Commissioner Victoria Bruce answers a common resident question: Why is there so much development in Winter Springs — and what can the City actually control?
SJRWMD 2025–2026 Water Conservation Rebate Program: What Winter Springs Needs to Know
Save Water and Money: New SJRWMD Rebate Program Opens for 2025–2026
The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) is once again offering rebates of up to $10,000 for water-saving improvements, and Winter Springs homeowners’ associations, multifamily property owners, and small utilities are encouraged to apply.
This rebate program is designed to help non-agricultural properties cut back on water use through smart upgrades to indoor and outdoor systems.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible participants include:
- Local governments
- Small utilities
- Homeowner and property owner associations (HOAs & POAs)
- Private and publicly owned multi-family properties
These projects are designed to restore each pond’s depth, ecological health, and functionality as part of the City’s broader stormwater management strategy.
What’s Covered?
Rebates are available for a variety of indoor and outdoor water conservation improvements, including:
- Florida Water Star℠ certification for new homes
- EPA WaterSense® smart irrigation controllers
- Irrigation system upgrades (switching to high-efficiency or micro-irrigation)
- Irrigation evaluations and timer modifications
- Soil amendments for new landscaping
- Retrofits for toilets, sinks, and showers
- H2OSAV data subscriptions for advanced water tracking
Rebates are awarded first-come, first-served until the program’s $50,000 fund is depleted.
Join the Info Webinar
To learn more and ask questions directly, join the SJRWMD Water Conservation Team for a one-hour online information session:
📅 Thursday, November 6, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
💻 RSVP here: Register for the Webinar
🔗 Learn more: SJRWMD Water Conservation Rebate Program
Registration Deadline: November 4, 2025
Why This Matters for Winter Springs
As Central Florida continues to grow, water conservation is more important than ever. Using less water helps reduce strain on our utility systems and saves money for local families and property owners.
If you’re part of an HOA or manage a multi-family property, this is a great opportunity to make smart, cost-effective upgrades that benefit your residents and the community.
Winter Springs deserves sustainable solutions that work, and this program is one more tool to help us get there.
—
Victoria K. Bruce
City Commissioner, District 2
Winter Springs, Florida
Proposed Winter Springs Charter Amendment: A Community Update
On October 23, 2025, during the Seminole County Legislative Delegation meeting, a local bill was introduced that could bring changes to the Winter Springs City Charter. As your City Commissioner, I want to ensure that residents have a clear, factual understanding of what was discussed, what the proposed bill entails, and what the process looks like moving forward.
Summary of the Proposed Charter Amendment
The bill proposes the following changes to the governance structure of Winter Springs:
- The mayor would become a full voting member of the City Commission.
- The mayor’s current veto power would be eliminated.
- The overall size of the commission would remain at five members — however, one current commission seat would be eliminated so that the mayor becomes the fifth voting member.
- These changes would not go into effect unless approved by Winter Springs voters in the November 2026 General Election.
The intent behind the bill, as presented, is to modernize the city’s structure and align it more closely with other municipalities in the region. Several members of the legislative delegation emphasized that this is not a directive from the state, but rather an opportunity to place the question on the ballot for residents to decide.
Community Reactions
During the meeting, members of the public and city leadership expressed a range of views:
- Some speakers supported the proposal, citing the potential for increased transparency and accountability.
- Others raised concerns about state involvement in local governance and stressed that charter changes should originate from a citizen-led or commission-initiated charter review process.
- Members of the delegation voted 4-1 to advance it to the legislative process with the understanding that Winter Springs voters will have the final say.
Where I Stand
I am committed to transparency, accessibility, and responsible governance. My role is to ensure you are informed about the decisions that affect our city and to advocate for open, respectful public discourse.
At this time, I am not taking a position on the proposed charter amendment itself. I believe this is a decision that should be made by the people of Winter Springs.
I trust our community to engage thoughtfully and decide what form of government best serves our shared goals and values.
Next Steps
- The bill will now move forward through the Florida House of Representatives.
- In parallel, the Winter Springs City Commission is expected to discuss the formation of a Charter Review Committee to evaluate the city’s governing structure and invite additional public input.
- If the legislative process continues as proposed, the charter amendment will appear on the November 2026 ballot for a citywide vote.
