Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta says his first six months in office have focused on improving communication, supporting city employees, and reorganizing City Hall. In this op-ed, he addresses residents’ concerns about sidewalks, roads, traffic, and water service while outlining plans to review utility finances and impact fees.
The Apopka Development Review Committee will review two construction site plans and a proposed Trader Maes Christmas Festival at its October 14 meeting. The meeting begins at 9 am in the Apopka City Hall Commission Chambers.
Volusia County’s proposal to build a motocross facility on land purchased with conservation funding has drawn opposition and a lawsuit. In this commentary, Craig Pittman examines the environmental concerns, financial questions, and competing interpretations of what voters intended the land-buying program to accomplish.
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.
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 unanimously rejected a proposed $30,000 code-enforcement settlement for nearly eight years of violations at a rental property, totaling $5.6 million. Commissioners questioned the settlement policy and discussed concerns about the conditions tenants had endured.
Matthew’s Hope already serves people experiencing homelessness in Apopka four days a week through mobile outreach and transportation to Winter Garden. Founder Scott Billue hopes to expand that presence with a local service center and access to a sleeper bus, but funding, property, and partnership arrangements remain unresolved.
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.
The annual Peanut Butter Challenge is collecting donations to stock local food pantries, and Orange County hopes to expand its impact after winning last year’s competition. Residents can donate sealed, unexpired peanut butter at participating Extension offices during October, with collections continuing into November in some counties.
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.
Floridians comparing health coverage for 2027 should confirm that their doctors are in-network and their prescriptions are covered. Experts also recommend starting early and weighing deductibles, copays, and coinsurance alongside monthly premiums.
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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.
Quest, Inc. has been selected as a 2026 AdventHealth grant partner to help reduce transportation barriers for people with developmental disabilities. The funding will allow the Central Florida nonprofit to enhance its accessible transportation fleet and improve connections to healthcare services.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is sharing his experience with Stage 1 prostate cancer to encourage men to discuss screening and risk factors with their doctors. After undergoing surgery earlier this year, Demings says early detection gave him more treatment options and helped save his life.
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.
In this opinion column, Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta says that protecting taxpayers and supporting city employees are compatible goals. He outlines his rationale for restructuring leadership and urges a thorough review of spending before reducing services residents depend on.
Apopka police reported arrests involving carjacking, sexual battery, aggravated assault, DUI, and other charges during the week of September 27 through October 3. The department also recorded 1,587 calls for service, 53 citations, and 35 crashes.
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A feasibility study finds that annexing South Apopka is legally and physically achievable, but estimates approximately $30.5 million in capital needs for police, fire, and public services. The City Commission will discuss the report on October 7 and consider a procedural step needed to keep a possible March 2027 referendum on track.
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta outlined a proposed government restructuring that includes chief of staff and chief utilities officer positions during Monday’s town hall. His former campaign manager, Brian Mater, said he would consider the chief of staff opportunity, while Nesta said the positions would be posted publicly.
Apopka’s Development Review Committee recommended denying two residential submissions totaling 165 proposed homes and lots because access, safety, and infrastructure questions remain unresolved.
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.
