The designation of Winwood, FL as a historical district will preserve and display the heritage of the founding families of East Altamonte/ Winwood, Fl. Winwood became unincorporated from Altamonte Springs, after Condor Merritt, with the support of other residents won a law suit against the City of Altamonte Springs, for missuse of taxes. Condor Merritt ,(which is where the name Merritt St. came from) was an influential business man who owned various rental properties in Winwood which are still in his daughters’ and her husbands' possession, that provide homes to many of Winwoods citizens today. Winwood is the birthplace of Alcee Hastings, (Congressman, Former Judge, and first African American lawyer appointed to Florida's Federal Bench), home of a Rosenwald Center (the segregated school for black students of Winwood) which was built by the community through contributions from Julius Rosenwald during World War I, where Cedar Mason Neal, a teacher, who was also civic and community leader. Winwood has also overcome the label of Weed and Seed Community, although the authorities refuse to take the signs down. The alleged plan of Altamonte Springs is to annex East Altamonte/Winwood back into its zone and using eminent domain purchase the land far below its value in historical heritage and make it an industrial zone. The benefits of designating this zone as an African American Historical District are: to increase the property value, for those who choose to sell their property, preserving the area so that those who choose to keep and maintain their property may take pride in displaying the history of our town, which can be done through various grants and assistances available to us, which otherwise would not be. This is the step which will bring our community together, educate everyone on their recent African American Heritage, and bring morale and purpose back to the people of Winwood/ East Altamonte, FL.

Historical Sited Resource Material:

Smith Bentley, Altermese. Black America Series Seminole County, 2000.