Charter Review Committee Discussion

At our recent City Commission meeting, we began formal discussions to establish a Charter Review Committee, something that has not taken place in Winter Springs since 2010.

Sixteen years is a long time for any governing document to go without review.

Why I Initially Supported the State Bill

Earlier this session, House Bill 4083 was introduced at the state level. While the bill itself generated strong opinions in our community, I initially supported it because it created urgency around an issue that had gone unaddressed for far too long.

My position was simple:

Winter Springs needed to review its Charter.

Regardless of where someone stood on the proposed changes, the conversation forced action. For over a decade and a half, our Charter had not been formally examined. That is not healthy for any city.

Now That We’re Moving Forward Locally

Representative Rachel Plakon has since stated she will not pursue the bill this session, noting that the City has now committed to launching its own Charter Review Commission.

I support her decision.

The goal was to initiate a review. That goal has now been achieved.

Local governance decisions should be shaped locally, by our residents, not dictated from Tallahassee. Now that Winter Springs is taking responsibility for this process, it is appropriate for the review to happen here at home.

What the Charter Review Committee Will Do

The Commission discussed a framework that includes:

• Seven Members: Each Commissioner will appoint one member, and the Mayor will appoint two members to create an odd-numbered board.
• Independent Facilitation: We are exploring bringing in a neutral facilitator to guide the process professionally and ensure fairness.
• Comprehensive Review: The committee will evaluate our Charter in its entirety, including:
  • Form of government structure
  • Roles and responsibilities of elected officials
  • Whether regular charter review intervals should be mandated
  • Modernization of outdated provisions
• Voter Approval Required: Any proposed amendments must ultimately go before the voters. Residents will always have the final say.

Accountability and Efficiency Matter

My priority has always been accountability and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in how their government is structured.

However, while this process should be thoughtful and inclusive, it should also move forward efficiently. We cannot allow another long stretch of inaction.

Sixteen years was long enough.

This Charter Review Committee is an opportunity to strengthen Winter Springs’ governing document, clarify authority, and ensure we are structured in a way that best serves our residents today and into the future.

I look forward to seeing this process unfold and to ensuring it remains transparent, balanced, and locally driven.

—

Victoria K. Bruce

Winter Springs Commissioner, District 2

Protecting Winter Springs – The Economy & The Environment

As your Commissioner for District 2, I remain committed to transparency and community advocacy. Monday’s October 13, 2025 Commission meeting was among our most passionate and impactful to date. It included approval of a major development project and serious allegations of contractor abuse at a former 7-Eleven site.

Wawa Officially Approved at Winter Springs Marketplace

After years of discussion, public workshops, and site plan revisions, the Commission officially approved the Wawa development at the corner of SR 434 and Tuskawilla Road.

Highlights of the Approved Plan:

• Convenience store and gas canopy layout (as proposed)
• Outdoor seating added at the community’s request
• Color palette matched to Aldi for architectural cohesion
• 7-foot monument sign approved (1 sign only)
• EV charging stations (non-Tesla) added to plaza
• Roberts Family Lane retrofit included for improved traffic flow
• 10 dedicated parking spots for Wawa employees behind Aldi

Public & Commissioner Commentary

Wawa’s project team presented a strong case for economic benefits, job creation, and their long-standing community service across Central Florida. Many residents spoke in favor of the project, even while acknowledging design trade-offs.

Several commissioners debated how the layout impacted pedestrian safety and Town Center code compliance. Despite code concerns, the majority ultimately supported the project after considering community input and developer concessions.

“Let’s make this the best-looking Wawa in the region,” — Mayor McCann

“I support Wawa. I just want it done within our town center code,” — Commissioner Resnick

“This is about responsible growth. We have to balance investment with code integrity.” — Victoria Bruce

Clubhouse Deli at Former 7-Eleven Sparks Legal Concerns

During public input, we heard serious testimony from multiple contractors alleging:

• Unpaid invoices totaling thousands of dollars
• Use of fraudulent checks
• Unlicensed and unsafe gas work
• Unpermitted construction activities
• Buried 500-gallon propane tank without permits

All of this is alleged to have occurred under the leadership of Mr. Robin Neilen, who is developing the Clubhouse Deli at the former 7-Eleven in Tuscawilla on 898 Gary Hillery Dr, Winter Springs, FL 32708

Public Testimony Highlights:

“I did emergency welding work for his deli. No pay. No communication. I have kids to feed.” — Jeff Cudi, Metal Mayhem Welding

“I filed criminal charges after receiving a fraudulent check.” — Gladys Sherpa, Valor Air Group LLC

“He’s lying. The tank was buried illegally. I told the city inspectors immediately.” — James Miller, licensed contractor and project GC

Mr. Neilen Responds

Mr. Neilen took the podium in his defense:

“I’m being attacked unfairly. I’ve paid through money orders. I was hospitalized. The city took five months to approve my permit.”

He blamed vendors and city delays, while denying responsibility for the site’s violations or unpaid labor.

City’s Immediate Actions

• Code enforcement is now fully engaged on the site
• Police Chief was present and briefed directly
• Commissioners voiced concern and support for small business contractors
• The property owner also came forward and apologized to the city

“The project is a mess. I’ve received violations I can’t control. I’m embarrassed. I want to fix this.”

