Winter Springs Community Association

03/24/2026

Our co-founder Jesse Phillips spoke with News 6 about the city’s decision to move forward with long overdue wastewater plants, and longtime objective is the WS Water Quality Initiative.

03/10/2026

At the meeting tonight it was stated that irrigation could be out for parts of East Winter Springs for up to one month. As we emerge from the freezes and into the dry season, residents will need to look for alternatives to water their lawns. Here is the advisory we sent earlier today:

https://www.onewintersprings.com/2026/03/09/breaking-advisory-major-reclaimed-water-outages-in-east-winter-springs-caused-by-equipment-failure-in-failing-plant/

02/27/2026

Meet Jesse Phillips, co-founder of our association and founder of the Winter Springs Water Quality Initiative, who has dedicated himself to advocating for his community. Follow him on his page below!

Jesse Phillips is a longtime Winter Springs resident, small business owner, and community advocate with a record of standing up for residents when city leadership failed to act. Jesse is running to be Mayor of Winter Springs.

01/16/2026

LET'S MAKE THIS PERFECTLY CLEAR: The Winter springs charter is in violation of Florida's Home Rule Laws, which guarantee residents the right to amend our charter, without the consent of city leadership. This is an essential right of self-government.

But, our charter defines only TWO processes for citizens:

1."INITIATIVE" --> Residents may propose an ordinance, or
2."REFERENDUM" --> residents may propose repealing an ordinance

In both cases a) voters get petitions b) the commission can adopt the ordinance, or if not c) it goes on the ballot

Neither initiatives or referendums outline a process by which residents may amend the charter. They address ordinances only.

I wrote an article about this here: https://www.onewintersprings.com/2026/01/16/winter-springs-city-charter-is-in-violation-of-floridas-home-rule-laws/

01/13/2026

At last nights commission meeting, Former Mayor Charles Lacey received a Key to the City. In accepting the recognition, Mr. Lacey reflected on his years of service to Winter Springs and expressed appreciation for a commission willing to engage in open debate and independent thought. He noted that the city is strongest when differing opinions are welcomed, contrasted that with a past period when dissent was discouraged, and emphasized the importance of representative government. Lacey concluded with a reminder that public officials should respect taxpayers by allowing citizens to keep as much of their own money as possible.

Read the full remarks here: https://www.onewintersprings.com/2026/01/13/former-mayor-charles-lacey-receives-key-to-the-city/

01/12/2026

Ever wonder why the same problems persist in Winter Springs—even after leadership changes?

Many residents assume the issue is about personalities or politics. But what if the real problem is structural?

Did you know that Winter Springs’ city charter is not fully aligned with Florida’s Home Rule laws, and that multiple reviews and audits have identified governance structures that weaken accountability and decision-making? When authority and accountability are misaligned at the charter level, meaningful reform becomes difficult—no matter who is elected.

These questions are explored in Our Home, Our Rule, a newly released book by Jesse Phillips, co-founder and past president of the Winter Springs Community Association. While Winter Springs serves as a case study, the book examines broader lessons about how local self-government breaks down—and what restoring Home Rule actually requires.

The book received this endorsement from John Hallman of Defending Rural Florida:

“This treatise provides a clear, thoughtful, and much-needed examination of how Home Rule was intended to function, and how far we have drifted from those principles over time. This book strengthens the case for restoring respect for local authority and reminds us that sound governance begins closest to the people.”

If you’re interested in learning more, you can find details and the Amazon link here:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GFP794PX

11/10/2025

We hit a major milestone! Over the years, our association has asked you to express your opinion on a wide range of issues. Your feedback has been an instrumental part of our advocacy. We recently tallied up some numbers, and have surpassed 100,000 survey questions answered. You've made your voice heard more than 100,000 times!! Thank you for helping make Winter Springs a better place. We will be heard!!

11/05/2025

Thank you News 6, for highlighting yet another failed audit, and the Mayor’s defensive excuse making. It’s time for transparency, accountability and real change in city hall. Jesse Phillips spoke with reporters outlining the issues the auditors said are still unresolved.

11/05/2025

Thank you News 6, for highlighting yet another failed audit, and the Mayor’s defensive excuse making. It’s time for transparency, accountability and real change in city hall.

10/29/2025

The Florida Auditor General did a follow up. The fundamental issues with accountability and transparency are not resolved. They found an additional $103,000 of your Penny Sales tax funds spent on high-priced consultants in clear violation of state law. Read our briefing here >> https://www.onewintersprings.com/audit2025/