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Border Lake.
Can Apopka and Orange County work together to fix the Border Lake flooding issue?
Border Lake flooding is scheduled to be discussed at the Apopka City Council's February 19th meeting, with Orange County on the agenda to present a potential solution.
Should Apopka implement a moratorium on development?
Olsen: "Given the current development already approved and given the operational, infrastructure and growth challenges that Apopka faces we should IMMEDIATELY implement a development moratorium."
Winter storm Enzo boosts rainfall in the north, but southern counties remain dry
Winter Storm Enzo delivered enough rainfall in the district to bring 11 counties, including Orange County, above their 12-month averages.
2nd Annual MLK Day of Service Million Meal Pack a huge success
4,500 volunteers, with 21 local sponsors, helped pack 1,013,580 healthy meals. The event also raised $10,000 for scholarship funds for local students.
Apopka Police Department Arrest Report
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 February 8th.
Local News
AAA: Dark city roads are deadliest for pedestrians at night
After reaching a historic low in 2009, pedestrian deaths have risen by over 80% in the past 15 years, and almost the entire increase has occurred after dark on urban arterial roads.
Apopka Police Department Burglary Report: February 2nd-8th
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles. 
Apopka's Jalen Carter a Super Bowl champion
Apopka's Jalen Carter became the third Blue Darter to win a Super Bowl as his Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.
Florida eighth graders ranked in the bottom 10 states in reading and math, posting their lowest scores since 1998 and 1996, respectively. 
Participating companies include the City of Orlando, Addition Financial Credit Union, Price Shopper, Allied Universal, McLane, Walden Security, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, Alorica, UF Health, Lake County Transit, The Groove Hotel and Resorts, and more.
Business
New restaurant opens in Apopka
As the only restaurant in the Orlando area to serve both Indian and Thai cuisines, Paradise Tandoor and Biryani offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that blends the rich spices of Indian food with the zesty, aromatic flavors of Thai cooking.
Hand and Stone in Apopka cutting ribbon in February
Situated at 600 Hunt Club Boulevard in the popular Hunt Club Corners Plaza, Hand & Stone of Apopka is another clear sign of the brand’s ongoing mission to make wellness, relaxation, and self-care accessible to more communities.
UF study taps into flourishing Florida craft beer market
The study supports Florida's craft beer community by providing valuable, data-driven insights that could help these breweries make more informed decisions about their marketing and consumer engagement strategies.
The current grand bargain is simple: No neighborhood needs to change; they can all stay in their current form, but in exchange, one or two neighborhoods will experience radical transformation.
Collaboration is a hallmark of how nonprofits respond to disasters. These organizations often work alongside government agencies and private sector partners in coordinated efforts.
Customer service representatives at the BRC will assist business owners in completing their disaster loan applications, accept documents for existing applications, and provide updates on an application’s status.
Guided by its slogan "Filled with Hope," HCC wants to ensure every individual has access to food in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Health

Legislature files bill to allow for ‘home grow’ of medical cannabis in Florida

Under a new legislative proposal filed in the Florida Senate on Friday, state residents who qualify as medical marijuana patients would be able to cultivate up to two cannabis plants at their residences for personal consumption.

Breaking News: Blue Green Algae Alert for Lake Apopka

Blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins. Since environmental conditions can change at any time, it is important to exercise caution, even if the presence of toxins has not yet been confirmed. 

UF/IFAS researchers take a step toward creating a Salmonella vaccine

In a step toward combatting Salmonella infections, UF/IFAS microbiology researchers have published a study that they hope will lead to a vaccine against the disease.

Proposed Medicaid cuts could leave Florida’s most vulnerable without care

The proposal, first reported by Politico, has drawn opposition from health advocates who said the reductions would hit hardest among children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Healing Hearts, Hooves & Hope 

Hero at Heartland Haven Foundation

With your support, Heartland Haven can ensure these therapy horses receive the necessary care to continue their vital role in transforming lives.

Florida schools struggle to fund mental health services amid growing demand

Currently, Florida schools are reimbursed for mental health services using outdated data from 1997. Thomas argued it is a mismatch between what schools are reimbursed and the real cost of services today.

Medicaid cuts could devastate rural Florida, affecting children

The report reveals that rural Floridians face unique challenges, including provider shortages, long commutes, and limited connectivity, all of which make accessing healthcare more difficult.

3 Crashes in 13 Months: This Bradenton bicyclist has to risk his life just to go to work

Fletcher Williams at the intersection in Bradenton, Florida, where he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle.

Fletcher Williams was on his bicycle returning from work at 6:30 a.m., traveling westbound on 57th Avenue. He proceeded into the crosswalk with a walk signal, where he was immediately struck by a car turning right.

Government
FEMA was created in 1979 to coordinate national responses to disasters, but the federal government has played important roles in disaster relief since the 1800s. Hurricane Ian caused widespread damage in Florida in 2022, estimated at over $112 billion. This scene …
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 the Blue-Green Algae alert for Lake Apopka.
While still in the early discussion phase, the proposed adaptive trail and pump track would allow riders of all abilities, including those using adaptive bikes, to enjoy cycling in an inclusive and welcoming environment. 
The average cost of microchips and vaccinations for rabies is approximately $90 for pet owners. Orange County Animal Services wants to assist residents by providing free access to these services.
Apopka Police Department Arrest Report
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 February 1st.
Updating Developing News: Nelson pushes back on Moore's claim about presenting at the Feb. 5th City Council meeting
Border Lake is a closed-drainage basin with impacts from SR 436, Seminole County, Orange County, and the City of Apopka. Recently, it has been a particularly hot topic in Apopka.
Apopka Police Department Burglary Report: January 26th-February 1st
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles. 
Opinion

The conundrum of infrastructure improvements that's plaguing Apopka

The intersection of Vick and Ponkan Road.
300 residents came out last Monday to look at a potential new 600-acre development (Paulucci) along Vick and Ponkan roads. Here we saw the problem again – no money offered by the developer, city, or county for external roadway infrastructure improvements. 
There used to be an estimated 7,000 Cape Sable Sparrows flitting through the River of Grass. Now, 25 years later, their numbers have dropped to fewer than 2,500.
In Blair, Nebraska, Jake Loftis and his Local Conversation (Strong Towns Blair) are turning the idea of New Year’s resolutions into a powerful tool for community transformation.
OCPS calculates that these 1,150 single-family homes will add an additional 472 students to our Apopka schools. This does not consider the unspecified number of Paulucci Acres multi-unit family units that will generate even more students.
Bonus Content

7 different types of business credit cards you should know about

Brex provides an overview of seven different types of business credit cards available today, including their essential features and ideal use cases.

How to integrate old and new teams

ACT Leadership, in partnership with Brown University School of Professional Studies, provides insights and practical tips on fostering successful leadership transitions from.

Clothing recycling is taking a giant leap forward

Reasons to be Cheerful reports on new methods that are turning mountains of old clothes into rack-ready garments amid growing textile waste caused by fast fashion.

Fast fashion is haunting L.A.'s wildfire relief efforts

Next City reports on the struggle donation centers face to handle tens of thousands of pounds of unwanted clothing and what sustainable fashion initiatives and recyclers are doing to help.