By Jesse Phillips
Winter Springs Water Quality Initiative
The residents of Winter Springs have had enough. Enough of the secrecy. Enough of the excuses. Enough of failed leadership defending a company that has repeatedly failed our city.
At the latest Winter Springs Commission meeting, Mayor Kevin McCann made it clear: He wants Veolia, the company which has racked up violations and fines in our city, to bid to renew their contract.
Let that sink in.
Despite multiple consent orders, state violations, and continued mismanagement, McCann refuses to hold Veolia accountable. Instead of demanding answers, he shields them from scrutiny. Instead of putting our community first, he prioritizes closed-door negotiations over public transparency.
A Pattern of Failure and Cover-Ups
🚨 Warning Letter – On January 24th, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a warning letter detailing serious wastewater violations.
🚨 Caruso Demands Transparency – at the February 24th Commission Meeting, Commissioner Mark Caruso confronted McCann for failing to disclose the letter. McCann admitted he was wrong—but only after being caught.
🚨 Diaz Demands Accountability – Commissioner Diaz asked the question everyone is thinking: Why is Veolia still employed? Why won’t they show up to face questions? McCann’s response? More excuses. More protection for a company that has failed us.
Why Should Veolia Even Be Considered?
✅ Their mismanagement has led to fines, violations, and environmental damage.
✅ They are avoiding public accountability by skipping the March 13 wastewater workshop.
✅ Their track record in Flint, Michigan, Heavener, Oklahoma and other cities proves they cannot be trusted with public health.
Yet McCann says, “We want everyone to bid.” No, Mr. Mayor, we do not want a company with this track record anywhere near our city’s water system any longer than you have already allowed them to be.
What Can You Do?
📅 Mark Your Calendar: Attend the March 13 wastewater workshop (9:30 AM) at City Hall. Demand answers.
📢 Call and Email Your Commissioners: Tell them Veolia should NOT be allowed to bid.
🗳 Stay Engaged: Leadership that refuses to hold Veolia accountable should not be rewarded with another term.
Winter Springs deserves better. We deserve a water system that works, leaders who prioritize transparency, and a contractor that actually does the job right.
Let’s make it clear: Veolia must go.