— Property Owner (Public Comment)

Commissioner Victoria Bruce’s Position

On Wawa:

I support responsible business development that creates value and jobs for Winter Springs. The Wawa team showed consistent community engagement and responded to our concerns, even if the layout wasn’t perfect. The result is an enhanced project that I believe will benefit our city and residents.

On Clubhouse Deli:

The testimony we heard about unpaid contractors and alleged criminal activity is deeply troubling. Winter Springs must protect its residents — including tradespeople, small businesses, and property owners. I stand with the workers who bravely shared their stories, and I expect accountability moving forward.

What’s Next?

• Wawa construction is expected to begin in early 2026.
• EV charging stations, outdoor seating, and aesthetic elements will be finalized in permitting.
• The Clubhouse Deli site remains under investigation by city staff and code enforcement.
• The Commission will likely review our permit oversight and enforcement processes for commercial tenants.

Watch the Full Meeting:

Thank you for staying informed and for continuing to advocate for a Winter Springs we can all be proud of. If you ever have questions, please reach out — I work for you.

Together in service,

Victoria K. Bruce

Commissioner, District 2

VictoriaForWinterSprings.com

Standing Up for Fiscal Responsibility in Winter Springs

On Monday, September 22, our City Commission held the final vote on the 2025–2026 budget. What is normally a routine process turned into a long night of questions, debate, and some frustration. I want to explain why I raised concerns at this stage, what those concerns were, and why I believe asking tough questions — even late in the process — is part of my responsibility to you, the residents of Winter Springs.

The Budget Process: Two Votes, One Final Decision

By Florida law, every city must hold two public hearings before adopting its budget. The first is a tentative approval. The second — the one we had Monday — is the final vote. While most of the line items are usually debated earlier, the fact that there are two required readings shows that the process is designed for transparency and accountability.

I believed it was important to use that opportunity to make sure we were not simply rubber-stamping everything in the budget without one last look.

Areas of Financial Spending Concern

During the meeting, I laid out a full list of budget items that I believe deserved closer scrutiny:

545270 R&M Grounds:

• $25,089 (2022–23)
• $153,865 (2023–24)
• $457,600 (2024–25)
• $850,000 (2025–26)

Governmental Funds (Special Revenue) – Arbor #140:

• $142,749 (2022–23)
• $370,575 (2023–24)
• $825,886 (2024–25)
• $923,286 (2025–26)

Development Services Plans & Inspections #420:

• Building Services Inspections Vehicle — $35,000
• Counter Remodel — $125,000
• Lobby Kiosk — $200,000

Park Impact Fee Fund #153:

1. Trotwood Lacrosse Wall — $100,000

Community Development:

• Two 60” Mowers — $28,000
• F250 4×4 (rebudget) — $70,000

Parks & Recreation:

• Admin Car Replacement — $35,000
• Two Gators (four-wheelers) — $30,000
• F150 (rebudget) — $50,000

Facilities Maintenance:

• F150 — $50,000

Other Capital:

• Dump Truck — $90,000

These items alone represent hundreds of thousands of dollars in discretionary spending. When combined with the steep rise in Arbor Fund and R&M Grounds spending, they signal a trend toward wants rather than needs at a time when residents are paying more everywhere else.

A Closer Look: Tuskawilla Crossings Tree Replacement

Another major concern I raised was the cost of replacing trees in the Tuskawilla Crossings community. When this project was first discussed, the estimate was around $100,000. Now, the budget includes $500,000 spread over two years — $250,000 in 2026 and another $250,000 in 2027.

I understand the reasoning: the Live Oak trees planted in that community have aggressive root systems that will eventually damage sidewalks, roads, and utilities. Replacing them now with smaller, more suitable trees is a way to avoid higher costs later.

But here’s the issue: residents were not clearly told the price tag would grow fivefold. When a project more than quadruples in cost, it deserves a fresh, transparent discussion before it’s tucked into a budget line item. That’s why I pushed for more detail and accountability at the final vote.

Why Timing Still Matters

Some of my colleagues argued that these concerns should have been raised earlier, during budget workshops. And yes, ideally, questions like mine are raised and resolved before the final hearing. But the second vote is still a binding, legal decision. Once we pass it, those dollars are committed. If I believe there are items that don’t serve residents or don’t rise to the level of “need,” I cannot in good conscience stay silent just because it’s late in the process.

Fiscal Stewardship in Tough Times

Winter Springs residents are already dealing with higher costs from many directions — rising property tax bills (even though the millage rate stayed flat), county-level increases, and higher utility rates. Families are budgeting carefully, cutting back on wants and focusing on needs. I believe our city should do the same.

It’s not about being against parks, facilities, or equipment. It’s about prioritizing maintenance of what we have over building new features, and making sure every tax dollar is spent wisely before asking residents to shoulder more.

Looking Forward

I’m committed to working with staff and my fellow commissioners to revisit specific items through amendments, as the law allows. But I also want residents to know this: when you see me raise questions, it’s because I believe someone must speak up for financial discipline and accountability, even when it’s uncomfortable.

I don’t take that role lightly. I was elected to represent you, not to make the process easier for City Hall. And I will continue to ask hard questions to make sure Winter Springs stays fiscally responsible and focused on serving its residents first.

Watch the Meeting: