Seminole penny tax could bring safety, road improvements

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Tuesday is the last day for Seminole County voters to decide on the proposed penny tax increase.

Elected officials believe the penny tax will provide millions every year for needed projects throughout the county. But some residents who are against the tax said the hike is not necessary.

Eyewitness News reached out to county officials to find out which projects need to be addressed the most.

With the penny tax, State Road 436 and Oxford Road could get safety improvements, Winter Springs could get a new interchange near the Greenway and Longwood's historic district could receive road upgrades, according to officials. The tax could also benefit Rinehart Road in Lake Mary and Sanford's historic Goldsboro district.

"It will be exciting," Seminole County parent Ena Dominguez said.

Dominguez's 16-year-old daughter goes to class in portables at Seminole High School. All of the portables would replaced if the penny tax passes, because schools would get 25 percent of the money.

"The heat bothers her so I would like to make some difference," Dominguez said.

The extra penny would bring in roughly $63 million a year. Critics said it's too much and puts a burden on struggling families.

"I think it would be good if we actually spent the money toward the appropriate things, which we don't and I think it would be an unnecessary raise," resident Patrick Carcione.

At last check, 26,000 people out of 260,000 registered Seminole County voters have voted.

WFTV