Veterans in Apopka and Orange County honored with ceremonies, big discounts, and year-round support

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Veterans in Apopka and Orange County honored with ceremonies, big discounts, and year-round support
Apopka and Orange County are marking Veterans Day with a full slate of events and perks, including ceremonies at Kit Land Nelson Park and the Orange County Administration Center, as well as free admission to museums and attractions, restaurant deals, car washes, and grocery discounts. Beyond the holiday, veterans also have access to property tax relief, state park benefits, county support services, and emerging AI-driven hiring tools designed to better recognize military experience.
GoFundMe campaigns launched for three Apopka teens killed in Welch Road crash
Families of three teenagers who died in a Sunday morning crash on Welch Road in Apopka have launched GoFundMe campaigns to help cover funeral and related expenses.
Seagrass meadows are an essential part of Florida’s coastal ecosystem.
Seashells from centuries ago show that seagrass meadows on Florida’s Nature Coast are thriving
Scientists are turning beach shells into powerful tools for conservation, using them to reconstruct centuries of ecological history in Florida’s seagrass meadows. Their work on the state’s Nature Coast reveals that these habitats and their mollusk communities have remained remarkably stable for hundreds of years, offering a rare success story—and a model—for protecting seagrass systems under pressure worldwide.
Audubon Florida and Orange County History Center celebrate 125 years of conservation in a new exhibit
Audubon Florida and the Orange County Regional History Center have launched a new exhibit tracing 125 years of bird conservation in Florida. The colorful display, open through February 2026, highlights Florida’s role in saving wading birds, restoring the Everglades, and expanding public lands.
AAA: Florida gas prices fall to new 2025 low
Florida has followed a familiar cycle for over a year, where the state average declines for 5-10 days, then shoots up 10-20 cents before moving lower again. 
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Local News
Apopka and Orange County honor veterans with ceremonies, banners, and Vietnam War tribute
Apopka and Orange County are marking Veterans Day with a series of events that include park and downtown ceremonies, a special tribute to Vietnam veterans, and a citywide banner program honoring local heroes. From keynote remarks by a retired Navy captain to Operation Green Light illuminating county buildings, the region is offering multiple ways for residents to recognize the sacrifices of veterans and their families.
The Florida State Capitol is situated in Tallahassee, featuring a historic domed structure in the foreground and a tower in the background.
Florida lawmakers line up sweeping property tax relief proposals for 2026 session
Property tax relief is poised to be a central focus when Florida’s 2026 legislative session convenes Jan. 13, with lawmakers filing a series of joint resolutions that could dramatically cut or phase out non-school property taxes on homesteads. The proposals range from new and expanded homestead exemptions to changes in the Save-Our-Homes benefit, sparking debate between Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders over how far and how fast to proceed.
Annexing South Apopka requires better leadership - and the right timing
In a meeting intended to advance the South Apopka annexation study, the Apopka City Council instead hit pause — questioning its own timeline, the process it had approved, and the very need for the study itself.
Two longtime Apopka police officers promoted to top leadership positions
Lieutenant Daniel Garcia and Lieutenant Christopher “Chris” Hanstein have been promoted to deputy chief and captain, respectively, by Chief Lovetta Quinn-Henry. Both officers bring decades of experience, innovation, and dedication to the Apopka Police Department and community.
Apopka rings in the holidays with back-to-back community festivals
Apopka residents can look forward to two weekends of celebration this fall as city leaders approved road closures for a pair of festive community events. The Puddin’ Place Festival and the Pines of Wekiva Holiday Fest will bring food, music, and neighborhood spirit to the heart of Apopka.
Sarasota County intended the Celery Fields to manage stormwater runoff, but it’s turned into a popular bird sanctuary that draws 130,000 visitors a year.
Bird-defending Audubon chapter defeats Florida development planned by nation’s largest homebuilder
The Sarasota Audubon Society outlasted homebuilding giant D.R. Horton in a three-round battle to protect the Celery Fields bird sanctuary from development. The unanimous votes against rezoning mark a rare and inspiring environmental victory in Florida’s fast-growing landscape.
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The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly arrest report that includes arrests, crashes, calls for service, and traffic citations. This report is for the week ending November 1st.
Business
State lawmakers are asking Congress to open the timber trade with Asia
Speakers of the House from five Southern states are calling on Congress to reopen Asian markets to U.S. timber, citing mill closures and deep economic losses across the region. The lawmakers say restrictive trade policies, fumigant bans, and sudden tariffs are devastating the South’s forestry industry and jeopardizing thousands of jobs.
A display of Halloween products for sale in West Covina, Calif., on Sept. 10, 2025.
Why is Halloween starting so much earlier each year? A business professor explains
Halloween isn’t just growing in popularity — it’s arriving earlier each year, driven by skyrocketing consumer spending and retailer strategies to move seasonal merchandise sooner. What began as a folk holiday has evolved into a $13 billion commercial event, with decorations, costumes, and candy hitting shelves months before October 31.
Enjoy Halloween without harming your smile
Halloween can still be sweet for kids with braces — as long as families make smart choices about candy and oral care. Orthodontist-friendly treats like plain chocolate or soft cookies are safer options than sticky or hard candies, helping kids enjoy the holiday without damaging braces or risking cavities.
A shopper who receives SNAP benefits slides an EBT card at a checkout counter in a Washington, D.C., grocery store in December 2024.
Thousands of Floridians could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues. Officials warn that funding for SNAP benefits may run out within two weeks. States have already been told to pause November benefit processing, heightening fears of widespread food insecurity.
A backyard cottage peeks out from behind a larger house in Tallahassee, Florida.
Tallahassee turned frustration into action by scaling its accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to fit the size of backyard cottage projects rather than treating them like major developments. The result: simpler permitting, more flexibility for homeowners, and over 40 new ADUs built in just one year.
Avocado fruit showing characteristic avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) symptoms. The fruit displays a distinct longitudinal yellow streak with sharply demarcated margins, typical of sunblotch infection. Symptoms can vary but often include irregular yellow or whitish streaks, discoloration, and deformed fruit.
Florida’s avocado industry faces a renewed threat from avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd), a disease that can stunt trees, deform fruit, and silently spread through groves. UF/IFAS researchers are urging growers, nurseries, and homeowners to remain vigilant, test trees, and follow strict sanitation practices to protect the state’s prized avocado crops.
Health

