Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind” as Florida’s official anthem, honoring the Apopka native who died on October 21 at age 71. His executive order also directs state officials to establish historic markers in Apopka and rename the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and Trail System in Anderson’s memory.

From Apopka Proud to a Florida anthem: State honors John Anderson’s legacy

Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind” as Florida’s official anthem, honoring the Apopka native who died Oct. 21 at age 71. His executive order also directs state officials to establish historic markers in Apopka and rename Lake Apopka’s wildlife drive and trail system in Anderson’s memory.

OCPS reviews early academic progress as micromobility enforcement moves forward

Orange County School Board members reviewed initial student assessment results and campus micromobility enforcement during their Oct. 27 work session. Approximately 1,150 devices are registered at district high schools, with repeated violations potentially leading to confiscation and loss of campus privileges.

A Lighter Financial Burden: Orange County erases another $199 million in medical debt

Orange County’s fourth round of medical debt relief has eliminated $199 million owed by more than 112,000 residents. Recipients will receive confirmation letters from nonprofit partner Undue Medical Debt, with no application required.

Hulu in November: Scandals, sequels, and Santa

Hulu’s November lineup mixes returning dramas, reality television, and new movie arrivals with an early helping of Christmas favorites. Our calendar tracks the announced premieres, film additions, weekly episodes, and podcasts throughout the month.

APD responds to six burglary reports

Apopka police listed six burglaries in their Oct. 18-24 report: three residential, two vehicle, and one commercial. Four of the incidents were reported Oct. 18, with the remaining two reported Oct. 20 and Oct. 23.

Warehouse proposal, residential projects head to DRC

Apopka’s Development Review Committee will consider a proposed warehouse use on Clarcona Road, an 11-lot replat on East Lisa Lane, and two returning residential applications on Wednesday. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the City Hall Commission Chambers.

From the Courthouse to Congress: Five races shaping Apopka’s November ballot

The road to Nov. 3 runs through debates over housing costs, traffic, health care, and government accountability. This voter guide examines five races affecting Apopka-area residents and reintroduces the candidates, their priorities, and the choices awaiting voters.

Reminder: Once-a-week watering beginning soon

Once-a-week watering begins Nov. 1. Residents should review the schedule that applies to their property and adjust automatic irrigation timers accordingly.

When AI screens out opportunity: Why human connections still matter in hiring

AI hiring tools can streamline recruitment, but they can also reinforce biases and leave qualified applicants struggling to get an interview. Second Harvest’s Keonna Yearwood-Branch explains how job training and direct employer relationships can help candidates move beyond automated screening.

In case you missed it: Apopka remembers a music legend, honors its history and debates City Hall spending

Apopka remembered hometown country music legend John Anderson and celebrated state recognition for Mead’s Bottom, while commissioners debated discretionary spending and legal services. This week’s roundup also includes Mayor Nick Nesta’s call for residents to find common ground and strengthen their community.

Halloween Highway, development reviews, and town hall highlight Apopka’s week ahead

Apopka closes October with free drive-thru trick-or-treating, four development applications scheduled for review, and the Apopka Works for All Town Hall. The Oct. 26-31 calendar also includes Camp Wewa’s Climb Club and a Halloween morning run benefiting The Gina McReynolds Foundation.

Lake Mary defeats Apopka 45-13, ending Blue Darters’ playoff hopes

Apopka’s playoff hopes ended Friday night with a 45-13 loss to Lake Mary as turnovers and defensive breakdowns put the Blue Darters in an early hole. Two touchdown connections between Kai Goodling and Nyzier Collington provided a bright spot as Apopka looks toward its season finale against Wekiva.

Nesta urges Apopka residents to find common ground and build a stronger community

Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta is encouraging residents to look beyond social media divisions and strengthen their community through everyday connections. In his latest message, he acknowledges questions surrounding changes at City Hall while urging residents to support local businesses, enjoy city parks and get involved.

Commissioner Sam Ruth sought to revisit safeguards governing city-supported commissioner events, citing concerns about spending oversight.

Commissioners' discretionary spending debate turns contentious

A discussion about safeguards for commissioners’ discretionary spending escalated into accusations of racism and disagreements over the Hearts and Souls concert. The Apopka City Commission ultimately voted unanimously to leave the existing policy unchanged until further discussion on Nov. 4.

Apopka remembers John Anderson, hometown singer and country music legend

John Anderson’s journey from Apopka to the Country Music Hall of Fame included decades of hits and memorable returns to his hometown stage. The singer, whose family announced his death Wednesday at 71, leaves a legacy of music and enduring ties to the community where he grew up.

