October | 2026 | Volume 232 | | |
Greetings!
Take a look at the October Edition of the Winter Springs Insider!
Fall is here, and so are updates on the various events Winter Springs has to offer, City updates, safety tips from our Police Department, and more!
We hope you have a safe and happy October!
| | From the desk of the City Manager | |
Hello Winter Springs,
I hope everyone is settling into fall and enjoying a little break from the heat, even if Florida does not always get the memo that it is October.
With the change in seasons, October marks the start of the fiscal year, as the City Commission adopted the final budget for the City of Winter Springs for fiscal year 2026–2027.
The 2027 budget was developed using a prudent and conservative approach that reflects the City's commitment to maintaining long-term financial stability, preserving fiscal flexibility, and ensuring the continued delivery of essential public services.
In November, Floridians will be voting on Amendment 3, which aims to increase the ad valorem homestead exemption to $150,000 by 2027 and to $250,000 by 2028. At this time it is not clear what the long-term effect will be on the City's General Fund. I ask that you go to our website to see the informational sheet for precise information regarding our city budget and the way your tax money is spent. The city staff is currently examining the possible impact on the FY 2028 budget and will carry on these discussions after the November election.
This month, residents can enjoy plenty of City events, including the Winter Springs Police Department’s National Night Out and Open House, our Movie in the Park, and our 20th Annual Hometown Harvest, presented by Orlando Health. These events highlight our commitment to providing residents with the quality, family-friendly events Winter Springs is known for.
Interested in learning more about what is going on around the city? Please check out our Biweekly Updates that can be found here.
Kevin Sweet
City Manager
City of Winter Springs
| | | Breast Cancer Awareness Month | |
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage regular screenings and recognize the individuals, families and communities affected by the disease.
Use this month as a reminder to prioritize your health, learn about your personal cancer risk and speak with your healthcare provider about recommended screenings. It is also an opportunity to stay informed about cancer prevention and early detection and support those impacted by cancer.
Know your risk. Know your screening options. Know where to turn for support.
| | Visit our "How Do I?" Webpage | |
Looking for a quick and easy way to take care of City business? The How Do I? section on the City of Winter Springs website puts helpful information and online services all in one place.
Learn how to pay your utility bill, apply for a permit, request public records, find City forms and documents, report a street or area light issue, sign up for Alert Winter Springs, and more.
Whether you're looking for a specific service or just not sure where to start, the How Do I? section is a great resource for finding the information you need.
For Public Works or Utility issues requiring immediate attention, please contact Customer Service 24/7 at 407-327-2669.
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City Closures
Winter Springs remains open throughout October. Looking ahead to November:
- November 2 through November 4: Winter Springs Senior Center closed due to the November election. City Hall will remain open.
- Wednesday, November 11: City offices closed for Veterans Day
- Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27: City offices closed for Thanksgiving
Upcoming City Commission Regular Meetings
The Winter Springs City Commission will hold its regular meetings at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Chambers on Monday, October 12, and Monday, October 26, 2026.
To view meeting agendas, times, and other City meetings scheduled throughout October, please visit the City website.
| | | Understanding Your Property Taxes and What Your Taxes Fund | | |
Property taxes are an important source of funding for the City of Winter Springs. All property taxes collected by the City go into the General Fund, which supports a wide range of services residents rely on every day.
In the City’s FY 2026–27 tentative budget, ad valorem property taxes make up approximately 37% of General Fund revenues.
General Fund dollars help support:
- Police: Patrol, investigations, code enforcement and records
- Public Works: Road and right-of-way maintenance, stormwater and fleet
- Parks & Recreation: Parks, recreation programs, community events and facilities
- Community Development: Planning, zoning, permitting and development services
- Information Services & Operations: IT, communications and facility maintenance
- Finance & Administration: Accounting, purchasing, payroll and other city operations
Property taxes are one part of the City’s overall revenue. Other General Fund revenues include utility taxes, franchise fees, intergovernmental revenue and other sources.
Learn more: Visit the City’s Understanding Your Property Taxes and Property Tax Referendum Information webpages for additional information.
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Ensure You're Connected and Prepared During Hurricane Season!
Hurricane season runs through November 30, so there’s still time to make sure you and your family are prepared. Review your emergency plan, check your disaster supplies and make sure you know where to find important local updates.
Sign up for Alert Winter Springs to receive emergency notifications and updates from the City.
Visit our hurricane and flood preparedness resources for information on making a plan, protecting your home, building a disaster supply kit and more. For additional local resources, visit Seminole County’s emergency preparedness webpage.
| | | Winter Springs Charter Review Committee | | |
The City of Winter Springs Charter Review Committee is tasked with reviewing the City Charter to ensure it aligns with current state and federal laws and provides recommendations for potential amendments ahead of the 2028 election.
