Hometown Hill Day: A Central Florida Leadership Forum, an event produced by the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Kevin McCain of Winter Springs recently provided a comprehensive update on the state of the city. The forum served as an open platform for federal, state, and local officials to discuss and promote awareness about different political issues affecting the community.

The forum featured panel discussions that included prominent political commentators and experts, federal, state, and local officials such as Jason Brodeur (Florida State Senator District 10), Rachel Plakon (Florida State Representative District 36), and several other dignitaries, including Mayor McCain.

Addressing the congregation, Mayor Kevin McCain of Winter Springs delivered the State of the Union update for the city, in which he highlighted:

1. Recognition of city commissioners, city staff, contractors, and other partners contributing to the city’s success.
2. Brief history of Winter Springs, originally known as North Orlando, and now shares a symbiotic relationship with the Tusall community that makes up about half of the city.
3. The city’s prime location with close proximity to downtown Orlando and the excellent services provided by the police department. The city ranked 4th safest in the state in 2022.
4. Challenges and action plans after the 2022 hurricane season, which caused extensive water damage. The city is working on strengthening stormwater systems, with around $10 million in federal grants obtained for reinforcement and clearing of water systems.
5. Body cameras for police officers funded with the help of Representative Smith, ensuring transparency and safety.
6. The city’s strong financial position, with improved pension fund and bond ratings, and a consistent property tax rate with no increases for 14 years.
7. Ongoing parks initiative that has resulted in park upgrades and addition of new facilities like bathrooms, basketball courts, and pickleball courts.
8. Hosting of annual events such as the celebration of Freedom for Fireworks display, hometown Harvest, a music festival in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Winter Wonderland Parade, and the Scottish Highland Games.
9. Major infrastructure project, the largest in the city’s history, for the replacement of antiquated wastewater treatment plants. The $100 million project is crucial for the environment and property values, and is expected to start next year.
10. Commitment to maintaining the brand and character of Winter Springs, with the aim to control the type and quality of incoming developments.

Mayor McCain closed the address by inviting questions from the audience, ensuring transparency and willingness to discuss any issue related to the city.

This event was a part of the five-session program organized to enable participants to engage in meaningful discussions about the current state of affairs and to meet with elected officials who could aid in implementing change. 

Participating Panelists Jason Brodeur – Florida State Senator District 10 Rachel Plakon – Florida State Representative District 36 Susan Plasencia – Florida State Representative District 37 David Smith – Florida State Representative District 38 Doug Bankson – Florida State Representative District 39 Bob Dallari – Seminole County Commissioner District 1 Lee Constantine – Seminole County Commissioner District 3 Amy Lockhart – Seminole County Commissioner District 4 David Johnson – Seminole County Property Appraiser Grant Maloy – Seminole County Clerk of the Courts Sheriff Dennis Lemma – Seminole County Sheriff Chris Anderson – Seminole County Supervisor of Elections J.R. Kroll – Seminole County Tax Collector Megan Sladek – Mayor of Oviedo Kevin McCann – Mayor of Winter Springs * Speakers subject to change

The Hometown Hill Day event was a testament to the importance of open dialogue and engagement between community leaders and the public in shaping the future of our cities.

For more information on Mayor McCain’s address or any other discussions at the event, contact Jordan Hook at the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Remember, the views shared by the participants, including Mayor McCain, are their own and do not reflect the endorsement of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce.