The South Apopka Adult Technical Center has a new name

From District 2 Orange County Commissioner Rod Love

The Office of Orange County Commissioner Rod A. Love would like to announce the proposed name of the South Apopka Adult Technical Center:

The Frank Smith Adult Technical Center

A naming committee comprised of local residents with a historic perspective of the Apopka community was charged by Commissioner Love with the task of reviewing and recommending individuals that have made substantial contributions to the area neighborhood south of Apopka. The final name recommendation will be submitted to the Orange County Public Schools School Advisory Council for review and approval. The committee included the following individuals: Francina Boykin, Community Advocate; Former City Commissioner Alonzo Williams; and Linda Lee with the Farmworkers’ Association.

District 2 Orange County Commissioner Rod Love

As an early 1960s African American settler, entrepreneur, and visionary that had settled in Apopka, Mr. Frank Smith provided much-needed business opportunities to the community south of Apopka. Mr. Smith opened a gas station with a general store, was the pioneering entrepreneur of the first taxi-cab service for the area, and built a two-story building including a hotel with a boarding house on the second floor. The two-story facility served the community for more than two decades across the street from Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School. In addition, Mr. Smith built his home in the same location. Mr. Smith has one surviving son: Marcus Smith.

The location of where the general store previously existed is where The Frank Smith Adult Technical Center will be built, with a future vision for a two-story vocational training facility.

Please contact the Office of Commissioner Rod A. Love at (407) 836-5850 or District2@ocfl.net with any questions or for more information.

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its citizens and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, the nation’s second-largest convention center, and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners including the Mayor who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.ocfl.net or go to the Orange County Facebook and Twitter pages.