Winter Springs commission directs staff to draft referendum changing mayor selection; 4–1 vote advances ordinance drafting

After extended debate and public comment, the Winter Springs City Commission on Oct. 27 voted 4–1 to direct the city attorney to draft ordinance language for a proposed charter referendum for the 2026 ballot that would change how the mayor is selected and how commissioners are elected.

The motion approved by the commission directed the city attorney to prepare language that would: remove the separately elected office of mayor while keeping five city commissioners; have the five commissioners select a mayor and deputy mayor each year by vote of their peers; move commissioner elections to single‑member districts; and make any voter‑approved changes effective in 2030. Deputy Mayor Kate Resnick made the motion and Commissioner Mark Caruso seconded. The vote was Resnick, Caruso, Paul Diaz and Victoria Bruce — yes; Sarah Baker — no.

Commissioners framed the action as an attempt to respond to pressure from the Seminole County Legislative Delegation and to give residents a local option before the delegation or the Legislature moved a local bill. "I've…