Victoria Bruce, Author at Victoria for Winter Springs

Slow Your Roll! Winter Springs Takes the Lead in Traffic Safety

As your Winter Springs City Commissioner, I’d like to draw your attention to an important update regarding traffic management in our community.

Starting Monday, we’ll be implementing a speed limit change on Winter Springs Blvd. The speed limit will be reduced from 30 to 25 miles-per-hour from Tuskawilla Blvd. to the city limits. This decision was approved by the Winter Springs City Commission during our regular meeting on March 13.

This change is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the safety of our residents. The reduction of the speed limit aims to ensure greater consistency in speed limits along the roadway and to mitigate any potential risks associated with high-speed traffic.

This is one of several safety enhancements we have been implementing along Winter Springs Blvd. since May. Our efforts have also included new asphalt, raised intersections, speed tables, and designated bike lanes to improve road safety and accommodate diverse modes of transportation.

Funding for these safety improvements comes from the one-cent local government infrastructure surtax. We’re committed to putting these funds to good use for the benefit of our community.

As your City Commissioner, I value your safety and wellbeing above all. I encourage you to take note of the upcoming changes and join us in our efforts to create a safer, more harmonious community. Please continue to follow the traffic rules and regulations in place. Let’s make Winter Springs a safer place to live, one step at a time.

Seminole County Advances Land Conservation Program: Seminole Forever Takes a Step Forward

Seminole County is making significant progress towards implementing a land conservation program. During a meeting on Tuesday, the Seminole commissioners agreed to proceed with establishing a countywide initiative aimed at acquiring environmentally sensitive natural lands for conservation purposes and passive recreation. This program would safeguard open areas from sprawling developments.

Commissioner Lee Constantine expressed support for the proposed initiative, known as Seminole Forever, emphasizing that if implemented, Seminole County would be the first in the state to undertake such an endeavor. Constantine acknowledged the vital importance of conservation lands to the community and assured citizens that there would be no additional taxes imposed on them to fund this program.

Under Seminole Forever, the county would establish a seven-member advisory committee responsible for recommending lands to be purchased for conservation or passive recreation. The committee would also devise maintenance and operations plans for the acquired lands. Additionally, the program would allow the purchase of lands to protect waterways, wetlands, and potentially accommodate hunting as a form of passive recreation.

Commissioner Jay Zembower suggested that hunting opportunities should be considered, as hunters and fishermen contribute as taxpayers and are known for their conservation efforts. However, the current hunting ban on county-owned lands received support from the other commissioners, indicating their disagreement with overturning the ban.

Zembower also proposed using Seminole Forever funds to purchase land for farming and agriculture, including community gardens. However, Commission Chair Amy Lockhart expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact of farming activities such as pesticide and fertilizer usage.

Paul Owens, the president of 1000 Friends of Florida, a nonprofit advocating for smart growth, urged the commissioners to promptly launch Seminole Forever, emphasizing its significance as a new paradigm for the state. He warned that delaying the program could result in permanent land loss, particularly considering Florida’s rapid population growth.

Owens and others suggested that the county’s annual contribution to Seminole Forever should be increased to 6% of its non-ad-valorem revenue, amounting to approximately $3.5 million based on the current budget. However, a resident named Bill Hyde expressed concerns about the impact on tax revenue when land is removed from the tax rolls, urging the commissioners to carefully consider the implications.

Joe Humphreys, another resident, disagreed with Hyde and emphasized the great opportunity Seminole County has to preserve undeveloped land. He highlighted that urban sprawl does not generate sufficient revenue to cover its costs.

It is worth noting that while eight Florida counties have passed referendums to establish or maintain local land conservation programs through tax increases, Seminole County would be unique in funding its initiative through the general fund instead of relying on a tax hike, according to Commissioner Constantine. He also pointed out that properties near conservation areas tend to experience increased value for homes and businesses.

Commissioner Constantine expressed his excitement about the progress being made and assured the community that the steps being taken would ensure a high quality of life for Seminole County residents, which they rightfully deserve and cherish.

Wastewater Management Challenges and Financial Implications in Winter Springs: A Summary Report

The ongoing maintenance costs of the aging plants underscore the urgency of the reconstruction project. To ensure the responsible allocation of taxpayer funds, we must provide complete transparency regarding the financial aspects of the project. Regular updates on the budget, expenditure breakdowns, and timeline will be made available to the public as they become available to me. It is imperative that residents understand the reasons behind the escalating costs and the projected financial impact throughout the reconstruction process.

