Explore the exciting updates coming to Central Winds Park, including a new event hall, destination playground, boardwalk access to Lake Jesup, and other resident-driven improvements. Learn how Winter Springs is planning for smart, sustainable growth.
Winter Springs reforms the Arbor Fund to ensure mitigation dollars are used for planting and maintaining trees—not equipment or removals. Commissioner Victoria Bruce explains what changed and why it matters.
As your Winter Springs City Commissioner, I remain committed to protecting our environment, improving infrastructure, and ensuring public safety. One critical area of focus is how we manage stormwater to prevent flooding and protect property across our city.
The City of Winter Springs has released the 2025 Draft Stormwater Master Plan, a comprehensive document that identifies flood-prone areas, recommends key infrastructure upgrades, and outlines a long-term plan to improve the reliability of our stormwater system.
Here’s what residents should know about the plan and why it matters.
The Stormwater Master Plan (SWMP) is a detailed study developed to assess how stormwater flows through Winter Springs. It was created in response to recent flooding challenges, including the impacts from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022. The plan was prepared by engineering consultants at Kimley-Horn and includes input from both city staff and residents.
The SWMP reviews drainage issues in five major watersheds across Winter Springs: Gee Creek, Howell Creek, Lake Jesup, Little Lake Howell, and Soldiers Creek.
The plan identifies 12 top-priority Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) that address critical drainage issues. These projects include culvert upgrades, widened channels, new stormwater storage, and improved outfalls.
Some of the proposed locations for improvement include:
These areas were selected based on flooding reports, maintenance history, and technical analysis from recent watershed modeling studies.
Beyond construction, the plan also recommends a proactive, ongoing maintenance program. This includes:
The goal is to prevent system failures before they happen—especially ahead of major storm events.
The City plans to fund these improvements through a combination of:
The funding strategy focuses on cost-effective implementation without putting unnecessary financial strain on residents.
The 2025 Stormwater Master Plan is more than a technical document—it’s a plan to protect our quality of life. Flooded roads, damaged infrastructure, and overwhelmed drainage systems are not acceptable in a growing community like Winter Springs.
This plan reflects our shared priorities: transparency, fiscal responsibility, environmental protection, and safe neighborhoods.
If you’ve ever experienced flooding in your neighborhood or want to better understand how Winter Springs is preparing for future storms, I encourage you to review the plan and stay engaged.
You can view the 2025 Draft Stormwater Master Plan here:
Thank you for your continued support, and as always, I welcome your feedback and ideas.
—
With appreciation,
Victoria K. Bruce
Winter Springs City Commissioner, District 2
Learn how low impact living strategies can strengthen Winter Springs, improve water quality, reduce flooding, and create more resilient neighborhoods. Recap of Dr. Laura Wilson’s community discussion hosted by Commissioner Victoria Bruce.
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.
Eligible participants include:
These projects are designed to restore each pond’s depth, ecological health, and functionality as part of the City’s broader stormwater management strategy.
Rebates are available for a variety of indoor and outdoor water conservation improvements, including:
Rebates are awarded first-come, first-served until the program’s $50,000 fund is depleted.
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
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
This Friday, September 26th, I’ll be representing Winter Springs at the upcoming Florida League of Cities (FLC) Utilities, Natural Resources, and Public Works Policy Committee meeting in Orlando, and I’ll be advancing two legislative priorities I believe are vital not only to our city but to communities across Florida.
These reforms are grounded in my experience as an environmental professional and Commissioner, and they aim to bring greater accountability, transparency, and environmental impact to the way our state manages tree mitigation funds and stormwater monitoring.
Florida needs a clear, consistent standard for how Tree Mitigation Funds are collected and spent. That’s why I’ve proposed that the Florida League of Cities support:
“The creation of statewide rules for Tree Mitigation Funds to ensure transparency, consistency, and accountability. A standardized framework would guide the purchase of Tree Mitigation Credits to offset project impacts and require a centralized database to track the receipt and expenditure of funds.”
Today, some cities collect mitigation fees with no measurable restoration or canopy replacement to show for it. Inconsistent local policies make it difficult to track outcomes, and that’s not fair to residents or to the environment. This policy would fix that.
Just like we need consistency in how tree mitigation is managed, we also need better stormwater data. Without a coordinated framework for monitoring water quality and runoff patterns across jurisdictions, local governments are left guessing, and taxpayers foot the bill when those guesses are wrong.
My proposal will call for the League to support:
“A statewide framework for stormwater monitoring that includes best practices for data collection, sharing, and application in local watershed management.”
By standardizing how we monitor stormwater, we can reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and support smarter infrastructure planning — not just in Winter Springs, but across Florida.