Stay Engaged
I encourage all residents to:
- Watch the discussion from the delegation meeting (linked below).
- Attend upcoming City Commission meetings to stay informed.
- Reach out with questions or feedback.
Watch the Legislative Delegation Meeting (42:30–1:03:56):
View The Bill:
As always, I remain available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for being active and informed residents of Winter Springs.
—
Victoria Bruce
Winter Springs City Commissioner
District 2
Where Your Property Taxes Go & Why It Matters for Winter Springs
Where Your Property Taxes Go — And Why It Matters for Winter Springs’ Future
As your City Commissioner, I believe in transparency and accountability — especially when it comes to your tax dollars. That’s why I’m breaking down how Winter Springs property taxes are allocated and why it matters for our city’s future. With more families and neighbors asking, “Where is all this money going?” and “Why are services stretched thin?” — I wanted to take a moment to share what the numbers actually show.
First: Where Do Your Property Taxes Actually Go?
Many residents are surprised to learn that only a small portion of your property tax bill stays in Winter Springs.
For every $1 you pay in property taxes:
- 48.61¢ goes to Seminole County
- 33.59¢ goes to the School Board
- Only 16.67¢ stays with Winter Springs
- 1.14¢ goes to Special Districts
That means our city only keeps about 17 cents per dollar to provide essential services like police, parks, wastewater infrastructure, and drinking water improvements.
With so much of your tax dollar going elsewhere, every decision we make locally has to be fiscally responsible and strategically prioritized.
Public Safety Costs Are Rising
In 2023, Winter Springs collected $7.39 million in property tax revenue — yet we spent $8.76 million on law enforcement alone.
This gap doesn’t even include costs for fire protection, infrastructure, or community programs.
Public safety is a top priority. But we must face the reality: the cost to provide services is outpacing our current revenue.
The Impact of Tax Caps and Homestead Protections
Many homeowners benefit from Save Our Homes and other exemptions — and I fully support these protections.
However, they also limit how much taxable value can increase each year, even as home values climb. This means the city’s revenue doesn’t grow as fast as the market, which puts pressure on our ability to fund long-term needs.
A Word on Development — And Why the Conversation Matters
Over the past year, many residents have voiced concern about new development — and rightfully so. Growth should never happen at the expense of our environment, infrastructure, or quality of life.
But here’s what the data shows:
- Winter Springs is spending more than it collects in property taxes.
- Public safety and infrastructure needs are growing.
- Our city receives only 16.67% of every property tax dollar.
- Local business tax revenue is just 1.28% of unrestricted revenues.
What does this mean? We need to plan wisely. This isn’t about pushing for more development — it’s about making sure we have the resources to maintain and improve the services our residents expect.
I believe in smart growth, not sprawl. Growth that fits the character of Winter Springs — and ensures that those who move here contribute to the cost of the services they will use.
Our city deserves thoughtful planning — and that means understanding the numbers, setting clear expectations, and being proactive, not reactive.
Let’s Keep Winter Springs Financially Sound
71% of cities across Florida are keeping millage rates flat or lower than 2020. Many are making difficult decisions — and we must do the same.
As your Commissioner, I’m committed to:
- Protecting your tax dollars
- Prioritizing public safety and clean water
- Making smart decisions that protect Winter Springs now — and for future generations
Want to Dive Into the Full Report?
For those who want to see the full picture, we’ve embedded the complete Property Tax Data Packet below.
Flip through the full report embedded below.
Winter Springs is a beautiful community — and it’s my honor to serve you. My focus is to protect what makes this city special, while also ensuring we have the resources to support our families, our safety, and our future.
Let’s keep the conversation going. If you have thoughts, questions, or concerns, please reach out. I’m always here to listen and work with you.
Central Winds Pickleball: End of Year Program Schedule
Central Winds Pickleballers, the end-of-year schedule is officially here! Now that our successful Summer League has wrapped up, we’re ready to share the exciting lineup of activities and programs for August through the end of 2025.
As we transition into fall, we’re focusing on providing options for all skill levels, including private lessons, group clinics, and our popular round-robin events. It’s a perfect time to sharpen your skills or simply enjoy friendly competition with neighbors and friends in the community.
What’s Coming Up?
Here’s what you can look forward to at Central Winds Pickleball:
- Private Lessons: Tailored instruction to help you improve your technique, strategy, and overall game performance.
