Coalition blasts FWC’s proposed black bear hunt as privatized trophy plan

Sierra Club Florida, Speak Up for Wildlife, and a growing coalition released a fact sheet detailing nine major flaws in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s proposed black bear hunt. Critics say the plan rewards wealthy landowners, revives inhumane hunting methods, and strips Floridians of public accountability in wildlife management.

Four deaths in Florida linked to ‘Flesh‑Eating’ bacteria in 2025, health officials warn

The Florida Department of Health reports four deaths statewide this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but aggressive bacterium sometimes called “flesh‑eating.”

June rainfall drops below average across all 18 counties

Rainfall across all 18 counties in the St. Johns River Water Management District was below average in June, with precipitation mainly at the start and end of the month. Lake, Orange, and parts of Volusia and northern Brevard counties saw more than 10 inches in some areas.

Apopka Police Department Burglary Report: July 6th-12th

The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles.

Christine Moore takes fundraising lead after first reporting period in Apopka Mayor's race

With 237 days until Apopka voters head to the polls, Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore has surged ahead in early fundraising, collecting $19,680 from 89 donors in her bid to become Apopka's next mayor.

Apopka's budget process leaves residents in the dark

The Apopka budget process was marked by late-arriving information, shifting numbers, and a lack of transparency that left both commissioners and residents unable to make informed decisions. Opinion, by Apopka resident Rod Olsen.

For senior caregivers, a little respite makes a big difference

Caring for an aging loved one can feel like a full‑time job, but local programs are stepping in to help. In Orange County and across Central Florida, volunteers with RELIEF are giving thousands of hours of respite care, giving families time to rest, recharge, and keep loved ones at home longer.

Historic Apopka Landmark Changes Hands: Rowley Family Enterprises acquires Seaboard Airline Railway Station

The Rowley Family Enterprises has purchased the historic Seaboard Airline Railway Station on East Station Street from longtime steward Matt Jordan, marking a bold step for downtown revitalization.

Keep getting texts about unpaid tolls? Here’s what to know about the new E-ZPass scam

A record wave of spam and scam texts is sweeping the country, and one of the fastest‑growing schemes is the E‑ZPass toll scam. Scammers send alarming texts about unpaid tolls, hoping you’ll click a link and hand over payment or personal information — but E‑ZPass never collects payments by text.

Tropical rainstorm forecasted to soak Apopka, Central Florida, before heading to the Gulf Coast

A tropical system crossing Florida on Tuesday could bring 4 to 8 inches of rain, localized flooding, and wind gusts up to 40 mph to Apopka and surrounding areas.

Nightly road closures coming to SR 429: What Apopka drivers need to know

Drivers using State Road 429 near Apopka should brace for nightly closures on key ramps and cash lanes over the next several days. The Central Florida Expressway Authority urges motorists to allow extra time, follow posted detours, and stay alert in work zones.

The Second Chance Act mandates that all Florida high school athletes complete at least one EKG screening before participating in interscholastic sports, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

New Florida law aims to prevent cardiac deaths in youth athletics

Beginning this fall, all Florida high school athletes must receive a one-time EKG to detect hidden heart conditions. The law, named the Second Chance Act, honors 16-year-old Chance Gainer, who died from an undiagnosed heart condition during a football game in 2023.

A close-up of a nesting Giant South American River Turtle on a sandbank in the Amazon’s Guaporé River. (Omar Torrico, Wildlife Conservation Society)

UF study reveals world’s largest turtle nesting site thanks to smarter drone surveys

By combining aerial imagery with statistical modeling, the UF researchers documented more than 41,000 Giant South American River Turtles gathered along the Amazon’s Guaporé River. The breakthrough offers conservationists a powerful new tool to track and protect vulnerable species worldwide.

AAA: Florida gas prices drop to two-month low

Over the past two weeks, the U.S. price for crude oil rose 4%, while gasoline futures climbed 10 cents per gallon. A confluence of geopolitical factors is injecting fresh uncertainty into global energy markets.

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 the FY 2025-26 Apopka City Budget.

A budget isn't a spreadsheet, it's a mirror

Apopka’s proposed 2025–26 budget keeps the millage rate and outlines departmental needs, but offers no big-picture vision or funding for long-promised projects like a public safety complex or the homeless crisis. Opinion, by The Apopka Voice Managing Editor Reggie Connell.

You are when you eat: UF/IFAS chrononutrition guide reveals the importance of meal timing

A new UF/IFAS guide highlights chrononutrition—the science of how meal timing impacts health, metabolism, and risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Researchers say eating within an 8–12 hour window and avoiding late-night meals may improve weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Déjà vu all over again: Is the City assisting Rock Springs Ridge in buying its golf course lands?

As Rock Springs Ridge seeks city help to purchase defunct golf course lands, a debate is brewing over whether Apopka should support private neighborhood deals. With social media posts, political pushback, and no formal vote by the City Council, residents are left asking: Is this a financial rescue or political pandering?

Small-scale housing wins big in Bend, Oregon

Small-scale builder and CEO of Hiatus Homes, Jesse Russell, pictured with one of his “tiny home” projects in Bend, Oregon.

What began as one man's attempt to build four tiny homes sparked a movement that reshaped a city's zoning code to support small-scale, affordable housing.

