing the importance of careful planning to prevent future flooding—an issue that many residents are all too familiar with.

As a sitting commissioner, I’ve been very vocal in my opposition to lifting conservation easements, and I was the first public official to take a stand against any effort to remove them. Our city’s natural spaces are invaluable, and any development decisions must be made with the long-term preservation of our environment in mind.

Stormwater & Water Infrastructure

The debate also tackled one of the most pressing issues: the city’s stormwater and water infrastructure. With aging systems and frequent flooding, candidates agreed that this is an issue that needs immediate attention.

  1. Paul Diaz passionately spoke about the need to modernize the city’s infrastructure, citing his personal experiences from past hurricanes as a driving force behind his commitment to resolving these issues. His clear, decisive approach to cutting through bureaucracy resonated with many in attendance.
  2. Rob Elliot and Mark Caruso also highlighted the urgency of addressing failing wastewater plants, noting that there is limited time to resolve these issues before the city faces potential consequences from state authorities. Elliot mentioned an ongoing stormwater study, but the slow pace of progress remains a concern for many residents.

Penny Tax & Resource Allocation

Finally, the debate addressed the question of how to fund these necessary improvements, particularly through the renewal of the penny sales tax. While most candidates supported renewing the tax to fund infrastructure projects, there was debate over how the funds have been managed in the past.

  1. Paul Diaz was critical of the mismanagement of penny tax funds, calling for greater transparency and accountability to ensure that taxpayer money is used for its intended purpose: infrastructure upgrades. He emphasized that the city needs a leadership reset to restore trust in how funds are handled.
  2. Matt Benton defended the city’s use of the penny tax, arguing that protocols had been followed. However, given the slow pace of progress on vital infrastructure, some voters remain skeptical.
  3. Sarah Baker echoed the need for better transparency, pointing out that residents are rightfully concerned when infrastructure funds are diverted to other projects, leaving critical issues unaddressed.

Looking Forward

The Winter Springs West Side Candidate Debate offered residents a chance to hear directly from those who seek to represent us, and it highlighted the urgent need for decisive leadership on infrastructure and conservation. While all the candidates brought valuable perspectives, Paul Diaz stood out for his practical, results-driven approach, emphasizing that unity and progress come from action. On the other hand, Matt Benton’s lack of clarity and Rob Elliot’s defense of past delays left some voters questioning their ability to address the city’s most pressing needs.

As a commissioner, my top priority has always been to balance economic growth with environmental preservation, ensuring that Winter Springs remains a thriving, beautiful community for years to come. This debate reaffirmed the importance of staying informed and engaged as we continue working together to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Together, we can ensure that Winter Springs’ future remains as bright as its past.

2024 Winter Springs Stormwater Enhancements: Ensuring a Safer and Cleaner Future

2024 Winter Springs Stormwater Enhancements: Ensuring a Safer and Cleaner Future

Dear Winter Springs Residents,

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing our city’s infrastructure, I want to share important updates on our stormwater management efforts. These initiatives are crucial for ensuring the safety, functionality, and sustainability of our water systems, especially in light of recent weather events and ongoing environmental challenges.

Sediment Management at Gee Creek

We are proactive in addressing the sediment build-up at Gee Creek, particularly at the SR 434 bridge. Scheduled for December 2024, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will conduct maintenance to ensure normal water flows are restored. This is vital for preventing water backup and potential flooding.

Collaborative Efforts for Larger Capacity

Following the Seminole County Basin Study for Gee Creek, we plan to engage with FDOT’s District Drainage Engineer to discuss increasing the conveyance capacity through the SR 434 right-of-way. This step is crucial to accommodate potential high water flows and protect our community from future flood risks.

