Unify Apopka takes the first step in bringing the community together

Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.

― Mattie Stepanek

By Reggie Connell/Managing Editor of The Apopka Voice

Apopka is in the midst of a massive growth spurt both economically and in population. It has moved from "The Indoor Foliage Capital of the World", to the second largest city in Orange County.

Elections are important. Make no mistake about it. However, the election of a new mayor and city commissioners will not stop growth. Change and growth do not peek inside City Hall to see who is sitting on the dais two Wednesdays per month.

Growth and change are not looking for friends or even allies. They simply respond to dozens of elements that occur in a city, then slowly but surely there are 50,000 residents in a town that used to be primarily driven by agriculture.

Where a government and its citizens play a role is in the actions it takes during a growth spurt. They can either embrace and manage change and growth, or they can resist and create growing pains that can hamper or even stop its progress.

Elections by design create divisions. However, they were also designed to be temporary, which is why the never-ending election cycles are so harmful to a city, county, state, or nation.

However, that editorial moment is for another day.

Elections are supposed to be followed by a period of transition after which a community comes together to support its leaders. It doesn't mean ideologies will change. It doesn't mean there is blind faith in leadership.

It does mean a community should eventually unify once the dust of a hard-fought election settles and the business of governing begins.

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On Thursday, the first modest steps were taken to heal the Apopka community after a contentious election. Apopka businessman Rod Love, and attorney Greg Jackson of the radio show "Let's Talk About It" hosted an event they called "Unify Apopka" at the Fran Carlton Center in Apopka. Attendees were given olive branches of peace, and free massages to relieve the stress of the election.

The flyer promoting the event explained its mission this way:

"It is time for civility and leadership to prevail in our great city. As the second largest municipality in Orange County, let's lead by example and Unify Apopka! Together let's put the campaigns behind us and focus on the future."

Others in attendance agreed with the flyer's sentiment.

"The name says it all," said Apopka City Commissioner Doug Bankson. "I came to help Unify Apopka. We need to come to come together as a community. Together we can accomplish so much more than staying divided."

Love opened the Unify Apopka event with a further explanation of how this was not geared towards a specific side of the political spectrum.

"We did not have a crystal ball," said Love. "We started planning this event a month ago, and we were going to have it no matter who won. We felt compelled to have Unify Apopka no matter of the results. This call for unity is open to everyone."

Elias Rivera, an Apopka resident and one of the attendees, wanted to see what the event was about for himself.

"All citizens need to be informed. If you want to know the truth you have to hear it. Too many of us sit back and just listen to someone else's view. You have to hear it straight from them. I came tonight to hear the idea of unity directly from the people."

Dr. Ray Shackelford is a consistent speaker during the Public Comments portion of City Council meetings. He came to Unify Apopka to start that process.

"I'm here to support the need to unify Apopka. All people need to be involved in this. We must unify for the future of our children and for our seniors and veterans whose shoulders we stand upon."

Eric and Minnette Brown are an elderly couple who live in unincorporated Apopka and are not eligible to vote in the municipal elections. Despite that fact, they came to the event to be a part of the healing.

"We love Apopka. We've been in the area for years and we wanted to support the idea of unity," said Eric.

"We wanted to see what was taking place at an event dedicated to coming together. I appreciate the effort," said Minnette.