Residents can find a copy of the City of Winter Springs Charter HERE, and some frequently asked questions HERE.
The next meeting is set for October 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM, located at Winter Springs City Hall. The agenda for the upcoming meeting will focus on Article 4.01 – Commission Composition & Districts, Article 4.01(B) – Eligibility / Residency Requirements and operational rules for the City Commission.
Residents are encouraged to attend any of the scheduled meetings to provide input to the committee during public comment.
Additional meetings have been tentatively scheduled for:
- November 19, 2026
- December 17, 2026
- January 14, 2027
- February 18, 2027
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Winter Springs Water Takes Top Honors
The City of Winter Springs was proud to attend last week’s Florida Section of the American Water Works Association Region III competition, where our Utilities Department received both the First Place Award and the People’s Choice Award for Best Tasting Drinking Water in Central Florida 2026.
These awards recognize the hard work our Utilities team puts in every day to provide high-quality drinking water to our community. We’re proud to see their dedication recognized and grateful for the work they do to maintain the quality and reliability of our city’s water system.
| | | Hometown Harvest is at Central Winds Park on October 24th! | | |
The City’s 20th annual Hometown Harvest fall festival, presented by Orlando Health, is coming to Central Winds Park on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate the season with free hayrides, live music, fall games, kids’ activities and photo opportunities. Experience classic Halloween traditions with candy, a costume contest and plenty of seasonal fun for all ages.
Gather your family, friends, and neighbors, enjoy the fall atmosphere and make memories together at one of Winter Springs’ favorite annual traditions!
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2026 Winter Springs Municipal Election Reminders
Mark your calendar! The City of Winter Springs will hold its municipal election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Voters will elect a Mayor and City Commissioners for Districts 2 and 4.
Get Ready to Vote
- Check your voter registration and make sure your information is up to date.
- Find your polling place before Election Day.
- Review the candidates who qualified for the municipal election.
- Learn about early voting and vote-by-mail options.
For voter registration, polling locations, candidate information, early voting and other election resources, visit the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections at voteseminole.gov.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Early Voting: October 19–November 1
Election information is provided as a resource for residents. For the most current voting information, please refer to the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections.
| | | Winter Springs Police Department | | WSPD Safety Tip: Halloween Safety | |
Kids love the magic of Halloween: Trick-or-treating, classroom parties and trips to a neighborhood haunted house. But for moms and dads, often there is a fine line between Halloween fun and safety concerns, especially when it comes to road and pedestrian safety.
In 2017, 7,450 pedestrians died in traffic or non-traffic incidents, according to Injury Facts. Non-traffic incidents include those occurring on driveways, in parking lots or on private property.
NSC research reveals almost 18% of these deaths occurred at road crossings or intersections. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these deaths.
Here's a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than, on any other day of the year. In 2017, October ranked No. 2 in motor vehicle deaths by month, with 3,700. July is No. 1, with 3,830 deaths.
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/autumn/halloween
Always remember, if you see something unusual, do not hesitate to notify the Police. “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!” If you feel uncomfortable about calling the police department, you can report suspicious activity anonymously. In addition, you can call 1-800-423-TIPS or report at www.crimeline.org. You do not have to give your name.
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WSPD Deputy Chief Kevin Presley Recognized for 31 Years of Service
On September 28, 2026, the Mayor and City Commission presented Resolution 2026-12, recognizing Deputy Chief Presley’s retirement and his 31 years of service to the Winter Springs Police Department and the City of Winter Springs.
Please join us in thanking Deputy Chief Presley for his dedication and service to our community and wishing him all the best in his retirement.
| | | WSPD DEA Drug Take Back Program | |
The Winter Springs Police is holding their DEA Take Back Saturday, October 24th.
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue. Proper disposal of unneeded drugs saves lives and protects the environment and our overall community.
Stop by the Winter Springs Police Department lobby collection site (300 N. Moss Rd) from 10 AM to 2 PM and do your part to keep our community safe.
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Citizens Advisory Committee
The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meets with the Police Chief and command staff to discuss monthly department statistics, updates from each bureau, and what's happening in the community. The meetings also include a roundtable discussion where attendees can ask questions and share concerns or updates from their neighborhoods.
Next Meeting:
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Winter Springs Police Department (300 N. Moss Rd)
The CAC meets on the second Wednesday of each month from September through May. Residents are welcome to attend and participate in the conversation.
| | | WSPD Officer Of The Month: John Haisten | |
Officer John Haisten has been named our Winter Springs Police Officer of the Month for October.
