As your City Commissioner for Winter Springs, I am committed to ensuring our community continues to thrive. One of the key ways we can achieve that is by renewing the One Cent Infrastructure Sales Tax, also known as the Penny Sales Tax, this November.
What is the Penny Sales Tax?
For over 30 years, this tax has been a cornerstone of growth and development in Seminole County. It’s not a new tax, but a continuation of a highly successful initiative that generates funding for essential infrastructure projects. From improving roads and sidewalks to enhancing water quality and supporting school construction, the Penny Sales Tax has already brought in over $2 billion to strengthen our communities.
Why Does This Matter?
The revenue generated from the Penny Sales Tax is crucial for maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure. Here in Winter Springs and throughout Seminole County, we’ve seen the positive effects of this funding, such as:
- Road Improvements: Safer, more efficient roads with added turn lanes, repaved surfaces, and upgraded traffic signals.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: More trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes that connect our community and encourage a healthy, active lifestyle.
- Environmental Conservation: Support for stormwater management and environmental restoration projects that protect our natural resources.
- Public Safety Enhancements: Investments in new safety vehicles, emergency services, and equipment to keep our neighborhoods safe.
These projects improve our quality of life, help keep property taxes low, and ensure that Seminole County remains a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families.
The Power of the Penny
One of the most compelling reasons to support the Penny Sales Tax is that a significant portion—up to 30%—of the revenue comes from non-residents. That means visitors and out-of-county shoppers contribute to the cost of improving our local infrastructure, easing the burden on our residents. This is a smart and efficient way to fund the improvements we all rely on without increasing taxes for Seminole County homeowners.
Why Renewal is Important
Without this funding, many essential projects would be delayed or potentially canceled. We would have to rely on state and federal funding, which can take years to secure. By renewing the Penny Sales Tax, we maintain control over how we fund and prioritize local projects that directly impact our daily lives.
I’ve always believed in finding balanced solutions that promote both economic growth and environmental preservation. The Penny Sales Tax does exactly that. It allows us to grow responsibly while protecting the natural beauty and resources that make Winter Springs and Seminole County such special places.
Join Me in Supporting the Renewal
This November, I urge you to join me in voting YES for the renewal of the Penny Sales Tax. Let’s continue investing in our community’s future by ensuring we have the resources to build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps Winter Springs and all of Seminole County thriving.
To learn more about the Penny Sales Tax and how it benefits our community, I invite you to watch this informative video from former County Commissioner John Horan:
Together, we can make sure Winter Springs remains a beautiful, safe, and vibrant community for generations to come.
Warm regards,
Victoria Bruce
Winter Springs City Commissioner, District 2