Why are 4.7 million Floridians insured through ACA marketplace plans, and what happens if they lose their subsidies?

4.7 million Floridians use health insurance plans obtained from the ACA marketplace.

Since the Affordable Care Act’s passage in 2010, the number of uninsured Americans has been cut nearly in half — but with federal subsidies now at the center of a prolonged government shutdown, millions could lose affordable coverage. In Florida, where 4.7 million residents rely on ACA marketplace plans, the stakes are especially high.

An Indigenous approach shows how changing the clocks for daylight saving time runs counter to human nature – and nature itself

Humans and nature can find balance in each other.

As we turn our clocks back this weekend, an Indigenous perspective invites us to rethink daylight saving time itself. Rather than controlling time to maximize productivity, the change in seasons reminds us to slow down, rest, and reconnect with nature’s cycles.

Orange County erases $49.2 million in medical debt for 49,000 residents

Orange County has eliminated another $49.2 million in medical debt, helping over 49,000 residents through its ongoing collaboration with Undue Medical Debt. Since the program’s inception, more than $515 million in medical debt has been cleared for 302,000 residents, with no action required from those affected.

Open Enrollment: Know the facts about this year’s government changes

With government changes coming to the Health Insurance Marketplace, many Floridians could see their monthly costs and subsidy amounts shift in 2026. Florida Blue encourages residents to review their plans, understand what’s changing, and connect with licensed agents for free help during Open Enrollment.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could unlock the next revolution in cancer treatment – new research

With a little help, your immune cells can be potent tumor killers.

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines may do more than prevent infection—they could help the immune system fight cancer. Patients receiving these vaccines alongside immunotherapy showed dramatically improved survival rates, even for tumors usually resistant to treatment.

Federal shutdown creates health care uncertainty for Florida families

Florida

The ongoing federal shutdown has suspended Medicare telehealth reimbursements, forcing Florida health centers to balance patient care with financial survival. Experts warn the disruption, combined with potential loss of premium tax credits, could cost community health centers hundreds of millions and leave thousands of patients without coverage.

