Kevin McCann Mayor City of Winter Springs
Invest: sat down with Kevin McCann, mayor of the city of Winter Springs, to discuss the population and business growth across the region, how the city is addressing the needs of the burgeoning community, and the measures it takes to ensure sustainable growth.
What were some of the highlights for Winter Springs in the last year?
In Winter Springs, we have a lot to be proud of. A little background: We are predominantly a bedroom community of about 40,000 residents near the city of Orlando. We tend to run above the normal socioeconomic scale, with mostly single-family households of professionals. Historically, about five years ago, we were 90% residential and 10% commercial, which is a bit upside down and makes it tough. Business helps, and we’ve been able to nearly double that commercial percentage. We continue to expand our commercial areas, office space, and retail space, which has boosted our economy and bottom line. We are a community of people who care about one another. Even with 40,000 people, it’s a close-knit community. We’re substantially larger than our neighbor, Winter Park, and we have one of the lowest crime rates in the entire state of Florida. Last year, we ranked No. 4 in the state. It’s a nice, quiet, safe place with great schools.
How does the city plan to manage its growth while maintaining the city’s unique character?
Although development is good for our economy, you can’t stop it from coming. There seems to be a misunderstanding that the government can stop development. We can control it and ensure that new developments meet our standards and maintain our brand of Winter Springs. By setting standards and beautification measures, protecting our old-growth trees, and other efforts, we can preserve the city’s character. We work diligently to protect our zoning and standards, ensuring that those who move here know we will do what we can to protect our community’s beauty, nature, trees, and wildlife. I believe we can have both a vibrant economy and a beautiful environment if we manage it well. It’s about finding the right balance.
What are some specific measures being taken to ensure environmental sustainability and protect the city’s natural resources?
There are many directions we could go with this. The National Arbor Day Foundation has named Winter Springs a Tree City USA for many years due to our standards and protections. Simple things like tree care and managing the southern banks of Lake Jessup, part of the St. John’s Water District, are important. We’ve raised standards for products like fertilizers to protect our waterways. We’re also working on a consumptive use permit regarding the amount of water the city pulls from our natural aquifer. These measures are crucial for protecting Winter Springs’ future and the health of our lakes and waterways. It’s all about making sure we maintain our high standards and protect our environment for the long term.
Considering population and business growth, what steps are being taken to improve infrastructure and public services to accommodate this growth?
The biggest project is the construction of new wastewater treatment plants, the largest in the city’s history. We’re looking at roughly $100 million for these plants over the next three years and about $166 million over the next ten years for infrastructure, including reclaimed water and potable water systems. This monumental task will support business and future development. These plants are essential for handling the increased load as our city grows. Additionally, we’re working on other infrastructure projects to ensure we can accommodate new businesses and residents. This is a long-term investment in our city’s future, providing the necessary support for sustained growth and development.
What measures are being taken to ensure that businesses thrive in Winter Springs?
We have a partnership with the University of Central Florida, including a business incubator focused on high technologies. For example, one firm is doing groundbreaking work in cancer research and treatment. By financially supporting this incubator, we’re hoping to attract and grow high-tech industries in Winter Springs. We still have a lot of undeveloped land and aim to create an atmosphere where businesses feel welcome and supported, potentially leading to the development of class-A office spaces, research parks, or expansions of the high-tech corridor. Our goal is to make Winter Springs a hub for innovation and high-tech industries, which will bring jobs and economic growth to our community.
What specific industries is the city targeting for growth?
We need to keep our doors open. Since COVID, the demand for class-A office space has decreased as more people work from home. We may need to adapt and find other uses for some undeveloped land. While it’s targeted for class-A office space and research parks, we must watch the demand and ensure we maintain Winter Springs’ brand without closing any doors. It’s important to remain flexible and responsive to market changes while still preserving our community’s character. We’re open to various industries that align with our vision and can contribute positively to our economy.
How does the city engage with the community to ensure residents have a voice in decision-making processes?
Our residents are very involved. Our city commission meetings are well attended, and our communications director works diligently to keep accurate information flowing to the residents. We have a very passionate community, and their involvement is crucial. We’re fortunate to have residents who care deeply about Winter Springs. We make an effort to engage with them through various channels, ensuring they are informed and have opportunities to provide input on important decisions. This active engagement helps us make better decisions that reflect the needs and desires of our community.
What plans are in place to support and improve education in Winter Springs?
We fall under the Seminole County School Board, which has done a remarkable job. An important upcoming issue is the renewal of our penny sales tax, which supports our schools. This tax has been instrumental in maintaining our school system and will be on the ballot this November. I am confident that the residents of Winter Springs will support it, as it is vital for our property values and the future of our children. We understand that a strong education system is crucial for the community’s overall health and prosperity. Supporting our schools through this tax will ensure they continue to provide high-quality education.
What are the implications of regional affordable housing needs in Winter Springs?
Affordable housing and homelessness are regional and statewide issues. Winter Springs has taken steps like allowing dwellings on the same property, such as mother-in-law suites, to help families. However, solving these issues requires cooperation with other government entities. Winter Springs is committed to doing its part in addressing these challenges. We recognize that affordable housing is essential for maintaining a diverse and thriving community. By working collaboratively with other municipalities and organizations, we can develop effective solutions to ensure housing is accessible for all residents.
What are the near-term and long-term goals for the city, and what plans are in place to achieve them?
Our immediate challenge is the wastewater infrastructure project, which we aim to complete in the next three to five years. This will set a foundation for the next century. The next big issue will be stormwater management. Winter Springs lies on the southern bank of Lake Jessup, and we face significant flooding challenges. We need to improve our stormwater infrastructure, including managing our 72 retention ponds, which protect homes and properties. This will be our top priority moving forward. We have a duty to protect our community from future storm events and ensure our infrastructure can handle growth and environmental changes. This comprehensive approach will safeguard Winter Springs for generations to come.
