Winter Park activists pushing to change how city commission is elected to give Black community a voice

WINTER PARK, Fla. — The Winter Park City Commission is taking the first step toward getting representation for a historic Black neighborhood among its ranks.

The commission voted 3-2 on Wednesday to put the issue of converting its commission to single-member voting on the ballot next March.

Winter Park currently does at-large voting to elect its mayor and county commissioners, which means everyone in the city can vote for the mayor and the four city commissioners.

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For years, Black residents have been trying to get single-member voting, which allows only people who live in distinct geographic areas of the city to vote for their representatives.

Activists took to the streets Monday to let their voices be heard. Their issue: the city commission is all white and has been for decades, while parts of the city is rich in Black history.

Hannibal Square, which is tucked just to the west of the center of the city, is a predominately Black neighborhood.

READ: FDLE clears Winter Park police chief after officer says chief, his wife tried to influence investigation

That would mean in Winter Park they could have the first Black representative since the late 19th century.

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

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