- Group Clinics: Perfect opportunities to learn alongside others, refine your skills, and socialize with fellow pickleball enthusiasts.
- Round-Robins: Join in these informal yet competitive matches to challenge yourself and connect with other players.
Fall Leagues: Register by September 10th!
We’re gearing up for an exciting Fall League season! Whether you’re registering as a solo player, have a partial team, or have gathered a full team, we’d love to see you on the courts. Be sure to submit your inquiry form by September 10th to secure your spot.
Court Reservations
As a friendly reminder, Courts #9 – 14 will be reserved for scheduled programs during designated hours. These courts will reopen for public reservations outside of programmed activities, ensuring that everyone in our community has fair access to our fantastic pickleball facilities.
Stay Up to Date
For the full program calendar, complete details on registration, and the latest updates, please visit: CentralWindsPickleball.com
We look forward to seeing you on the courts!
Warm regards,
Victoria K. Bruce
City Commissioner, District 2
Winter Springs
Joining the SCPS Community Ambassador Program: Supporting Education in Seminole County
WINTER SPRINGS, FL – July 2025
I’m honored to share that I’ve been selected for the Seminole County Public Schools (SCPS) Community Ambassador Program, an exciting initiative designed to build stronger connections between our schools and local communities.
As a daughter of two educators in public education, I look forward to the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the priorities, challenges, and successes within Seminole County Public Schools; as well as contribute my opinions of enhancing the public school system program.
My father dedicated his career to community education and even authored several books on the subject, while my mother was also an educator who inspired me with her dedication to helping students earn a high school equivalency diploma. Their example instilled in me a deep respect for the role education plays in shaping individuals and strengthening communities.
Being selected as an SCPS Ambassador would allow me to continue that legacy of service by learning firsthand about the initiatives shaping our schools. I’m especially excited about building relationships that foster collaboration between the district and the wider community. By gaining a deeper understanding of SCPS programs and needs, I can help share accurate information, strengthen community trust, and advocate effectively for students, families, and educators.
Ultimately, I look forward to using this experience to serve as a bridge between the schools and the community—supporting SCPS in its mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students.
About the SCPS Community Ambassador Program
The SCPS Community Ambassador Program offers a comprehensive look at Seminole County Public Schools through monthly sessions covering critical topics, including:
- Business Operations
- Student Support Services
- School Safety and Security
- ePathways – Career and Technical Education
- Transportation, and much more.
Each month, participants like myself will visit a different SCPS facility, tour classrooms, meet teachers, staff, and administrators, and gain a deep understanding of how decisions are made, resources are allocated, and innovations are developed within our school system.
Why This Matters to Winter Springs
Winter Springs thrives when our schools excel. As your commissioner, being involved in SCPS means I can better advocate for policies, resources, and partnerships that directly benefit our local schools and families.
Understanding the intricate operations, challenges, and future plans of our school district empowers me to make informed decisions, support educational priorities, and bring your voice to the table more effectively.
What I Hope to Achieve
I’m committed to sharing what I learn throughout this program with our community. My goal is to build stronger relationships between the city, our schools, and our residents, ultimately ensuring Winter Springs continues to be a place where education is prioritized, students excel, and families thrive.
I’ll also seek opportunities for collaboration between the City of Winter Springs and SCPS—working together to tackle common issues like safety, infrastructure, and youth engagement.
I invite you to follow along as I share updates from the program and highlight ways we can collectively support and enhance education in our community.
Together, let’s ensure Winter Springs remains an outstanding place for families and a model for educational excellence across Seminole County!
Contact:
Victoria K. Bruce
City Commissioner, District 2
Winter Springs, Florida
Winter Springs 2026 Proposed Budget Explained
What’s In the 2026 City Budget? The Good, the Bad & the Urgent
As your Commissioner, I believe every resident deserves to know how your tax dollars are being used and what kind of future we’re preparing for. The Winter Springs 2026 Proposed Budget offers a clear view into our city’s priorities, and it’s important that we break it down together. Here’s what you need to know.
The Good: Smart Investments with No Tax Increase
Let’s start with what’s working.
The proposed $79.8 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026 holds the line on the millage rate, keeping it steady at 2.6200. That means no local property tax increase, even as we continue investing in critical services and infrastructure.