Mead’s Bottom earns state historical marker honoring Apopka’s Black history

Florida has approved a state historical marker for Mead’s Bottom, one of Northwest Orange County’s oldest Black settlements. The designation recognizes a community’s role in Apopka’s development and follows three years of research and advocacy by the Apopka & Northwest Orange County Historical Society.

DRC approves Kelly Park revision, seeks changes to warehouse and car wash plans

Apopka’s Development Review Committee approved a revised construction site plan for Crossroads at Kelly Park Phase 3B during its Oct. 21 meeting. Applicants for a Hogshead Road warehouse and Lux Car Wash agreed to address remaining city comments before resubmitting their plans.

City Commission to discuss legal representation, impact fees and 55-home development

The Apopka City Commission will discuss attorney representation and impact fees Wednesday before considering a 55-home development and three annexation ordinances. The October 21 meetings begin at 5 pm and 6 pm at City Hall, with public comment opportunities and a livestream.

Auto Vault Orlando opens in Apopka following investment of more than $10 million

Auto Vault Orlando has opened in Apopka, bringing secure vehicle storage and a private automotive club to a 53,000-square-foot facility. The business represents an investment of more than $10 million, with lounge memberships and vehicle storage available separately.

Warehouse, car wash and Kelly Park revisions head to DRC

Apopka’s Development Review Committee will consider a Hogshead Road warehouse, Lux Car Wash construction plans and revisions to Crossroads at Kelly Park Phase 3B on Oct. 21

A proposed 30,000-square-foot warehouse, the first phase of Lux Car Wash and revised plans for Crossroads at Kelly Park Phase 3B are on Apopka’s Wednesday development review agenda. The committee meets at 9 a.m. Oct. 21 in the City Hall Commission Chambers.

A seat at the table: Apopka seeks Planning Commission applicants after chairman’s resignation

Apopka is accepting applications for a vacant Planning Commission seat following former Chairman William Gusler’s June resignation amid disagreements over the board’s role in managing growth. City residents interested in helping review development proposals and guide land-use policy have until November 6 to apply.

From the fields to the family table: Farmworker Association plans Apopka community dinner

The Farmworker Association of Florida invites the community to a family-style dinner featuring harvests from its gardens on Friday at the Apopka Community Center. The evening will also include live entertainment, a raffle, an auction, and a market of local makers. Tickets are still available.

Florida home sales edge higher in third quarter, but September brings a slowdown

Florida’s housing market posted modest sales gains in the third quarter of 2026, with existing single-family home sales rising 0.2% and condo-townhouse sales increasing 3.1% from a year earlier. However, September sales declined in both categories as higher mortgage rates weighed on market momentum.

City meetings and Halloween fun on Apopka’s calendar highlight a busy schedule

Apopka faces a busy week of city business, including development reviews, code enforcement hearings, and a City Commission workshop and meeting. Residents can also attend a Bronson Peak community meeting with Mayor Nick Nesta, visit Camp Wewa’s Climb Club, or enjoy Saturday’s Halloween in the Park.

A typical stormwater retention pond in a Florida community is both a visual amenity and a poorly functioning pollution control device. New standards were supposed to make the stormwater system more effective, but the Florida DEP removed their teeth.

Florida’s stormwater cleanup promises deserve more than paper credits

Florida’s approach to stormwater pollution is drawing criticism over whether credits sold to developers will represent measurable improvements in water quality. For Apopka, the debate raises questions about protecting local waterways and sustaining Lake Apopka’s restoration.

DRC to review redevelopment plans and Trader Maes Christmas Festival

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.

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Planning Commission to consider daycare proposal and Sir Arthur Court rezoning

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 other housing crisis: How neglected repairs erode affordable housing

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.

Four local dengue cases in Apopka prompt aerial mosquito spraying plans

Health officials confirmed four locally transmitted dengue cases in the Apopka area and one in Pine Hills as of Oct. 12. Orange County announced aerial mosquito spraying for designated neighborhoods, with treatments scheduled for Oct. 16 or, if weather delayed operations, Oct. 17.

SHINE offers free Medicare counseling during open enrollment

The Senior Resource Alliance’s SHINE program is offering free, unbiased Medicare counseling during open enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7. Apopka residents and others across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties can get help comparing coverage, understanding costs, and reviewing prescription drug plans.

Orange County confirms two more local dengue cases, plans aerial mosquito spraying

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.

