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City Council: It's time to follow up on initiatives and issues you already started
The 2024-25 budget was a difficult and sobering challenge that all of you endured, but that is now in your rearview mirrors. It's time to take care of unfinished business and move the City forward.
The sun rising on Lake Apopka, as seen from the lakeside observation tower on the Clay Island loop.
Apopka’s Birding Park at Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is becoming a reality
Over five years ago, Apopka, Orange Audubon, and the St. Johns River Water Management District envisioned a birding park at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Now, in 2024, the vision is less than a year away.
Orange County extends residential debris drop-off sites
Three designated drop-off sites will continue to accept non-commercial yard waste, including leaves, branches, and other natural debris.
New sidewalks in Orange County: A safe path for pedestrians
Orange County is using sales tax monies to fund $100 million in transportation needs over five years, with $55 million for roadway lighting, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety projects.
AAA: Florida gasoline supplies and prices stabilize
The state average price on Sunday was $3.09 per gallon. That's one cent less than a week ago, 5 cents less than last month, and 16 cents less than this time last year.
Local News
Goodwill partners with 2nd Mountain Homes to better prepare youth in foster care for independent living
The “Transitioning Youth” initiative targets an ongoing need in our community: Research shows that older youth exiting the child welfare system often experience educational and vocational difficulties.
3 reasons your neighborhood should start throwing block parties
What if I told you that a block party could actually be foundational to improving your neighborhood, town, or city?
Frustration from Wekiwa Village residents reaches Apopka City Council
At the October 16th Apopka City Council meeting, homeowners from the Wekiva Village neighborhood impacted by Hurricane Milton's wrath flooded into City Hall looking for answers.
Join Kiwanis Club of Apopka to learn about helping local children through community service projects.
Business
Apopka City Hall
City of Apopka launches Business Retention and Expansion Program to boost local economy
The Business Retention and Expansion Program will include regular engagement with business owners, workshops, and access to technical assistance and funding opportunities.
Celebrate World Smile Day With Baptiste Orthodontics
World Smile Day: There are countless ways to spread happiness. Start by smiling at those you encounter. A smile is contagious and can instantly uplift someone’s mood.
Help HOPE CommUnity Center prepare for Helene
Hope Community Center is urgently collecting non-perishable food items to ensure it can support these families once the storm clears. Your donation will go directly to those in need, offering stability and nourishment in a time of uncertainty.
When you’re living with food insecurity, it’s all you can think about – from the moment you wake up in the morning to your last restless worries before falling asleep.
Valerie De Anda Torres, an assistant professor of microbiology and cell science, joins more than 300 fellow scientists on the Atlas of Inspiring Hispanic/Latinx Scientists.  
United Against Poverty Orlando suffered a catastrophic loss in June when part of its roof collapsed, forcing the nonprofit to shut down some vital services.
In partnership with Heart of Florida United Way, LANGD’s Helping Hand has proven to be a vital resource for our community.
Health

Orange County chooses its Medicare plan

This year, Florida Blue Medicare is offering Orange County Medicare beneficiaries the choice of 4 Medicare Advantage plans, including three options for a $0 monthly plan premium.  

Florida’s health facilities are preparing for ‘ferocious’ Hurricane Milton

Rainfall forecast for Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday or early Thursday, via NHC.

Florida hospitals have invested in hardening their facilities, making them more hurricane-resistant. To that end, hospitals have brought in flood mitigation equipment, and some have installed wells in case of disruption to the public water supply.

Department of Health in Orange County offers students free physicals and vision screenings

As the school year kicks into high gear, it is more crucial than ever to ensure that students receive timely physicals and vision screenings.

Big changes coming to Medicare prescription drug coverage in 2025

Prescription drug coverage tends to be the part of Medicare that people ask the most questions about, like “What are drug tiers?” and “What’s the donut hole, and how much will my medications cost when I get there?”

Rain and wind and bugs... oh my!

Some mosquitoes in Florida will breed in small containers of standing water. This includes mosquitoes that are vectors for the pathogens that cause dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.

Florida faces $40 million in fines for failing to submit Medicaid reports

The federal government has informed Florida that it is out of compliance with federal regulations because it failed to submit reports regarding its Medicaid program.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to two top Florida Medicaid officials advising them that the state faces fines and being placed under a corrective action plan unless the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) submits the status reports by the end of the year.

Orange County Medical Clinic now offers Medication-Assisted Therapy services

Medication-Assisted Therapy not only supports individuals in overcoming their dependence on substances but also enhances their engagement in therapy and improves overall treatment outcomes.

Clerk’s Office hosting free legal forum on Domestic Violence Awareness

The forum will include presentations from the Clerk’s Office, Harbor House of Central Florida, the Orange County Sheriff's, and the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Government
Various rescue groups from Florida will be present, and several different breeds, ages, and sizes of pets will be available for adoption.
The executive order includes counties affected by Hurricane Milton and Helene. Orange County is included. on that list.
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 October 12th.
It is apparent that there will be more storms coming, if not this year, in the future. We can learn many things from Hurricane Milton.
Orange County opens residential debris drop-off sites and begins curbside debris removal
Beginning Monday, October 14, 2024, designated drop-off sites will accept non-commercial yard waste, including leaves, branches, and other natural debris.
FEMA designates Orange County residents for individual assistance following Hurricane Milton
To be eligible for federal aid under FEMA's Individual Assistance Program, storm damage and losses from the hurricane and flooding must have occurred due to Hurricane Milton.
Ariel view of property damage in Lee County Florida caused by Hurricane Milton.
Hurricane surge could blow away Florida homeowners insurance ‘fixes’
The analysis warned that some insurers — especially those operating in Florida only — may run into financial trouble and that the signs of progress toward more manageable premiums that state leaders have touted in recent months may evaporate.
Opinion

Mead's Bottom in Apopka reminds us the past is our heritage, the present is our responsibility, and the future is our challenge

The Mead's Bottom Mural invests in our community and its people, reflecting our values, history, and aspirations. Exposure to these types of arts fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that can help bridge cultural divides and promote understanding.
In 2004, Florida was hit by a series of FOUR major hurricanes in just six weeks. Charley kicked off the parade of powerhouses. It hit Cayo Costa on Aug. 13 as a Category 4, killing 17 people in Florida alone... then Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne followed.
At its final budget hearing, the Apopka City Council voted 5-0 to increase its millage rate from 4.1876 to 4.6876 for its fiscal year 2024/25 budget. It also approved a total budget of $201.2 million. But then, chaos and turmoil had their turn.
The planning process will include a significant public involvement plan which will inform and involve the citizens of the county and city.
Bonus Content

High scores: Replaying the 10 most popular arcade games

OLBG shares the most popular and best-selling arcade games over the past 40-plus years.

How roundabouts reduce accidents while improving traffic flow

CheapInsurance.com explores how roundabouts are reducing accidents, improving traffic flow, and establishing the future of safer, more efficient intersections.

How to overcome infidelity and heal individually or as a couple

Rula shares tips to help couples heal and move forward after infidelity.

These are the best community colleges in the US

SmartAsset compared 616 two-year schools that offer associate degrees and have at least 500 full-time enrollees to determine the best community colleges in the U.S.