To provide a deeper insight into our current efforts and future plans, please view the embedded presentation from the latest City Commission stormwater briefing:

Hurricane Recovery and Resilience Projects

Thanks to funding from the Hurricane Ian Grant and other initiatives, we’ve made significant progress:

  1. Debris and Sediment Removal: We’ve successfully cleared creek debris and sediment, crucial for maintaining water flow and quality.
  2. Erosion Control: Bid documents are underway for erosion control measures at Gee Creek at Moss Park, ensuring the longevity and stability of our creek banks.
  3. Infrastructure Repairs: The Tuskawilla Crossings Subdivision Pond and Wetland Park Outfall have seen crucial improvements to handle stormwater effectively.

Ongoing Evaluations and Improvements

Our team is continuously working on evaluating and improving the stormwater systems across Winter Springs. This includes computer modeling to address water quality and the impacts on existing upstream stormwater systems. Each project is part of a larger strategy to manage our water resources responsibly and sustainably.

Your Role in Our Community’s Health

Your awareness and involvement are key to our success. Understanding the scope and impact of these projects helps us all appreciate the intricate work going into protecting our city. As we move forward, I remain dedicated to ensuring that Winter Springs not only recovers from past storms but also becomes more resilient against future challenges.

Together, we are making Winter Springs a safer, cleaner, and more resilient community. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our collective well-being.

Warm regards,

Victoria Bruce

City Commissioner, District 2, Winter Springs

Why the Penny Sales Tax Renewal is Essential for Seminole County’s Future

Why the Penny Sales Tax Renewal is Essential for Seminole County’s Future

As your City Commissioner for Winter Springs, I am committed to ensuring our community continues to thrive. One of the key ways we can achieve that is by renewing the One Cent Infrastructure Sales Tax, also known as the Penny Sales Tax, this November.

What is the Penny Sales Tax?

For over 30 years, this tax has been a cornerstone of growth and development in Seminole County. It’s not a new tax, but a continuation of a highly successful initiative that generates funding for essential infrastructure projects. From improving roads and sidewalks to enhancing water quality and supporting school construction, the Penny Sales Tax has already brought in over $2 billion to strengthen our communities.

Why Does This Matter?

The revenue generated from the Penny Sales Tax is crucial for maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure. Here in Winter Springs and throughout Seminole County, we’ve seen the positive effects of this funding, such as:

  1. Road Improvements: Safer, more efficient roads with added turn lanes, repaved surfaces, and upgraded traffic signals.
  2. Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: More trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes that connect our community and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle.
  3. Environmental Conservation: Support for stormwater management and environmental restoration projects that protect our natural resources.
  4. Public Safety Enhancements: Investments in new safety vehicles, emergency services, and equipment to keep our neighborhoods safe.

These projects improve our quality of life, help keep property taxes low, and ensure that Seminole County remains a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families.

The Power of the Penny

One of the most compelling reasons to support the Penny Sales Tax is that a significant portion—up to 30%—of the revenue comes from non-residents. That means visitors and out-of-county shoppers contribute to the cost of improving our local infrastructure, easing the burden on our residents. This is a smart and efficient way to fund the improvements we all rely on without increasing taxes for Seminole County homeowners.

Why Renewal is Important

Without this funding, many essential projects would be delayed or potentially canceled. We would have to rely on state and federal funding, which can take years to secure. By renewing the Penny Sales Tax, we maintain control over how we fund and prioritize local projects that directly impact our daily lives.

I’ve always believed in finding balanced solutions that promote both economic growth and environmental preservation. The Penny Sales Tax does exactly that. It allows us to grow responsibly while protecting the natural beauty and resources that make Winter Springs and Seminole County such special places.

Join Me in Supporting the Renewal

This November, I urge you to join me in voting YES for the renewal of the Penny Sales Tax. Let’s continue investing in our community’s future by ensuring we have the resources to build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps Winter Springs and all of Seminole County thriving.

To learn more about the Penny Sales Tax and how it benefits our community, I invite you to watch this informative video from former County Commissioner John Horan:

Together, we can make sure Winter Springs remains a beautiful, safe, and vibrant community for generations to come.