UF study finds dengue-transmitting mosquito species common in residential yards

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.

Several flu vaccine options are available, including a new one that’s mRNA-based, the first of its kind.

Flu season is near – here’s a guide to available vaccines

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.

Open enrollment for 2027 ACA coverage begins November 1. Enrollment assisters said the first step is checking whether your primary physician will still be in-network next year.

Florida Open Enrollment: Check doctor networks before choosing a health plan

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.

Free, low-cost mammograms coming to Apopka

The Mammolink Mammography bus will visit Apopka on October 29 to provide free or low-cost breast cancer screenings for eligible women. The mobile unit will be at the Community Health Center, 225 E. Seventh St., from 8 am to 4 pm.

Peanut Butter Challenge returns to fight hunger; Orange County looks to build on winning effort

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.

Orange County launches Green PLACE Hiking Spree with 40 trails to explore

Orange County’s Green PLACE Hiking Spree invites residents to explore 40 trails and earn rewards for completing three, 10, 15, or more hikes. The program runs through Earth Day, April 22, 2027, and also offers free monthly guided hikes.

AAA: Two-thirds of Florida adults have seen children ride e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets

A survey from AAA found that 66% of Florida adults have seen children riding e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets, while 83% support helmet requirements. AAA urges riders to wear properly fitted helmets certified for their devices' speed and capabilities.

Survey finds mental health concerns remain high among young adults

In a UnitedHealthcare survey, 62% of college students and young adults not enrolled in college reported a mental or behavioral health concern in the past year. Dr. Danielle Madril recommends open conversations, careful use of AI tools, and greater awareness of professional and community resources.

Florida Blue Foundation awards $3.1 million to combat food insecurity

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.

Orange County residents dig into food waste composting pilot

Eligible Duke Energy Florida customers can earn a $7.50 monthly bill credit by charging their electric vehicles during designated off-peak hours. The program requires a Level 2 charger and allows customers to enroll up to two EVs per account.

Orange County’s residential composting pilot drew interest from more than 600 people, with more than 220 residents participating through free composting bins or food waste collection service trials. Enrollment has closed, but participant feedback will help guide potential improvements and expansion.

City Commission weighs bringing legal counsel into City Hall

Apopka officials are exploring legal representation options, including scheduled attorney hours at City Hall. The discussion drew support for greater access to counsel and concerns about pursuing changes while essential leadership positions remain vacant.

Apopka officials are exploring legal representation options that could include scheduled attorney hours inside City Hall. The discussion drew support for greater access to counsel and concerns about pursuing changes while essential leadership positions remain vacant.

APD reports four burglaries, including Timberline Road case, leading to an armed burglary arrest

Apopka police reported four burglaries during Oct. 11-17, including a vehicle burglary linked to an arrest on armed burglary and aggravated assault charges. The department’s weekly reports also list battery, theft, DUI and drug cases, along with 1,563 calls for service.

UF/IFAS Orange County offers November classes on housing, gardening and backyard chickens

UF/IFAS Extension Orange County’s November schedule features eight programs ranging from financial education for renters and homebuyers to backyard chicken care and wildlife habitat. Events run Nov. 4-19, with registration required and fees ranging from free to $12.51.

In case you missed it: Spending allegations, a CRA vacancy, and a dengue update

City spending allegations, an open CRA board seat, and two more locally acquired dengue cases made headlines this week. Catch up on those stories, along with Mayor Nick Nesta’s commentary on city progress and a Christmas festival moving through development review.

Anderson seeks to move past concert controversy as readers demand spending records

Commissioner Nadia Anderson urged residents to move past the concert controversy, while readers kept asking for documentation to support her allegation of millions in wasteful city spending. The Apopka Voice’s Thursday article drew 24 likes, 46 comments, and three shares on its Facebook page, with Friday’s exchanges expanding the debate over spending and transparency.

Apopka Commissioner Nadia Anderson responded to criticism of the city's support for the Hearts and Souls concert by alleging that Mayor Nick Nesta’s administration wasted millions of dollars in taxpayer funds. When asked to identify those expenditures, she characterized the claim as a generalization and provided no supporting documentation before publication.

Developing Story: Anderson alleges millions in wasteful city spending

Apopka Commissioner Nadia Anderson responded to criticism of city support for the Hearts and Souls concert by alleging millions of dollars in wasteful taxpayer spending under Mayor Nick Nesta’s administration. When asked to identify those expenditures, she characterized the claim as a generalization and provided no supporting documentation before publication.

