SEMINOLE COUNTY · WINTER SPRINGS
Winter Springs: the town once called North Orlando
Discover the city’s former name, Lake Jesup connections and community spaces today.
How it began
Winter Springs began its municipal life under a different name: North Orlando. Incorporated in 1959, the small village later adopted the Winter Springs name in 1972. The area’s earlier history reaches into the communities around Lake Jesup, where wharves, agriculture and transportation helped connect settlements to the wider region.
A name change and a growing city
The city’s historical account describes growth alongside the wider expansion of Central Florida. The nearby university that opened as Florida Technological University in 1968—now UCF—was part of that changing regional setting. Town Center, which opened in 2002, added a shared commercial focus designed with an older Florida town atmosphere in mind.
Winter Springs today
Parks and trails are useful places to begin learning the community. Central Winds Park is described by the city as a hub for exercise, games and gatherings. Town Center provides a different perspective on everyday life, bringing shopping and community activity into a common setting. These places complement the older Lake Jesup-area story rather than replacing it. Check the city’s facility notices before visiting specific park amenities.
Sources & further reading
History and community overview researched October 8, 2026. Facility access can change; consult the official source when planning a visit.