Friends and neighbors,
This morning, the Seminole County Legislative Delegation voted 4–1 to advance a local bill, giving the people of Winter Springs the right to vote on long-overdue reforms to our city’s charter.
For years, residents have asked for a chance to fix our city’s dysfunctional structure — a system where the mayor doesn’t vote but holds a veto, creating gridlock, confusion, and zero accountability. Today, that effort took a historic step forward.
The bill approved today would place a referendum on the November 2026 ballot, finally allowing voters to decide whether to bring Winter Springs local government in line with the best practices of virtually every other local city.
This is not just a procedural victory — it’s a turning point for transparency and accountability in Winter Springs.
When we started this conversation years ago, we were told it couldn’t be done. Today, the people’s voice prevailed.
This legislation gives us, the residents, the final say in how our city is governed. Your future will no longer be decided in Washington, D.C., Tallahassee, or even the politicians in Winter Springs City hall—your future will may now be decided in your own kitchen and living room, as we discuss the future of our city together.
While the Mayor and some of our local officials came to the meeting to attack or distract, the results speak for themselves: the delegation listened to the people, and the people won.
As the city now moves to act and implement this referendum, we welcome that. The people’s demand for reform has been heard, and that’s exactly what we’ve worked for.
Let’s celebrate this moment for what it is: a victory for Home Rule, our rights as citizens to determine our own future.
—
Jesse Phillips
Co-Founder, Winter Springs Community Association
Founder, Winter Springs Water Quality Initiative
Thank you, Jesse for your tireless work for the people. We appreciate you.