Commissioner Victoria Bruce seeks community input on potential redevelopment options for the former Winter Springs Golf Course, following Pulte Homes’ withdrawal from their proposed project.
Explore the intricate history of Parkstone’s artesian well and its significant impact on Winter Springs. Dive into our latest blog for comprehensive insights and the pursuit of a resolution.
Discover how the Florida Institute for Political Leadership can prepare you for public service with their non-partisan campaign training. Learn about local office elections and community involvement opportunities for 2024.
Discover how the Florida Institute for Political Leadership can prepare you for public service with their non-partisan campaign training. Learn about local office elections and community involvement opportunities for 2024.
Explore the vibrant heart of our community with Winter Springs events! This page is your go-to guide for all the exciting, family-friendly activities and gatherings our city offers throughout the year.
I’m thrilled to share that Winter Springs’ 2024 Events and Programs Calendar, recently approved by the City Commission, promises a year brimming with memorable experiences. Our lineup includes a variety of family-friendly events, reflecting our city’s commitment to fostering community spirit for all ages.
For those eager to contribute, we offer diverse sponsorship and vending opportunities, allowing you to play a key role in enriching these events. For any inquiries about the 2024 events or participation options, please reach out to our Recreation and Events Manager, Hannah, at hkirsch@winterspringsfl.org.
As we stand at a pivotal crossroads in Winter Springs’ journey, I am compelled to share my thoughts on the ongoing state investigation initiated by the Governor’s Chief Inspector General. This inquiry, while significant, is a critical step towards fortifying the pillars of transparency and accountability in our beloved city.
The Essence of Clean Governance
Senator Jason Brodeur’s advocacy for state oversight, particularly concerning our aging wastewater infrastructure, resonates with the core values I hold dear. Ensuring that our water systems are safe and effective is fundamental, and this investigation is a testament to our commitment to addressing these vital issues.
A Reflective Look at Our Audits
The revelations from the initial audit and the subsequent state investigation earlier this year have brought several aspects of our city’s management into the spotlight. These findings are not just numbers and reports; they are a reflection of our city’s operational health. They demand our full attention and swift action.
Embracing Transparency in Leadership
As your City Commissioner, I embrace this investigation wholeheartedly. True leadership shines in times of scrutiny, and this is our moment to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to doing what is right for Winter Springs. It’s about rebuilding trust and ensuring that our actions align with the best interests of our community.
Our Forward Path
This state investigation is an opportunity – an opportunity to scrutinize, rectify, and improve. It’s a chance for us to emerge stronger, with enhanced practices that exemplify excellent governance. We will fully cooperate with the investigators and are committed to implementing any recommended improvements.
A Call to Engage
Now, more than ever, your engagement is crucial. I urge you, the residents of Winter Springs, to stay informed, voice your concerns, and participate actively in our city’s governance. Your involvement is key to ensuring that our city not only addresses current challenges but also thrives in the future.
Let us tread this path of transparency and accountability together, with the aim of nurturing a Winter Springs that we can all be proud of.
Here’s to a brighter, more accountable future for our city.
Warmly,
Victoria Colangelo City Commissioner, Winter Springs
As we delve into Florida’s legislative actions impacting local governments, it’s crucial to stay informed. I’m Commissioner Victoria, here to guide you through some key bills and initiatives in the 2024 legislative session.
1. Residential Building Permit (HB 267): Awaiting its first committee hearing, this bill is set to ignite discussions on building permits and local governance.
2. Vacation Rental Bill (SB 280): With its first committee hearing scheduled, this bill is critical, especially as it currently lacks a House companion.
Committee Highlights:
Flood Risk Management: Emphasizing the need for state support in local governments’ flood management.
PFAS Discussion: Highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental and health impacts of PFAS, with a focus on municipal wastewater treatment upgrades.
Environmental Protection Initiatives: The Senate Committee’s discussions on land conservation and water quality improvement mark significant steps towards environmental resilience.
Funding for Environmental Projects:
A substantial budget is allocated for Everglades restoration, water quality improvements, combating harmful algal blooms, and more.
Legislation Overview:
HB 609: Proposes repealing local business tax receipts.
HB 479: Offers revisions to impact fees and mobility funding.
HB 777: Focuses on equitable charges for municipal water and wastewater services.
Understanding these developments is vital for our community. Your involvement and awareness are key as we navigate these changes together.
Commissioner Victoria Colangelo shares exciting news about Winter Springs’ commitment to modernizing our city’s infrastructure. The City Commission’s approval on December 11, 2023, for the design and construction services of the East & West Wastewater Treatment Facilities marks a significant step forward. This project, more than just a design scope, includes detailed development, permitting assistance, and community outreach. It’s a proactive approach to ensuring reliable and efficient wastewater treatment, aligning with our city’s growth and regulatory compliance needs. This initiative underscores our dedication to building a resilient and sustainable future for Winter Springs.