These aren’t abstract policy ideas. They’re rooted in real experiences here at home.
We’ve seen firsthand how confusing arbor fund management can become and how much public trust we lose when residents don’t know how their fees are being used. We’ve also dealt with stormwater infrastructure challenges that could have been mitigated with better data earlier on.
By bringing these issues to the state level, I’m doing what I promised when I ran for office: using my professional experience to advocate for policies that make our communities stronger, safer, and more sustainable.
The first committee meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Hilton Orlando. I’ll present these proposals and work with other elected officials and city leaders from across Florida to shape the League’s legislative agenda for the upcoming session.
This is just the beginning, but it’s an important step toward statewide reforms that bring measurable benefit to cities like ours.
If you’d like to learn more or weigh in on these proposals, I invite you to reach out anytime. Your voice matters, and I’m proud to bring it with me to Tallahassee and beyond.
When I ran for City Commission, I promised to bring transparency, fiscal responsibility, and integrity to our local government. Recently, an Arbor Fund decision came before the Commission that has sparked community concern — and it’s time to talk openly about it.
Before diving into the numbers, I encourage you to read the original blog that explains the specific case that prompted this broader review of our Arbor Fund practices:
The Tree Mitigation Fee Was Paid, Not Waived
A developer who had already paid arbor fees years ago was asked to pay an additional $240,000+ for the same obligation due to unclear contract language. I was the only “No” vote — not because I oppose environmental protection, but because I believe in honoring agreements and treating people fairly.
This issue prompted me to take a closer look at how our Arbor Fund is being managed, and what I found was deeply troubling.
Over the past three years:
This is not what residents expect when we talk about protecting our tree canopy.
The Arbor Fund should be used to grow and preserve Winter Springs’ tree canopy — not to fill budget gaps or buy city vehicles. Maintenance is important, but when less than a fraction of these funds go toward actual tree planting, it’s time to ask: Are we being honest with the public about where this money is going?
I’m calling for:
Winter Springs deserves better. We deserve transparency, fairness, and leadership that works for the people, not just for the process. I will continue to be your voice — even if I stand alone — because doing the right thing should never be a lonely place.
With gratitude and resolve,
Victoria K. Bruce
Winter Springs City Commissioner – District 2
WINTER SPRINGS, FL – July 2025
In response to public questions and ongoing discussions surrounding the tree mitigation fee tied to the Seahawk Cove Extension project, City Commissioner Victoria Bruce has released a detailed update to clarify the facts, address misinformation, and outline a proposed path forward for environmental planning in Winter Springs.
“This is not about politics,” said Bruce. “It’s about ensuring the City honors its own agreements, follows its legal procedures, and lives up to its commitment to transparency and sustainability.”
In 2017, the City of Winter Springs entered into a recorded development agreement and First Modification with the developer of the Town Center area, which includes the property now referred to as the Seahawk Cove Extension. That agreement identified the full project site as 45.687 acres and established a tree mitigation fee totaling $149,660, which was subsequently paid in full. The payment included:
This arbor fee was labeled in the agreement as the “final adjusted City arbor fee” for the Project, with “Project” defined as the entire development area—not a single phase.
At the June 23 City Commission meeting, staff presented a proposed tree mitigation fee of $227,400 for the Seahawk Cove Extension. However, no reference was made to the 2017 agreement or the previous payment already made by the developer.
After reviewing the legal documents, Commissioner Bruce made a motion to clarify that the previously paid arbor fee applied to the entire project, including the area west of Michael Blake Boulevard. That motion passed in a 3–2 vote.
“I disclosed my meeting with the developer publicly on the record, and I brought forward a motion based solely on the documentation that had already been accepted by the City,” said Bruce. “Nothing was waived. The fee had already been paid.”
On July 14, a motion was brought forward to reconsider the June 23 vote. According to Robert’s Rules of Order, which the City of Winter Springs uses to guide parliamentary procedure, a motion to reconsider may only be made by a member who voted on the prevailing side—in this case, one of the three commissioners who voted “yes” on June 23.
The July 14 motion was made and seconded by commissioners who had voted “no,” rendering it procedurally invalid. The City Attorney paused the motion, advising that a motion to rescind would be required instead, and that it would carry a different legal standard.
During the discussion, Commissioner Mark Caruso disclosed that Mayor Kevin McCann had privately told him that it was City legal staff who “dropped the ball” in failing to bring the 2017 agreement into the initial June 23 discussion—contradicting public implications that the Commission acted improperly.