Warm regards,

Victoria Bruce

Winter Springs City Commissioner, District 2

Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) Services Solicitation for Wastewater Treatment Facilities!

Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) Services Solicitation for Wastewater Treatment Facilities!

Big Step Forward for the City of Winter Springs!

Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) RFQ Posted

The City of Winter Springs is now soliciting Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) services for the design and construction of two wastewater treatment facilities.

Project Overview:

  1. East (Phase I) WWTF – Existing facility with a 2.012 MGD (annual average daily flow).
  2. West (Phase II) WWTF – Existing facility with a 2.07 MGD (annual average daily flow).

Both facilities are dual-train contact stabilization domestic wastewater treatment plants, which include influent screening, aeration, secondary clarification, filtration, chlorination, and biosolid treatment. Effluent is currently disposed of through public access reuse.

The project aims to replace the existing treatment facilities and upgrade their treatment quality to meet current disposal standards, with future expansions in mind.

Key Considerations:

  1. The construction will take place while both facilities are operational 24/7, meeting all permit requirements.
  2. Ancillary facilities may also be added, including office space, labs, and storage.

Major Project Elements:

The Conceptual Design Report (CDR) for both the East and West WWTFs outlines the following major project elements:

  1. Influent lift station
  2. New headworks
  3. New secondary treatment system (biological nutrient removal, clarifiers, pumping systems)
  4. Waste activated sludge pumping and integration with existing systems
  5. Process aeration blowers and building
  6. New tertiary filtration system
  7. Chlorine disinfection system (including contact chamber, sodium hypochlorite storage)
  8. Effluent transfer and reclaimed water pumping systems
  9. Plant utility water pumping system
  10. Electrical feed and standby generation system
  11. Operations and administration buildings (East and West respectively)
  12. Site work, HVAC, plumbing, SCADA/I&C systems

Some existing facilities and infrastructure will be demolished as part of this project.

The East and West WWTFs will be designed with a unified, one-plant, two-site concept, standardizing elements to improve efficiency in construction, operation, and maintenance. A single set of specifications and one Computer-Aided Design Drafting (CADD) model will be developed and adapted for each site.

Current Status:

  1. The project is in the Preliminary Design Phase, managed by Carollo Engineers, Inc.
  2. The anticipated project schedule is as follows:
  3. CMAR Pre-Construction Services: December 2024
  4. Early Work Package: January 2025
  5. 60% GMP Design Package: June 2025
  6. 90% GMP Design Package: December 2025
  7. East Plant Construction Start: January 2026
  8. Substantial Completion (East Plant): January 2028
  9. Contract Award: December 2024

For more details, visit: DemandStar – City of Winter Springs Construction RFQ.

Winter Springs City Commission 2024: Fresh Voices vs. Incumbent Frustration

Winter Springs City Commission 2024: Fresh Voices vs. Incumbent Frustration

On September 19th, the Tuscawilla Homeowners Association hosted its annual “Meet the Candidate Night” at the Tuscawilla Country Club. Residents from across Winter Springs gathered to hear from the candidates running for City Commission Seats One, Three, and Five in the upcoming November elections. This year’s event stood out not only for the variety of ideas but for the frustration and defensiveness of some incumbents in the face of growing criticism.

The city of Winter Springs is divided into five districts, but all citizens vote for every commission seat. This event revealed the stark contrast between new voices calling for change and incumbents defending their records. Here’s what we learned.

Paul Diaz (District 1)

Paul Diaz, a seasoned tax accountant, represents a refreshing alternative to the incumbent, emphasizing new leadership and financial transparency. Diaz described a city bogged down by outdated infrastructure, especially stormwater and wastewater systems, and a lack of forward-thinking leadership. He criticized the status quo, stating that Winter Springs has delayed action for too long, and fresh ideas are necessary to move the city forward.

Quote: “We’ve kicked the can down the road long enough. Change is here. It’s up to you to decide if we need that change.”