This summary report provides a comprehensive overview of the wastewater management challenges faced by Winter Springs during the fiscal years 2022 and 2023. It highlights significant factors such as increases in flow and loading, construction period extension, rising chemical costs, and inflationary impacts. The report presents a breakdown of the financial implications for each fiscal year, including costs due from prior periods and the projected costs for FY 2023.

Winter Springs deserves a modern and efficient wastewater management system. As a city commissioner, I will continue to work tirelessly to address the legacy of deferred maintenance, ensuring that the rebuilding process remains transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our community. Together, we can navigate these challenges, laying the foundation for a sustainable future while providing residents with reliable and environmentally conscious wastewater services.

Audit of Winter Springs, Seminole County Penny Tax: Misallocation to Non-Infrastructure Spending

The Seminole County Clerk’s office reveals that the City of Winter Springs has made significant shifts in its allocation of sales tax revenue, rerouting millions initially intended for infrastructure improvements. The redirected funds, originally earmarked for projects like road repairs, bridge replacements, and waterway fortification, were instead used to finance police and staff vehicle purchases and supplement the water and sewer enterprise fund. These changes were made without alerting Seminole County officials.

Such conduct deviates from the initial wishes of the voters who approved this tax.

Currently, the city has not shown any willingness to replenish the infrastructure tax funds that were mixed into the water and sewer enterprise fund. Furthermore, they do not plan to repay the funds used for operational expenses, which fell outside the “infrastructure” label, including equipment repairs and the procurement of various items such as fire extinguishers and minor tools.

The top priority should be to replenish the infrastructure tax fund and redirect it to its original mission.

These funds were initially allocated to handle projects like bridge repairs and enhancement of city waterways, which, if not properly maintained, have proven to cause substantial damage to residents during severe weather.

If the funds had been properly used as initially planned, the waterways would have been prepared and safeguarded in anticipation of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

Please reference below links outlining the original projects intended for the $19 million allocation. So far, $10 million has been spent, and we are currently waiting on the status of the remaining $9 million, along with details on how these remaining funds will be allocated.

Read request for audit and original projects list

Request for an audit of Seminole County Infrastructure tax funds paid to the city of Winter Springs.pdf from VictoriaColangelo

Read full audit here

https://www.seminoleclerk.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-Audit-Report-with-Management-Responses-052323.pdf

Audit into Winter Springs to look into infrastructure money spent elsewhere

https://www.wftv.com/news/local/audit-into-winter-springs-look-into-infrastructure-money-spent-elsewhere/UGEDYZORRNHDXHJLA5MWEZNNLM/

Fish Winter Springs 2023

What a great event by the City of Winter Springs! Our littlest residents had a fantastic time with the Parks and Recreation team as they learned how to fish safely last month! Our city staff taught the young anglers how to bait a hook, tie a knot, and cast properly. At the end of the morning, each participant left with a free fishing pole, thanks to FWC, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission!!!

This is a pre-registered event and every year it reaches capacity, so if you plan to join us next year, please register early!

Winter Springs City Commission Extends Growth Moratorium

A moratorium on growth enacted by the Winter Springs City Commission in early January has been extended through July 27 while the city implements a new stormwater policy for developers to follow.

The city adopted the original moratorium to temporarily halt new development projects while improvements were made to its stormwater infrastructure following flooding that occurred as a result of Hurricane Ian. The commission voted on March 27 to prolong the moratorium by another 90 days to allow more time for new stormwater standards to take effect.

While at least one apartment developer has backed out of plans for a lower-rent community during the moratorium period, it hasn’t prevented other concepts from coming forward.

Recently, a preliminary plan was presented to bring million-dollar homes to the shore of Lake Jesup.

The latest discussion on the moratorium came after commissioners voted on a game plan for its stormwater systems. The commission directed staff to move toward a policy that aligns with how the Florida Department of Transportation handles its projects.

David Hamstra, stormwater department manager with Pegasus Engineering who brought forward improvement recommendations to the city, said the new direction would result in stormwater ponds accompanying development projects to be built a little larger than what’s currently required by the city.

“This seems to be a good upgrade without getting too far out of the norm,” he told GrowthSpotter. “If engineers (for developers) have been doing this for a while, it will not be a significant increase on their time and effort for those who have done (projects) before through the DOT. As far as the cost to a developer, it’s hard to say. The ponds may get a little larger, maybe by about five percent, but I don’t think they will get much larger than that.”