The Seahawk Cove Extension project is located just west of Michael Blake Boulevard and north of State Road 434, within the City’s Town Center Development District. This area was always part of the broader 45.687-acre parcel defined in the development agreement.
“This is not an isolated site,” said Bruce. “It is part of a multi-phase, master-planned development, and the legal and financial obligations associated with that plan were intended to apply across the entire property—not just one section.”
Commissioner Bruce stated that beyond this specific vote, she sees an opportunity for the City to strengthen its environmental stewardship policies. At the July 14 meeting, she outlined two next steps:
“If we are going to maintain our designation as a Tree City USA, we need to lead with substance,” said Bruce. “That means not only protecting what we have, but building a future that’s environmentally and fiscally sustainable.”
Victoria K. Bruce
City Commissioner, District 2
Winter Springs, Florida
www.VictoriaForWinterSprings.com
Many of us have seen the signs proudly stating Winter Springs is a Tree City USA. While this designation symbolizes our community’s commitment to trees, it’s important to understand what the recognition truly means and why it matters for the future of our city.
The Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, provides national recognition to cities and towns committed to maintaining and growing their urban forests. To earn this status, Winter Springs must annually meet four core standards:
These standards are valuable, but they are also just the starting point. As a growing city, we have the opportunity to do more.
Recently, I spoke with John Snow, a Board Certified Master Arborist from Tree Check Up, LLC, who provided valuable insight into how Winter Springs could improve its urban forestry practices. While we have an appointed arbor manager responsible for managing tree-related issues, our city code does not specify any professional training or certification requirements for this role.
John explained the significance of professional qualifications:
“Cities without trained Certified Arborists often struggle to properly care for their trees, leading to increased risks and long-term costs. Professional expertise ensures proper tree care, healthier trees, and safer communities.”
Incorporating professional arborist certification into our city’s approach could yield several key benefits:
While being a Tree City USA is a positive reflection of Winter Springs’ commitment to our environment, we have room to grow. By considering the addition of a Certified Arborist—either on staff or as an expert consultant—we can better fulfill the responsibilities that come with this recognition and ensure our urban forest thrives for years to come.
Please share your thoughts and ideas with me at our next City Commission meeting, or reach out directly. Your voice matters as we work together to raise the bar on tree care and urban forestry in our city.
Warm regards,
Victoria K. Bruce
Winter Springs Commissioner – District 2
At the May 7, 2025 Parks, Recreation & Mobility Advisory Committee meeting, we examined important developments impacting the quality of life for Winter Springs residents. This meeting highlighted both exciting progress and some growing pains—especially in the balance between two booming recreational activities: pickleball and tennis.
A major discussion point involved the evolving use of Trotwood Park’s courts, and how the recent expansion of pickleball facilities is affecting our tennis community.
Here’s what you need to know:
During the meeting, multiple residents and committee members raised the concern that pickleball is displacing tennis altogether in Winter Springs. Suggestions included dedicating Trotwood to tennis and consolidating pickleball activity at Central Winds Park, which already functions as a regional pickleball destination.
As your Commissioner, I am advocating for a deeper review of usage data and feasibility of restoring a second tennis court at Trotwood. I encourage all residents to share their perspectives on this issue by reaching out directly to my office.
City staff shared a number of exciting developments across our parks system:
Our programming continues to engage hundreds of residents of all ages:
During public discussion and committee dialogue, several recurring themes and concerns emerged:
We must improve accessibility at high-traffic events like July 4th, including proper signage, curb cuts, and temporary but enforceable ADA-compliant parking options. I’ve requested city staff and leadership implement changes before this year’s event.
Residents expressed a strong interest in improving the trail and sidewalk system to better connect neighborhoods and reduce reliance on cars. This is especially important for safe routes to parks, schools, and cross-Seminole trail access points.
Committee members requested a clearer picture of how the current $3.5 million parks budget is allocated, including general maintenance vs. capital improvements. We will review this in the next meeting to help guide future spending recommendations.
As development continues, it’s essential that Winter Springs upholds its “Tree City USA” legacy. I support preserving natural parkland, expanding shaded green space, and ensuring thoughtful planning around native wildlife habitats.
Winter Springs is fortunate to have a robust and growing parks system, but growth must come with balance. Whether you’re passionate about tennis, pickleball, trails, or preserving natural beauty, our community thrives when all voices are heard.
The next Parks & Recreation Committee meeting is scheduled for August 6, 2025. I hope you’ll attend or reach out to share your thoughts in advance.
Let’s continue working together to make Winter Springs a place where residents of all ages and interests can live, play, and thrive.
Email: victoria@victoriaforwintersprings.com
Website: www.victoriaforwintersprings.com
