Winter Springs commission approves "month of respect and community" declaration after heated debate

Mayor Kevin McCann read a revised declaration that "recognizes June as a month of respect and community" and said the document had been rewritten to avoid language that could divide residents. "I, Kevin McCann, the mayor of the City of Winter Springs, declare the month of June 2026 as a month of respect and community," the mayor read aloud as the text was placed for commission consideration.

Commissioner Baker moved to approve the declaration; Deputy Mayor Kate Resnick seconded the motion. During debate, one commissioner raised a legal objection, saying the declaration's paragraph 3 "violates paragraph 5," arguing it could be construed as a political action; the mayor and proponents said the intent was to affirm dignity and mutual respect rather than endorse a political viewpoint. The city attorney advised that the commission could vote on the action as presented.

Public input was divided. David Williamson, speaking for the Central Florida Free Thought Community, urged stronger language and explicit recognition of Pride: "Pride matters because there are young people watching," he said, urging the city to protect queer residents and recognize ongoing harms. Several residents, including Art Gallo and Sheila Benton, expressed support for the declaration as written; other commenters, including Sean Cassidy, said they opposed endorsing what they viewed as a political statement and warned of negative community effects.

After public comment and brief additional discussion, the motion passed. Commissioners recorded votes in the meeting; the mayor said the declaration would be signed after the meeting and made public.

Next steps: the document will be signed by the mayor and willing commissioners and posted publicly; commissioners indicated members may choose not to sign the printed declaration even if they voted in favor.