Matt Benton (District 1, Incumbent)

Incumbent Matt Benton’s defensive and combative tone stood out throughout the evening. Benton, a long-time resident, and business owner, spent much of his time fending off criticism about the city’s financial health and infrastructure issues. He framed himself as someone who has been under attack both personally and politically, accusing his opponent of spreading misinformation. His frustration with the current political climate was palpable, yet he repeatedly claimed that Winter Springs is not financially broke and that the city is on the right track.

Quote: “I’m sorry if this stings, but my opponent looks at the city’s most recent audit and claims we’re broke. Winter Springs is far from being broke”​.

Benton’s frustration appeared to reflect a broader sentiment of incumbents feeling besieged by challengers who believe that the city’s leadership has failed to deliver on key issues like stormwater management, growth control, and infrastructure maintenance.

Sarah Baker (District 3)

Sarah Baker represents a fresh voice, advocating for transparent communication and accountability. She shared a personal story about her family’s experience with sewage overflow, which she framed as a symbol of the city’s deeper infrastructure problems. Baker believes that Winter Springs needs clear, effective leadership and a proactive approach to managing its budget and communicating with residents.

Quote: “I had over 12,000 gallons of raw sewage in my backyard. That made me realize how important it is to address infrastructure head-on”​.

Karen Meyer (District 3)

Karen Meyer has been deeply involved in the community for over five years, regularly attending commission meetings. She offered a practical approach to fixing the city’s problems, emphasizing the need for a professional city manager and solutions for traffic, sewer systems, and flooding. Meyer’s calm demeanor and experience reflect her understanding of the city’s issues, but she also pointed out how the lack of leadership in the city’s management has stalled progress.

Quote: “The City of Winter Springs is confronted with major issues. We need to attack the issues and not attack each other”​.

Brandon Morrissey (District 5)

Brandon Morrissey, a firefighter and EMT, painted a troubling picture of Winter Springs’ infrastructure, particularly its failing storm and wastewater systems. He was critical of the city’s allocation of resources, highlighting the wastefulness of spending on projects like pickleball courts while essential services like stormwater management remain inadequate. Morrissey represents a direct challenge to the current administration’s priorities, calling for safety and infrastructure improvements to take precedence.

Quote: “Our wastewater is failing, our storm infrastructure is failing, and we’re spending money on frivolous projects like pickleball. This is unacceptable”.

Rob Elliot (District 5, Incumbent)

Rob Elliot, the current District 5 Commissioner, focused on defending his record of leading infrastructure improvements, particularly related to potable water and wastewater issues. Elliot noted the city’s AAA bond rating and reassured residents that the city’s finances are stable. While Elliot presented himself as steady and experienced, his defense of the city’s status quo fell flat compared to the urgency voiced by challengers.

Quote: “Our potable water issue has been solved, and the city’s drinking water quality meets all state guidelines”.

Mark Caruso (District 5)

Mark Caruso’s law enforcement background played a central role in his presentation. Caruso described himself as someone who stands up to corruption and won’t be swayed by developers and special interests. His time as a whistleblower in law enforcement, along with his strong stance against political interference, resonates with voters who feel frustrated by the current state of local politics. He framed his candidacy as a fight for transparency and honesty, opposing those who use misinformation to maintain power.

Quote: “I retired as a law enforcement officer after serving the public. I’m here to fight for honesty in our city’s leadership and make sure we’re not influenced by developers and outside interests”​.

Why This Event Matters:

This year’s Meet the Candidate Night revealed significant tension between the incumbents, who are defending their records, and the challengers, who are pushing for urgent changes in how Winter Springs is governed. It’s clear that this election could reshape the future of the city, and every vote counts in deciding whether Winter Springs will maintain its current path or embrace new leadership.

For more information on the upcoming election and to learn about the candidates, visit https://www.voteseminole.gov/current-candidates

More Questions? Contact the City Clerk’s Office at 407-327-5999 or cityclerkdepartment@winterspringsfl.org.

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