The Winter Springs City Commission met on Monday, June 9, 2025, to address vital local priorities, recognize outstanding community members, and continue advancing infrastructure and policy goals. As your District 2 Commissioner, I remain committed to promoting public trust, smart growth, and meaningful resident engagement. Below is a full recap of the meeting’s key developments.
Celebrating the Champions: Winter Springs High Girls’ Softball Team Honored by City Commission
The Commission proudly recognized the Winter Springs High School Girls’ Softball Team, recently crowned state champions after an incredible 24–8 season. This group of talented young athletes exemplifies perseverance, teamwork, and excellence—qualities that reflect the very best of our community.
Led by Coach Farrah Gordon, the team was honored during the meeting, with a formal city proclamation to follow. Their recognition served as a reminder of the importance of celebrating youth achievement and supporting our local schools.
Addressing Neighborhood Safety and Accessibility
Traffic Safety on West Panama Road
During public input, a resident requested permanent traffic-calming measures on West Panama Road, citing concerns for children’s safety. I fully support evaluating and implementing solutions that prioritize pedestrian and neighborhood safety.
Accessibility at Central Winds Park
Resident Leah Wiseman raised important concerns about handicap access at Central Winds Park, particularly during busy events. While some improvements have been made, additional curb cuts and ADA-compliant parking options were discussed. Ensuring equal access to our parks and public spaces remains a top priority.
Resident Advocacy for Transparency and Participation
Since launching my campaign for City Commission, I have consistently advocated for greater accessibility and transparency in how we govern. Prior to my election—and even in the early months of my term—Commission meetings frequently ran late into the evening, often past 11:00 p.m., and occasionally beyond midnight. That structure was not conducive to public participation or thoughtful decision-making.
Since then, we’ve made meaningful progress. Most meetings now conclude at a more reasonable hour, giving residents a real opportunity to follow proceedings live without staying up into the early morning. This is a shift toward accessibility that I believe strengthens trust.
Additionally, I firmly oppose any move to hold Commission meetings during the day, which would exclude many working residents and limit public accountability. Our community deserves leadership that meets them where they are—and at times they can attend.
During this meeting, several residents echoed those values by calling for even greater transparency, especially in how public dollars are managed and how decisions are communicated. I fully support their input and remain committed to continued progress on this front.
Development and Representation Updates
Sutton Crossings Project Moves Forward
The Commission approved the vacation of a public right-of-way to facilitate development of the Sutton Crossings project, which will include an ACE Hardware and Chick-fil-A. This is part of our broader goal of supporting responsible commercial growth while maintaining community character.
Redistricting Ordinance (First Reading)
A new Commission district map was introduced and advanced using Scenario 4. This version ensures near-equal population distribution across districts and complies with redistricting requirements. No current commissioners were moved out of their districts.
Strengthening Fiscal Transparency and Oversight
As part of our continued effort to manage city finances responsibly and transparently, I’ve pushed for clearer reporting and broader access to information. Specifically, I’m proud to share:
- The City’s online checkbook—which previously only included expenses over $50,000—is being revised. Soon, all expenses of $2,500 and above will be visible online. This is a significant step forward in fiscal transparency, and I look forward to it going live soon.
- I also strongly support City Manager Paul Diaz’s initiative to thoroughly review all expenses line by line during the upcoming budget process. I believe this kind of scrutiny is essential for ensuring prudent, prioritized spending that reflects the needs of our residents.
In addition, the Commission is working to standardize financial reporting by implementing:
- Monthly trial balance updates
- Quarterly fund balance statements
- Pre-budget budget-to-actual reporting
These tools give both the Commission and the public a much clearer picture of how resources are being allocated and managed.
Progress on Stormwater and Water Infrastructure
Sediment Removal Work Begins
Starting the week of June 16, the City will begin sediment removal in key waterways to improve stormwater flow and reduce flood risk. This is a critical first step in our larger infrastructure strategy.
SCADA Infrastructure Upgrades Approved
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approved the City’s proposal to apply SCADA system upgrades as “in-kind” work toward a state compliance requirement. This not only improves our water infrastructure but does so in a cost-efficient way.
Stormwater Workshop Scheduled
A dedicated Stormwater Infrastructure Workshop is planned for July. It will serve as a focused discussion on drainage, flood mitigation, and long-term capital improvements.
Board Appointments and Civic Engagement
Veterans Advisory Board Appointment
The Commission appointed Marguerite Orff to the Veterans Advisory Board. As both the mother and spouse of veterans, she brings a meaningful perspective that broadens the voice of the board to include military families.
Code Enforcement Board Continuity
I also advocated for Art Gallo to continue serving on the Code Enforcement Board, where he has made significant contributions since 2019. Art is a passionate advocate for water conservation, and I’d like to recognize his recent video feature on the St. Johns River Water Management District’s website, where he shares valuable insights on sustainable landscaping. His leadership extends beyond city service—his work is visible in his own yard and throughout the common areas of his HOA here in Winter Springs.
Improving Advisory Board Reporting
I again raised the importance of including regular summaries or meeting minutes from our advisory boards in Commission packets. This ensures we have a full view of citizen-led initiatives and maintain a two-way dialogue between appointed boards and elected leaders.
Meeting Summary: Key Takeaways
At a Glance:
- Honored Winter Springs High Girls’ Softball Team for winning the state championship
- Discussed resident-led requests for speed mitigation on West Panama Road
- Addressed ongoing concerns about accessibility at Central Winds Park
- Approved right-of-way vacation for Sutton Crossings development
- Advanced new district map with minimal constituent disruption
- Online expense checkbook expanded to include all expenses over $2,500
- Supported detailed financial reviews in upcoming budget season
- Creek sediment removal project begins June 16
- SCADA water infrastructure project approved by DEP as compliance credit
- Welcomed Marguerite Orff to Veterans Advisory Board
- Reappointed Art Gallo to Code Enforcement Board, recognizing water advocacy
- Scheduled stormwater infrastructure workshop for July
- Continued push for advisory board accountability and reporting
Staying Involved
Local government works best when it remains transparent, inclusive, and grounded in the needs of our residents. I remain committed to ensuring every Winter Springs resident has a voice, and I will continue advocating for balanced growth, clean water, and public accountability.
Thank you for your continued trust and engagement.
Victoria K. Bruce
Commissioner, District 2
Winter Springs, Florida