Doc drops out of the City Manager Hiring Process, despite being ranked #1 out of 5 candidates. He said he was insulted with the way 2 of the 5 commissioners approached the recruitment process. Therefore, he drops out with an email to the Mayor and Blind Carbon Copies 3 of the 5 commissioners.
Per Wikipedia; “In some cases, the use of blind carbon copy may be viewed as mildly unethical. The original addressee of the mail (To: address) is left under the impression that communication is proceeding between the known parties, and is knowingly kept unaware of others participating in the primary communication.”
Only a FOIA request would uncover this fishy behavior, showing that the email was sent via BCC.
Hello, Winter Springs residents. I’m Commissioner Victoria, and I want to share my perspective on the ongoing city manager search in our beloved community. It’s essential to shed light on my concerns and reservations about this process because, ultimately, our city deserves nothing but the best leadership.
LinkedIn Posting Puzzlement
Let’s start with the LinkedIn posting. I was puzzled by the fact that the city manager position was not listed on our official City of Winter Springs LinkedIn page but on a duplicate. It might seem like a small detail, but it raised questions about the professionalism and accuracy of the recruitment process. Why was such a crucial posting not on the correct platform?
The Top Five Candidates
As the search progressed, my concerns grew. Korn Ferry presented us with what they considered the top five candidates. However, I, along with many others, failed to see what set them apart. Three of these candidates had no prior experience as city managers, while the other two had only five years of experience in that role. This misalignment with our city’s expectations left me deeply concerned about the qualifications of these selected few.
Our Expectations
Winter Springs had specific criteria in mind for our new city manager. We needed a candidate with experience in city management, finance, and utilities—a well-rounded skill set crucial for effective leadership. Unfortunately, the selected candidates did not seem to meet these expectations.
Fears Confirmed
Throughout this city manager search process, I voiced my doubts and concerns. I even expressed reservations about Korn Ferry’s recruitment methods. I feared that the process might have been compromised from the start, especially considering that the decision to hire Korn Ferry was made without consulting the Seminole County recruiter.
As I saw only five applicants make it to the final stage, my apprehensions grew stronger. I began to worry that the former assistant manager, who had initiated the Korn Ferry partnership, might not have the city’s best interests at heart.
The Call for Transparency
In the midst of this controversy, I called for greater transparency. I requested the names and locations of all 200 applicants because I believed that the candidate pool was not up to par. My concerns weren’t just for myself but for the entire community that deserves nothing but the best leadership possible.
I want to assure you, Winter Springs residents, that my perspective comes from a place of dedication to our city. I am committed to upholding high standards for our leadership because our community deserves nothing less. As this controversy unfolds, I hope that we can collectively work towards a transparent and effective city manager selection process that will serve the best interests of Winter Springs and its residents.
As a dedicated public servant deeply committed to the wellbeing of our community and the integrity of our infrastructures, the recent failure at the Tuskawilla Crossings pond has raised significant concerns and numerous questions. A catastrophe of this nature, resulting in a 30-foot hole and the malfunctioning of a relatively new retention pond, necessitates thorough investigation and transparent communication.
First and foremost, it is imperative that we scrutinize and assess the root causes of this failure. This incident could be the consequence of various factors such as potential design shortcomings, construction defects, or maintenance lapses. The decision to allocate approximately $180,000 to Pegasus Engineering for a comprehensive evaluation of the damages and to discern the essential repairs is a necessary step. We anticipate insightful findings that will clarify the intricacies of the berm’s failure and provide guidance on avoiding similar future incidents.
However, the potential cost of the reparations, which could escalate to $1-1.5 million, underscores the gravity of this issue and prompts contemplation on fiscal responsibilities and allocations. Our community deserves clarity on this significant expenditure, ensuring that our resources are judiciously utilized for maximal community benefit. We must prudently consider the renewal of the penny sales tax for infrastructure in 2024, understanding its crucial role in funding essential projects and addressing unforeseen challenges like this one.
A holistic, objective, and transparent evaluation is paramount. It is crucial to ascertain whether this unfortunate incident was a result of an unforeseeable act of nature or if it stemmed from identifiable and preventable flaws in design or maintenance. As we navigate through this challenging situation, my focus is steadfast on safeguarding our community’s interests, ensuring the resilience of our infrastructures, and upholding accountability and excellence in all our public projects.
Let’s remain engaged and vigilant as we unravel the details surrounding this incident, always striving for a robust, resilient, and thriving Winter Springs. Your continued involvement and feedback are invaluable in these community matters. Together, we will work towards effective solutions and the continuous enhancement of our beloved city.