Some key wins:
- $25.9 million allocated to capital improvements, including:
- Road resurfacing
- Stormwater system repairs
- Police department equipment upgrades
- Park enhancements
- A 15% decrease in crime during 2024, reflecting our ongoing commitment to public safety
- Upgrades to our aging water and wastewater systems, with early-stage planning for new treatment facilities
- Better compensation to retain our talented city employees and reduce turnover costs
These are forward-thinking choices that help protect quality of life today while planning for the city we want tomorrow.
The Bad: Growing Costs, Shrinking Buffers
At the same time, we’re facing some concerning trends.
- The General Fund balance is projected to fall by 14%, and the Enterprise Fund (utilities) by 19%—which limits our emergency flexibility.
- State shared revenues dropped nearly 10%, even as our service demands grow.
- Solid waste costs continue to rise, now at $30.17 per month for households—driven by factors outside our control, but still burdensome for many families.
These aren’t red flags yet, but they’re definitely flashing yellow.
The Ugly: Deferred Fixes That Can’t Wait
Some items in the budget signal urgency, not just concern.
- Stormwater infrastructure remains vastly underfunded. Even with this budget’s investments, we need millions more to resolve long-standing issues.
- Several assessment districts, like Tuscawilla and Oak Forest, are at their funding limits, yet still don’t meet the needs. New rate studies are in progress, but we’re overdue for solutions.
- The budget relies on $1.3 million in one-time General Fund allocations to balance the books, an unsustainable approach in future years.
From My Heart to Yours
“This year’s budget reflects our city’s commitment to responsible growth, environmental stewardship, and fiscal accountability. While we’ve made major strides in infrastructure and safety, we’re also facing real challenges—like shrinking fund balances and rising service costs. That’s why I’m fighting for smarter planning, fairer funding, and transparent solutions that work for all of Winter Springs.”
I’m committed to protecting both our economy and our environment. That means being honest about where we’re headed and making sure residents have a seat at the table as we make important decisions.
If you have questions about the budget or want to weigh in, I encourage you to contact me directly or speak during public comment at our upcoming Commission meetings.
We are in this together—and together, we can build a stronger, smarter Winter Springs.
With appreciation,
Victoria K. Bruce
Winter Springs Commissioner – District 2
“Your purpose will only be found in service to others…”
Central Winds Dog Park to Undergo Summer Maintenance for Safety and Sustainability
If your summer plans include quality time with your pup at Central Winds Dog Park, please note that the park will be temporarily closed from June 30 through July 31, 2025, for scheduled maintenance and upgrades.
I want to share what’s happening behind the scenes to improve the dog park, and why this brief closure is important for the long-term safety, beauty, and enjoyment of the space.
What’s Included in This Year’s Maintenance
Thanks to coordination with our City staff, this year’s improvements will include:
- Resodding heavily worn turf areas to restore healthy grass
- Grass seeding throughout the park for better ground cover and erosion control
- Pressure washing of surfaces to ensure cleanliness and safety
- Tree trimming to reduce hazards and improve shade
- Fence repairs where needed for safety and enclosure
- Water feature and fountain maintenance to keep hydration stations functioning
These updates are part of an annual effort to ensure that the Central Winds Dog Park remains one of the most enjoyable, well-maintained dog parks in the area.
Why It Matters
While we all love seeing the dog park full of tail wags and happy romps, high usage during the spring and early summer takes a toll on the grounds. By closing the park briefly during the peak heat of July, we give the grass and infrastructure a chance to recover and reset. This helps prevent bigger repair needs down the line and ensures the safety of all two-legged and four-legged visitors.
As a dog lover myself, I know how much this space means to residents across Winter Springs. That’s why I fully support this proactive approach to maintenance. It’s part of our larger commitment to clean, functional, and accessible parks throughout the city.
Looking Ahead
The park is scheduled to reopen on August 1, assuming weather conditions allow the maintenance work to stay on track. I’ll continue to keep you updated on any changes to the schedule.
In the meantime, thank you for your patience and understanding as we take these important steps to care for a place we all value. If you have questions or suggestions related to the dog park—or any of our community spaces—feel free to reach out.
