The Seminole County legislative delegation voted to advance a local bill that would place a Winter Springs charter amendment on the November 2026 ballot.

Representative Plakken presented the local bill to “modernize the city's governance by making the mayor a full voting member of the city commission while maintaining a five‑member body,” saying the proposal would “maintain no new positions or costs” and would “place the proposal before the voters in the 2026 general election for final approval.”

The measure drew sustained public comment both for and against state intervention. Winter Springs Mayor Kevin McCann told the delegation he had “no problem on principle” with discussing the charter but urged that the city’s own charter review process and the local voters be allowed to decide, asking the delegation to “respect the will of the people, whether they vote yes or no.” Former commissioner and Winter Springs Community Association president Ken Greenberg said a city survey of roughly 450 respondents showed 97% support for the reform and urged the delegation to advance the measure so voters can decide. City Commissioner Mark Caruso and City official Sarah Baker opposed legislative intervention, saying charter changes should be decided locally through the charter review and referendum process.

After debate, a member moved to waive delegation rules and advance the local bill into the legislative process. The delegation conducted a roll‑call vote and the motion carried; the chair announced “the yeses have it,” advancing the bill for consideration in the 2026 legislative session. Delegation members emphasized the bill places the final decision with Winter Springs voters: Representative Plakken and others noted the local referendum is required by the bill as presented.

Why it matters: The action advances a change to a municipal charter by initiating a local special bill in the state legislature rather than leaving the timing and procedure entirely to Winter Springs officials. Supporters said the change would resolve governance gridlock; opponents called the move an overreach that bypasses local home‑rule processes and urged reliance on the city’s planned charter review committee. Several delegation members said the bill can be withdrawn if the city pursues and completes its own local process before session.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to waive delegation rules and forward the Winter Springs Charter Amendment as a local bill to the 2026 legislative process — outcome: advanced (delegation roll call; chair announced “the yeses have it”).

Public comment highlights

- Kevin McCann, mayor of Winter Springs: urged local review and respect for voter outcome.
- Mark Caruso, Winter Springs commissioner: opposed state intervention and urged local process.
- Ken Greenberg, president, Winter Springs Community Association, former commissioner: presented survey results showing majority local support.

Next steps: The bill now resides in the Florida House as a local bill and will be referenced, can be amended, and will follow the regular legislative process during the 2026 session. The delegation and speakers noted the city may continue a parallel charter review and the bill can be withdrawn if the city or voters take alternate action before the end of session.