6 tips to find the right Medicare plan for you

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs from October 15 to December 7, giving beneficiaries the chance to evaluate their current plan and explore new options. Experts recommend reviewing plan changes, comparing costs, and consulting a licensed agent to find coverage that best fits your needs.

Florida Congressional members warn about Florida’s looming health care crisis

An advocate holds an SEIU sign protesting rising health care costs at a demonstration near the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025.

A trio of state lawmakers warned Tuesday that Florida stands to lose more than any other state if Congress lets enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of the year. Without action, health insurance costs could skyrocket for millions of Floridians, with state officials facing criticism for staying silent on the looming increases.

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Government
This weekend, Apopka residents can attend the State of the City event with Mayor Bryan Nelson, cheer on teams at the Phil the Boot Truck Pull, or explore classic cars at the Horsepower for Heroes show. All three events combine fun, community connection, and support for local heroes, including Apopka Fire Engineer Phil Faro and Honor Flight Central Florida.
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles. 
Apopka City Hall
City officials will review development proposals, municipal impact fees, and community growth projects during four meetings at Apopka City Hall. Residents can attend in person or watch online to stay informed about decisions shaping the city’s future.
 In case you missed it: The Apopka news week in review
In case you missed it. The Apopka News Week in Review includes five articles that shaped the City... all in one place, including details on Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley's retirement.
When Michael McKinley became Apopka’s Police Chief in 2015, the city was growing fast, and the department faced challenges of size, staffing, and modernization. Ten years later, McKinley retires with the agency larger, accredited, and more connected to the community than ever before.
McKinley thanks Apopka
As he prepares to retire after 42 years in law enforcement, Apopka Police Chief Mike McKinley expressed his gratitude to residents, city leaders, and officers for their support and collaboration. McKinley praised the community’s unity and expressed confidence in Deputy Chief Lovetta Quinn-Henry, who will succeed him as chief.
When Michael McKinley became Apopka’s Police Chief in 2015, the city was growing fast, and the department faced challenges of size, staffing, and modernization. Ten years later, McKinley retires with the agency larger, accredited, and more connected to the community than ever before.
A Decade of Progress: McKinley retires from the Apopka Police Department
When Michael McKinley became Apopka’s Police Chief in 2015, the city was growing fast, and the department faced challenges of size, staffing, and modernization. Ten years later, McKinley retires with the agency larger, accredited, and more connected to the community than ever before.

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Opinion

Good cities are built from small, thoughtful decisions

A nightly walk through a park revealed how small design choices can make a city feel safe, welcoming, or neglected. The difference between good lighting and bad lighting is more than technical — it’s emotional, and it’s what separates places people love from places they avoid.
Installing benches at bus stops across Apopka would help residents, seniors, and people with disabilities access public transit more easily while fostering civic engagement. Involving volunteers, local artists, and businesses could transform small improvements into meaningful community impact.
Canaveral National Seashore offers the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic beach in Florida. Space X wants to close it for at least two months a year and maybe more.
SpaceX’s push to expand its Starship launch operations at Kennedy Space Center has drawn fierce opposition from environmental groups, residents, and local officials worried about the impact on Cape Canaveral’s protected lands and communities. Critics say increased launches, water use, pollution, and access restrictions — including at Playalinda Beach — could irreversibly damage one of Florida’s most ecologically sensitive regions.
Once a city alive with debates, ideas, and spirited campaigns, Apopka now faces a troubling decline in political engagement. True democracy depends on choices—and it’s up to residents, community leaders, and former candidates to revive the city’s political energy before another election passes by default. Opinion by The Apopka Voice Managing Editor Reggie Connell.

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How to choose the best cold and flu medicine for your symptoms

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7 game-changing tech trends CFOs can’t ignore going into 2026

Anrok reports seven tech trends CFOs must embrace by 2026, including agentic AI, spatial computing, and blockchain, to lead digital transformation.

Buy online, pickup in store: 4 agile retail trends redefining the customer experience

The Barcode Group reports on the rise of BOPIS in retail, combining online and in-store shopping, enhancing customer experience and efficiency.

With rising debt comes rising costs: The rise of global yields

OANDA reports government yields are rising due to increased debt, inflation, and low investor confidence, driving volatility in currencies and assets.

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