Apopka’s Development Review Committee approved plans for the Trader Mae's Christmas Festival, a two-day holiday market scheduled for Nov. 7–8. The committee also reviewed commercial redevelopment and logistics park plans that drew requests for revisions involving planning requirements, parking, and emergency access.
Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack defended a proposed rewrite of public school science standards, saying it still includes evolution and climate science. An October 27 listening session in Orange County will give Apopka families and educators an opportunity to discuss the changes before a planned December vote.
Orange County Animal Services has resumed all shelter services, including normal animal intake, following a temporary disruption related to construction of its new facility. To celebrate, the shelter is offering $5 adoptions for dogs and cats aged four months and older from Oct. 14–18.
The Apopka Police Department reported 10 burglaries during the week of Oct. 4-10, including five residential, three vehicle, and two commercial incidents. The weekly list includes two residential reports on Stonechapel Court and two vehicle burglary reports on Nicole Lee Circle.
Development hearings, conservation office hours, and Camp Wewa activities highlight Apopka’s schedule for October 13–18. Apopka hosts Timber Creek Friday night, while Wekiva has no varsity game listed this week.
The Apopka Planning Commission will hold public hearings Tuesday on a proposed Chandler Road daycare center and a rezoning request involving three Sir Arthur Court properties. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, with opportunities for residents to comment on both proposals.
The housing crisis involves more than the need to build new homes: Deferred maintenance also pushes existing affordable housing out of use. Contributors to “The Other Housing Crisis” argue that targeted repair assistance can preserve homes while reducing health problems, energy costs, and displacement.
Orange County is inviting residents and community partners to identify housing needs, service gaps, and development priorities for its next five-year Consolidated Plan. Apopka residents can participate through Engage Orange by completing a community needs survey, sharing ideas, and providing feedback.
Project Noelle’s Red Ribbon Spooktacular will bring costumes, contests, and a drug-prevention message to the Apopka Community Center on October 24. Behind the free family event is a nonprofit founded by Keli Clark after her daughter’s overdose death, dedicated to helping children affected by a parent’s addiction.
The Apopka City Commission will review the South Apopka annexation feasibility study results and consider extending the Community Redevelopment Agency at its October 7 meeting. The agenda also includes a 502-home development plan, a 55-home rezoning proposal, and three separate annexation requests.
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta said Amendment 3 could reduce city revenue by $7 million in its first year and $11.5 million in its second. Speaking alongside four other municipal leaders, he discussed potential effects on city services and residents’ expectations.
Two additional locally acquired dengue cases have brought Orange County’s total to five, according to the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. Health officials and Orange County Mosquito Control are expanding prevention efforts, including planned aerial spraying in affected communities.
A University of Florida study found the primary mosquito species capable of transmitting dengue was more common than researchers expected in residential yards in Indian River County. Participants frequently reported bites while gardening and walking dogs, highlighting how everyday activities close to home can bring people into contact with mosquitoes.
Flu activity is beginning to increase in parts of the United States, although national levels remain low. With the season approaching, an epidemiologist outlines available vaccines and explains why getting vaccinated before widespread transmission matters.
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The Florida Blue Foundation is awarding $3.1 million to eight community-based initiatives addressing food insecurity across the state. The programs will serve students, farmworkers, uninsured residents, people experiencing homelessness, and rural communities.
Health officials have confirmed two additional locally acquired dengue fever cases in the Apopka area, prompting a mosquito alert for Orange County. Mosquito Control is expanding surveillance and targeted treatment in Apopka, Pine Hills, and other parts of the county.
Orange County Mosquito Control has added new laboratory technology to detect viruses in mosquito samples more quickly. The PCR testing capability could deliver same-day results, reduce costs, and improve mitigation efforts.
Federal energy policy changes could increase Florida households’ annual energy costs by $630 by 2035, according to modeling by Energy Innovation. The analysis also projects economic losses, fewer jobs, and additional public health costs associated with increased air pollution.
A rejected code-enforcement settlement, concerns about Flock cameras and a South Apopka annexation proposal brought major community issues before city commissioners. Catch up on those stories, plus Matthew’s Hope’s possible expansion, development questions at Kelly Park and Mayor Nick Nesta’s perspective on city employees.
Residents urged the Apopka City Commission to reconsider its use of Flock license plate reader cameras, raising concerns about privacy, data handling, and tracking people’s movements.
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South Apopka’s annexation study and proposed City Hall changes made for a busy week of local news. Also making headlines were a proposed resource center, infrastructure concerns surrounding 165 homes, and more than 30 Apopka firefighters who completed the Tunnel to Towers run despite a storm.
The Apopka CRA’s latest project report shows progress on downtown amenities, housing renovations, and a proposed homeless resource center. However, the fiscal year 2027 budget removed two pedestrian improvement projects due to inactivity, while the master plan update and the second phase of the Downtown Apopka Trail remain pending.
Orange County Public Schools students will get new opportunities to read, create, and experience live theater during the 2026–27 school year through a collaboration between the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools and POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance (PSC).
Social-media reactions, headlines, and popular opinion cannot replace a careful understanding of the consequences of government decisions. True leadership means remaining grounded in faith, treating residents and businesses fairly, and accepting that doing what is right may sometimes require standing alone. OP/ED by Apopka City Commissioner Nadia Anderson.
After being challenged to exclude and denounce members of the LGBTQ+ community, Matthew’s Hope founder Scott Billue reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to serving everyone without discrimination. He believes that Christian faith is demonstrated not through judgment, but through unconditional compassion and a willingness to do difficult work.
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Street-safety advocates in Ivins, Utah, faced a series of unusual restrictions that eliminated many traditional options for making a school-area roundabout safer. Instead of abandoning the effort, they focused on the underlying goal of slowing traffic and developed a less expensive pilot project using painted curb extensions.
TheZebra.com reports that 1 in 3 drivers are uninsured or underinsured, increasing financial risk for insured motorists in accidents.
Mercury reports on automating personal banking tasks to save time and money, highlighting eight tasks like automatic savings and payment setups.
(BPT) - It's a Thursday evening at home, and all you want to do is relax with your family. However, the mental list of possible to-dos stops you from being fully present with your loved ones. …
TheZebra.com reports that Salt Lake City, Denver, and Austin are among the top 10 U.S. cities where renting is more affordable than buying.