The DOT follows a model called “Critical Duration Analysis” when it comes to determining the size of stormwater ponds for projects.

FDOT defines it as the following:

“Critical Duration means the duration of a specific storm event that creates the largest volume or highest rate of net stormwater runoff for typical durations up through and including the 10-day duration event. The critical duration is determined by comparing various durations of the specified storm and calculating the peak rate and volume of runoff from each. The duration resulting in the highest peak rate or largest total volume is the “critical duration” storm.”

Hamstra said it requires the developer to evaluate a various number of storm events as opposed to a single one.

“It’s more wide-ranging,” he noted. “They have to make sure the ponds are big enough so they can address large and small storm events of different durations.”

City leaders wanted to find an approach that wouldn’t be too restrictive to developers.

This option is “a proven design approach by the DOT, which has the most facilities in the state,” said interim city manager Philip Hursh. “Without being subjected to lawsuits, you can stand behind the DOT because it’s a proven and sound approach.”

After moving forward on the stormwater plan, the commission then voted unanimously to extend the moratorium that was originally set to expire on April 9.

As part of that extension, the commission stipulated that the moratorium would end upon passage of the new stormwater requirements.

Developers can still bring projects forward for review by staff during the temporary moratorium as long as the applicant agrees to the amended stormwater management and drainage standards adopted by the City Commission.

According to city records, there are 17 development projects currently in some stage of the review process in Winter Springs. One of these projects introduced recently for preliminary review is an upscale 14-lot subdivision on the shores of Lake Jesup. The million-dollar homes would feature a contemporary modern architectural style, according to materials submitted to the city.

Sean Glickman with Colliers International gave a presentation about the concept at the April 10 city commission meeting.

“We believe that a more luxurious style and more contemporary style will be more attractive for the highest payers of taxes that are looking for these types of homes,” he said. “I believe this subdivision will fit very nicely within the area of the town center, but also enhance it dramatically because of the contemporary, European, and luxurious feel.”

He said he believes the homes would sell in the $2 million and $3 million range. City commissioners encouraged the development team to pursue the project.

But at least one developer has abandoned plans amid the moratorium. Third Wave Development wanted to bring one of the company’s Avid-branded apartment communities with 80 units priced below market rate to the city. However, when the company’s CEO Chuck Hollis presented his concept to the commission in January he got little feedback and direction.

“Apartments are a tough one in Winter Springs,” Mayor Kevin McCann told Hollis.

Days later, Hollis informed city staff that he was no longer pursuing the project.

Running 4 Heroes, Inc.

Thank you to Running 4 Heroes Inc.; a 501 (c) 3 that honors the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect their communities.

What started as a young resident running in his community has certainly gone above and beyond all expectations.

Fallen Hero Flag Mission – Every mile that is run for our fallen First Responders, our mission will send the flag that was carried to the family and/or agency of the fallen hero along with a handwritten note.

Injured First Responder Grant Program – Each month, a donation with a minimum of $10,000 will be given to a First Responder Injured in the Line of Duty. As of October 2022, Running 4 Heroes has awarded over $347,000 in these grants.

K9 Grant Program – Each month, a different K9 Officer will be provided with a ballistic vest and/or safety equipment as part of our Running 4 Heroes K9 Program. As of October 2022, we have awarded nearly $25,000 in equipment and monetary donations to these K9 Officers.

Family of the Fallen Beneficiary Fund – When a First Responder is lost in the Line of Duty and leaves behind children 17 years of age or younger, with the agency/family blessing, RFH’s spearheads fundraising campaigns to help financially support the families of these fallen heroes. As of October 2022, Running 4 Heroes has awarded over $258,000 to these families.

Tribute Hall – In October of 2022, Running 4 Heroes officially opened the Tribute Hall in Winter Springs, Florida. This 1,800 square foot Tribute Hall is connected to the main R4H headquarters, and helps RFH continue to honor our fallen heroes. It also provides a place for the families of our fallen to reflect on their heroes, and for future children to be inspired by the mission. From stories of the heroic 9/11 efforts to recently fallen heroes lost in the Line of Duty, this Tribute Hall is a powerful place that will forever honor our fallen heroes and provide anyone visiting Central Florida a place to honor our fallen.

Headquarters/Unofficial P.D. Substation – The Running 4 Heroes Headquarters in Winter Springs, Florida has become an unofficial substation for our local Police Department. To ensure that our local Officers have what they need, RFH stocks the kitchen with various food and beverages, with office space, so that our local First Responders are hydrated, nourished, and healthy.