Victoria K. Bruce
Commissioner, District 2
Winter Springs, Florida
Shining a Light on the Future of Tuscawilla
By Commissioner Victoria Bruce, Winter Springs District 2
At our recent Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District Advisory Committee meeting, the conversation focused on more than medians, fountains, and mulch. It centered around the pressing need to address an aging infrastructure, decades of deferred updates, and how we ensure our district reflects the pride we all have in calling Tuscawilla home.
It’s Time to Catch Up
During the meeting, Mayor Kevin McCann briefly addressed the committee to acknowledge the financial challenges facing the district. While his remarks acknowledged the importance of the board’s role, it’s clear that the circumstances we’re in today stem in part from years of inaction and postponed improvements. As it stands, this board is being asked to make up for lost time while still respecting the financial limitations of our residents.
The truth is, the current budget is stretched thin. The assessment cap has not increased since 2007, despite inflation and rising maintenance costs. We’re now looking at a fund balance of just $14,000, which leaves little room for emergencies or meaningful progress.
What We’re Facing Today
Our community is experiencing visible signs of neglect:
- Lights are out at key entry monuments and throughout the neighborhood
- Streetlight poles are mismatched or missing tops
- Landscaping is declining, and irrigation has been unreliable
- The North Fountain remains non-operational, despite past efforts
When maintenance becomes patchwork and not proactive, the community suffers. Residents have stepped in to hand-water plants during dry seasons, and lighting has gone dark during the holidays. These are not small inconveniences. They’re signs of a system long overdue for attention.
Proposals on the Table
A clear-eyed view of the budget and district priorities has brought forward a list of proposed projects:
- Re-landscaping 23 medians in phases, prioritizing the most deteriorated
- Updating irrigation systems and addressing long-overlooked fertilization needs
- Repainting and repairing 123 streetlight and signage poles
- Replacing equipment at both fountains and restoring them to full functionality
- Exploring an extension of community walls to improve uniformity and privacy along major roads
Additionally, we are reviewing lighting infrastructure to ensure all entry monuments and signs are properly illuminated moving forward.
These needs are not new. What’s new is a sense of urgency to finally do something about them.
Funding the Future
City staff are working with consultants to complete a rate study. This study will evaluate what a responsible adjustment to the current $128 annual assessment could look like. The purpose is not to overburden homeowners. It’s to bring the district up to a standard residents have always expected and deserve. These changes will be guided by resident input and handled with full transparency.
Where We Go from Here
We’re planning:
- A special meeting to review rate study findings
- A public hearing this summer for community feedback
- A commitment to only proceed with what is reasonable and beneficial
Our Community, Our Choice
I have always stood for transparent, fiscally responsible government. This process is about putting Tuscawilla residents first, not just keeping up appearances. If we want a community that reflects our pride and care, we must make informed decisions now and ensure this board isn’t left with the same difficult choices five or ten years from now.
We have work to do, but I believe in our ability to do it together—with clarity, fairness, and focus on what really matters.
Email: victoria@victoriaforwintersprings.com
Website: www.victoriaforwintersprings.com
Central Winds Upper Athletic Field Lights Repaired with Cost-Effective Solution
Smart Fix for Central Winds Field Lighting Saves Money and Restores Peace
We’re pleased to share a great update for our residents and athletes who frequent Central Winds Park’s upper baseball and softball fields. After receiving concerns from the community about a persistent buzzing noise from the lighting system, the City of Winter Springs took swift action and delivered a smart, cost-effective solution.
Rather than moving forward with a full lighting system replacement, which would have come with a hefty price tag, the city team identified a more efficient path: repairing the ballasts within the existing system.
The buzzing issue has now been resolved, and the field lights are fully operational at just a fraction of the cost originally proposed.
This approach not only addressed the nuisance impacting field use and enjoyment, but it also demonstrated a thoughtful commitment to fiscal responsibility. By making a targeted repair instead of replacing the entire system, the city avoided unnecessary spending while still meeting the needs of the community.
I want to thank our Parks & Public Works teams for listening to feedback and taking prompt action. This is a great example of how responsive government and smart planning can lead to better outcomes for everyone.
If you have additional concerns or ideas about park improvements or recreational needs in Winter Springs, I’d love to hear from you. We’re building a better community together, one thoughtful decision at a time.
Email: victoria@victoriaforwintersprings.com
Website: www.victoriaforwintersprings.com