Officer Haisten was nominated for his initiative and commitment to proactive policing.
His superiors point to his ability to handle calls for service, investigations, and arrests effectively, while leading the operations bureau in area patrols and traffic enforcement.
In his nomination letter his supervisor says Officer Haisten's proactive approach to policing is also evident with other members of his shift.
"Officer Haisten is also a dependable member of the shift who requires very little supervisory oversight and regularly makes himself available to assist other officers. He frequently helps newer officers with reports, evidence, arrest paperwork and investigative decisions while continuing to manage his own workload".
Congratulations, Officer Haisten, on this well-earned recognition and thank you for your strong commitment to the department and the community.
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Help the Winter Springs Police Department:
Report suspicious activity | Protect your property | LOCK IT OR LOSE IT
Emergency 911 | Non-Emergency (407) 327-1000
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Winter Springs Farmers Market at Trotwood Park
October 4th & 18th | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The Winter Springs Farmers Market at Trotwood Park takes place on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of every month. Enjoy amazing produce, plants, vendors, and more.
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National Night Out and Open House
October 6, 2026 | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Winter Springs Police Department
Join the Winter Springs Police Department for an evening of community connection and public safety awareness.
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Charter Review Committee Meeting
October 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM
City of Winter Springs City Hall
The Charter Review Committee will meet to discuss updating the City Charter. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend any of the scheduled meetings to provide input to the committee during public comment.
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Ghoulishly Good Times
October 16, 2026 | Starts at sunset
Torcaso Park
Join the Winter Springs Police Department for a family-friendly evening in the park featuring a showing of Monsters, Inc.
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Coffee with a Cop
October 20, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
CAO Bakery
855 E State Rd 434 #1117, Winter Springs, FL 32708
Join your Winter Springs Police Officers for a morning of caffeinated conversation. This initiative aims at strengthening the communications between residents and their local police department.
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20th Annual Hometown Harvest
October 24, 2026 | 4:30 PM- 8:30 PM
Central Winds Park
Get ready to celebrate the beauty of autumn at our 20th annual fall festival, Hometown Harvest! Join us for a day of family fun with FREE hayrides, live music, and plenty of activities for the kids. It’s going to be an awesome event that you won’t want to miss!
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The Susie Coffman-Winter Springs Senior Center
The Susie Coffman-Winter Springs Senior Center serves as a fun and safe gathering place for community members aged 55 and older. It offers a variety of programs and unique opportunities for seniors to connect with one another!
Refresh your defensive driving skills with the AARP Smart Driver course.
Pricing: $20 for AARP members | $25 for non-members. (Space is limited)
Courses are generally held on the third Thursday of each month, except May through August, and are designed primarily for drivers aged 50 and older to refresh their skills, understand age-related physical changes, and potentially qualify for auto insurance discounts.
Susie Coffman-Winter Springs Senior Center: (407) 327-6554
Address: 400 N. Edgemon Ave, Winter Springs, FL 32708
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We’ve made some updates around the Senior Center, and we hope our members are enjoying the refreshed space!
A special thank you to our Senior Center staff for all your hard work in helping make these updates happen.
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Veteran and Veterans Family Advisory Committee
The City of Winter Springs is proud to support those who've served through our Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee, which advises the City Commission on how to better engage, honor, and recognize veterans in our community.
The Committee meets quarterly at Winter Springs City Hall. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5:30 pm.
The City of Winter Springs Veterans Day Tribute Ceremony will take place on November 11, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Winter Springs Veterans and Military Services Memorial. Join the City of Winter Springs as we honor our nation’s heroes. This special ceremony will recognize our 2026 Hometown Heroes and provide an opportunity to remember and honor the veterans and service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
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Meet Your Mayor & Commission
Winter Springs is a charter city governed by a Mayor and a City Commission under a Commission/Manager system. The Mayor and five City Commissioners, each from a different district, are elected at-large for four-year terms to serve the entire City. This structure combines the political expertise of elected officials with the executive leadership of the City Manager.
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City Leadership
Meet your Winter Springs City staff leadership. Read each director's biography, responsibilities, and credentials.
| | | | Public Records Notice: This email may contain information subject to Florida's public records laws, pursuant to Florida Sunshine Law. Under Florida Law, email addresses are public records. Email correspondence may also be subject to public disclosure. By subscribing to receive marketing emails, you consent to receive emails from the City of Winter Springs (1126 E. S.R 434, Winter Springs, Florida, 32708). You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the safe unsubscribe link located at the bottom of every email. | | | | |