Travel Mission – Having the opportunity to meet the youth of this mission means so much to our First Responders and our Surviving Families. Your support makes those opportunities possible.

Please consider donating today and helping us show support to our First Responders, their Families, their Communities as well as our K9 Officers and Military.

Donate

The Tuskawilla Self-Storage Controversy: A Tale of Rezoning and Community Dissent

In the city of Winter Springs, a vibrant controversy has unfolded, pitting local community members and city officials against a proposed self-storage facility. At the heart of the dispute is a parcel of land on Tuskawilla Road, eyed by the developer, David Axel, for the construction of the storage facility. The tension lies not only in the use of the land but also in the stark contrast it presents to the surrounding area, chiefly residential and commercial in nature.

A Call to Action: The Community’s Fight Against Rezoning

The city of Winter Springs holds a charm that its residents fiercely protect. The proposed Tuskawilla Self-Storage project has been viewed by many locals as a significant disruption to the city’s character, as it seeks to convert a land parcel zoned for Industrial and Agriculture use to Planned Development. Several residents voiced their concerns, citing potential diminished home values, a disrupted skyline, and increased traffic, among others.

The community has the right to challenge such rezoning, but the legal battle is tough. Some potential challenges include claims of the location being pedestrian-oriented, the possibility of the site being a brownfield, or that the proposed facility is inconsistent with surrounding residential uses. Nevertheless, these claims need to be substantiated with substantial evidence of harm for them to hold water in a court of law.

There is also the consideration of “spot zoning,” where the zoning amendment is invalid because it is not in accordance with a comprehensive or well-considered plan. However, proving spot zoning is not a simple task and heavily relies on the specifics of the case.

Seminole County Approves Despite Objections

Despite these objections, the Seminole commissioners unanimously approved the storage facility’s development plan. The commissioners cited the land’s long-standing zoning for industrial uses, which does allow for self-storage facilities. The point of contention here is that the city of Winter Springs never made substantial efforts to annex the property into their city and change the zoning.

Commissioners also noted that the landowner and the developer have property rights to develop the land within the county’s regulations. While the city and its residents may have their vision for the area, the property owner has the right to use their land within the established rules and regulations.

Lessons for the Future

This case serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between local communities, city governments, and property developers. It’s a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of cities taking proactive steps to secure lands important for their vision and growth. In this instance, the commissioners suggested that Winter Springs should have either tried to annex the land into the city and changed the zoning or worked with the county on a joint planning agreement.

As the city and its residents navigate the aftermath of this controversial decision, it’s clear that the community’s voice has been heard, even if the outcome wasn’t as desired. The unfolding events surrounding the Tuskawilla Self-Storage serves as a testament to the power of community involvement and the importance of understanding and navigating zoning laws. It’s an ongoing narrative that continues to shape the development landscape of Winter Springs.

Stay tuned for more updates on this development and other local community news in Winter Springs.

Winter Springs ACE Hardware Development

Ace Hardware & Commercial Space

Commercial Development – 23,559 sqft Hardware Store & 3 Commercial Spaces

PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA

CITY COMMISSION

MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023 | REGULAR MEETING

Proposed Development: Northeast corner of Tuskawilla Rd. and Michael Blake Blvd., just south of the Mobil Gas Station

The Community Development Department requests that the City Commission hold a Public Hearing to consider the aesthetics for a proposed Ace Hardware with attached commercial space located within the Town Center (T5 Transect).

The project includes a 23,559 sqft hardware store as a permitted use and three vacant tenant spaces of 2,621 sqft, 2,187 sqft, and 2,323 sfqt.

City of Winter Springs Tree Arbor Ordinance

City of Winter Springs Tree Arbor Ordinance

The City of Winter Springs Tree Arbor Ordinance requires that a permit application is submitted to the City and a fee paid for each tree removal of 4” DBH* or larger, unless the tree is dead, diseased, or poses a clear and obvious safety hazard to structures or people.

In addition, the Ordinance requires that all trees which are removed or destroyed and are subject to replacement.

https://www.winterspringsfl.org/cd/page/arbor-replacement-removal

Posts of: Victoria Bruce

Slow Your Roll! Winter Springs Takes the Lead in Traffic Safety

Seminole County Advances Land Conservation Program: Seminole Forever Takes a Step Forward

Wastewater Management Challenges and Financial Implications in Winter Springs: A Summary Report