Apopka seeks applicants for vacant CRA resident board seat

Apopka is accepting applications through Nov. 6 for a vacant resident seat on its Community Redevelopment Agency Board. Applicants must live within the city and submit a resume, with preference given to CRA district business owners or operators and candidates with relevant professional or leadership experience.

OCPS School Choice Expo invites families to explore educational options

Orange County Public Schools will host its Parent Academy School Choice Expo on Saturday, October 17, from 9 am to 12:30 pm at Lake Buena Vista High School. Apopka families and others across the district can explore magnet schools, scholastic academies, virtual learning, and alternative education programs.

Christmas festival gets an early green light from the DRC

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.

Orange County Animal Services resumes full operations, offers $5 adoptions

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.

APD reports burglary, battery, and DUI arrests during Oct. 4–10

Apopka police listed 29 cases involving 28 people in the department’s Oct. 4–10 arrest report, with charges ranging from armed burglary and aggravated assault to theft and DUI. During the same week, APD recorded 1,418 calls for service, issued 69 citations, and reported 50 crashes.

Nesta: Progress takes time, but the work has started

Mayor Nick Nesta at the Apopka Homeless Resources Town Hall in September 2026

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.

Dirt bike riders line up for a race at the Pax Trax MX motocross track in Bunnell. Volusia County officials want to build their own motocross track on land that was bought for conservation. The owner says the new Volusia track would put Pax Trax out of business.

Volusia County motocross proposal sparks fight over conservation land

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.

Nesta: Taking care of Apopka means taking care of our employees too

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.

OP/ED: Energy choice starts with giving people options

Energy decisions should work like other choices families and businesses make based on their needs, priorities, and budgets, according to Lake Apopka Natural Gas District CEO Brent Haywood. During Public Natural Gas Week, Haywood argues that preserving natural gas infrastructure gives current and future Apopka residents another option rather than requiring them to use it.

Pine Island is a coastal area in Lee County that retains a rural flavor and lots of natural beauty, but developers want to change that.

Florida county officials try to eliminate public comment on development

Lee County residents organized against a sweeping growth-plan rewrite they said was rushed, poorly publicized, and designed to diminish their influence over development. Their successful opposition is especially relevant in Apopka, where the placement, livestreaming, and official recording of public comments have sparked controversy.

Apopka Historical Society President Maribel Brinkle welcomes the vision presented in Building Downtown Apopka but argues that the city cannot afford to spend another seven years planning its future. She calls for a proposed downtown museum complex designed to generate activity and revenue.

Letter to the Editor: Downtown Apopka needs action, not another seven years of planning

Maribel Brinkle welcomes the vision presented in Building Downtown Apopka but argues that the city cannot afford to spend another seven years planning its future. She calls for immediate economic-development leadership and consideration of a proposed downtown museum complex designed to generate activity and revenue.

Downtown Apopka 2033? Apopka should use the CRA’s proposed seven-year extension to plan and pursue a transformative civic complex without placing it ahead of urgent public-safety projects. A modern library, events center, history center, and civic plaza could become the defining destination, connecting downtown’s existing investments and encouraging private development.

Opinion: Could a civic campus become downtown Apopka’s missing centerpiece?

Apopka should use the CRA’s proposed seven-year extension to plan and pursue a transformative civic complex without placing it ahead of urgent public-safety projects. A modern library, events center, history center, and civic plaza could become the defining destination, connecting downtown’s existing investments and encouraging private development.

Opinion: Successful downtowns begin when cities decide to build something consequential- Part 2

Cities near Apopka’s size have transformed their downtowns by concentrating public resources around distinctive parks, cultural facilities, and civic destinations. Their experiences show that Apopka must move beyond disconnected improvements and decide what kind of downtown it intends to create.

Opinion: Apopka’s CRA has the money... now it needs a transformative mission - Part 1

The Apopka CRA has completed meaningful trail, housing, park, and pedestrian projects while accumulating approximately $6.13 million in reserves and carryover funding. As the agency seeks seven more years to complete its work, it must connect those investments through a measurable strategy centered on creating a recognizable downtown destination.

The Price of Saying No: Apopka cannot have a bare-bones budget without feeling the cuts

Apopka’s elected officials want to keep the millage rate low while preserving community programs, filling staff vacancies, and addressing years of deferred needs. Eventually, they must acknowledge that rejecting recurring revenue means cutting services, drawing on reserves, or letting today’s problems become tomorrow’s more expensive emergencies.