Require Jetta Point Park to remain a wooded park

Recent signers:
Mary Snipes and 17 others have signed recently.

The Issue

I have lived in Winter Springs since 1987. Over the years, I have witnessed our community blossom, largely due to its commitment to preserving parks and open spaces. Winter Springs has always been synonymous with lush greenery and natural beauty, making it a great place to live and raise a family. However, recent proposals for commercial development threaten to undermine our town's tranquil environment, a sanctuary for both its residents and wildlife.

Jetta Point Park is at risk of being rezoned for commercial use, potentially to accommodate businesses such as hotels. Such development not only stands to disrupt the natural landscape but also brings with it concerns of increased traffic, heightened crime rates, and various forms of pollution - soil, air, water, noise, and light pollution - that could irreversibly alter the quality of life in our community.

Seminole County proudly brands itself as "Florida's Natural Choice," and Winter Springs takes pride in its long-standing recognition as a "Tree City USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation.  Environmental preservation is supposedly in the mission of our local government. We, the residents, passionately support this mission and believe that converting Jetta Point Park into a commercial hub would contradict everything our community stands for.

Jetta Point Park is home to a pair of bald eagles and their only nest site (Nest SE004).

Instead of paving over paradise, let us come together to protect and enhance our natural spaces. There are numerous low-impact ways we can utilize Jetta Point Park that align with our shared passion for conservation. Options such as a dog park, hiking or biking trails, or community gardens can provide recreational opportunities while preserving the park's natural beauty.

Let us hold true to our community promise and ensure that Jetta Point Park remains a serene and wooded area for generations to come. Please sign this petition to urge our local leaders to keep Jetta Point Park a place where nature and community thrive hand in hand.

790

Recent signers:
Mary Snipes and 17 others have signed recently.

The Issue

I have lived in Winter Springs since 1987. Over the years, I have witnessed our community blossom, largely due to its commitment to preserving parks and open spaces. Winter Springs has always been synonymous with lush greenery and natural beauty, making it a great place to live and raise a family. However, recent proposals for commercial development threaten to undermine our town's tranquil environment, a sanctuary for both its residents and wildlife.

Jetta Point Park is at risk of being rezoned for commercial use, potentially to accommodate businesses such as hotels. Such development not only stands to disrupt the natural landscape but also brings with it concerns of increased traffic, heightened crime rates, and various forms of pollution - soil, air, water, noise, and light pollution - that could irreversibly alter the quality of life in our community.

Seminole County proudly brands itself as "Florida's Natural Choice," and Winter Springs takes pride in its long-standing recognition as a "Tree City USA" by the Arbor Day Foundation.  Environmental preservation is supposedly in the mission of our local government. We, the residents, passionately support this mission and believe that converting Jetta Point Park into a commercial hub would contradict everything our community stands for.

Jetta Point Park is home to a pair of bald eagles and their only nest site (Nest SE004).

Instead of paving over paradise, let us come together to protect and enhance our natural spaces. There are numerous low-impact ways we can utilize Jetta Point Park that align with our shared passion for conservation. Options such as a dog park, hiking or biking trails, or community gardens can provide recreational opportunities while preserving the park's natural beauty.

Let us hold true to our community promise and ensure that Jetta Point Park remains a serene and wooded area for generations to come. Please sign this petition to urge our local leaders to keep Jetta Point Park a place where nature and community thrive hand in hand.

The Decision Makers

Jay Zembower
Seminole County Commission - District 2
Responded
Jetta Point was originally planned as an active recreation park—not a passive one. The vision included lighted ball fields, a soccer complex, and a variety of recreational amenities, similar to Boombah Sports Complex in Sanford. However, after extensive evaluation, it was determined that the site did not meet the County’s needs. As a result, the decision was made to consider selling the property. Proceeds from the sale would be redirected to support the Rolling Hills project in Longwood. While a recent Oviedo News report mentioned the possibility of a hotel, that is just one of many potential developments that could be considered for this high-visibility location along a major expressway. I hope this answers some of your questions.
Kevin McCann
Winter Springs City Mayor
Responded
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to express their concern for Jetta Point. Like many of you, I treasure Winter Springs’ tree canopy and have a long history of fighting to protect it. Our community’s wooded character and controlled approach to growth are part of what make Winter Springs so special. Years ago, Seminole County proposed building a large sports complex on this property. Our residents stood together and successfully opposed that project. Now it appears the County intends to sell the land. State law requires that if it is sold, it must go to the highest bidder. For the City to keep it as parkland, we would have to purchase it ourselves at a cost of several million dollars, which would likely require a significant increase in property taxes. The City Commission is listening for support of this measure and will respond accordingly. At this point, no formal project has been submitted to the City of Winter Springs. There are no facts, no plans, and no details. Without them, it would be irresponsible to form an opinion or commit City resources. While talk of a hotel has circulated, I fear other possibilities such as apartments or commercial uses could also appear. I want to be clear: I will not support any zoning changes until a specific and detailed project is brought before the City Commission and the public for full review. Winter Springs already leads our region in parkland per capita, and our city will continue to balance smart growth with environmental protection. My promise is the same as it has always been to fight for transparency, for our tree canopy, and for responsible development that respects the character of our community.
Ron DeSantis
Florida Governor
James Uthmeier
Florida Attorney General
Blaise Ingoglia
Florida Chief Financial Officer

Supporter Voices

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