UF/IFAS scientist uses AI to target weeds, not nearby tomatoes, saving 70% of herbicide

New University of Florida research shows that AI-powered targeted spraying can reduce herbicide use by 71% and slash weed management costs by 75% for tomato farmers. The technology offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for Florida’s $500 million tomato industry while minimizing environmental impact.

Main Street Apopka opens part-time Executive Assistant role as organization expands leadership team

Main Street Apopka is hiring a part-time Executive Assistant to help lead the charge in reimagining the heart of the city. The new hybrid role will support daily operations, offer professional development perks, and serve as a potential path to full-time leadership.

Independence Starts with Choice: Why energy choice matters

This Independence Day, Lake Apopka Natural Gas District celebrates the freedom of energy choice—an essential part of American resilience and self-reliance. With natural gas, Florida families and businesses can enjoy reliable, cost-effective energy that supports local communities and protects their right to choose.

Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market?

The U.S. housing market has officially swung in favor of buyers, with inventory at its highest level in years and sellers more willing to negotiate. Yet rising mortgage rates and record prices keep many would-be buyers on the sidelines, leaving the market in a state of imbalance.

Apopka advances matching grant program to support youth, seniors, and local nonprofits

The City of Apopka is moving forward with its 2025–2026 matching grant program, offering funding ranging from $500 to $5,000 for schools and nonprofits serving youth and senior citizens.

Second Annual Fifteen Days of Hope honors fallen firefighter Austin Duran

The 2650 Foundation is hosting its second annual Fifteen Days of Hope, a community initiative honoring the memory of Apopka Firefighter Austin Duran. From June 30 to July 15, residents can participate in supporting first responders and foster stronger community bonds.

Goodwill holds summer food drive to support survivors of domestic abuse

Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any of the 13 Goodwill stores in Orange and Seminole counties, including one in Apopka. All donations will go to Annabel’s Closet, an organization that provides furniture, bedding, and other household essentials to people leaving abusive situations.

McKinley raises safety concerns over the lack of fiber internet infrastructure in Apopka

Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley is calling for a proactive strategy to install conduit for future fiber-optic infrastructure during new development projects. Citing public safety needs and skyrocketing retrofit costs, he says laying the groundwork now could save the city millions.

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Suicide prevention training and adult day care in the works for Florida veterans

Florida is taking a broader approach to veteran suicide prevention by expanding a successful regional program statewide and mandating new training for service officers who work directly with veterans.

States scramble to shield hospitals from Medicaid cuts

The federal tax and spending bill includes the largest Medicaid cuts in U.S. history, leaving states like Florida scrambling to fill major funding gaps. In Orange County and Apopka, these cuts could severely impact access to health care, especially in hospitals and clinics that serve low-income families.

AI-powered research at UF aims to protect young adults from tobacco addiction

University of Florida researchers are using artificial intelligence to predict which young people are most at risk of becoming lifelong tobacco users, aiming to stop addiction before it begins. By analyzing social media use, community factors, and beliefs, they hope to create smarter, targeted prevention strategies.

AAA offers tips to avoid holiday hazards

As Independence Day festivities fill backyards and neighborhoods, AAA urges homeowners to prioritize safety to prevent fires, injuries, and costly insurance claims. From grilling and fireworks to pool and pet precautions, simple steps can help keep celebrations safe and enjoyable.

Here’s a way to save lives, curb traffic jams, and make commutes faster and easier − ban left turns at intersections

More than 60% of intersection crashes involve left turns, which are dangerous, inefficient, and waste fuel. Dr. Vikash Gayah of Penn State explains why banning left turns at busy intersections could reduce crashes, ease congestion, and improve fuel efficiency.

1 in 3 Florida third graders have untreated cavities – how parents can protect their children’s teeth

Florida is one of the worst states in the US when it comes to access to affordable dental care, and children are suffering as a result.

UF-led discovery cracks 30-year mystery of essential brain-boosting nutrient

An international team has discovered the gene that allows queuosine—a crucial, diet-derived micronutrient—to enter human cells, solving a biological mystery decades in the making. The finding could pave the way for therapies targeting cancer, brain health, and metabolic diseases.

As bed bugs swarm the news, UF/IFAS experts are available to inform about prevention, treatments

As the summer travel season begins, UF/IFAS experts are warning Floridians to stay alert for bed bugs hiding in vacation rentals and hotel rooms. With infestations on the rise across parts of Florida, scientists are sharing practical, science-backed tips to help travelers avoid bringing home unwanted guests.

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 July 5th.

City Council debates future of Camp Wewa

The Apopka City Council began its 2025–26 budget workshops with a focus on Parks and Recreation, highlighting proposed cuts, new grant initiatives, and ongoing concerns over Camp Wewa’s financial viability.

Unclaimed checks worth thousands may be waiting for you at the Orange County Clerk’s Office

The Orange County Clerk’s Office is urging residents, businesses, and organizations to check its unclaimed checks list before the September 1st deadline. With more than 7,500 uncashed checks ranging from a few cents to thousands of dollars, you may be entitled to money you didn’t even know was missing.

FEMA recovery efforts continue across Florida from Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby

FEMA and state officials continue to assist Florida residents recovering from Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Debby, with more than $1.6 billion in aid approved so far. Nearly 800 FEMA staff are on the ground helping survivors navigate recovery programs, debris removal, rental assistance, and appeals.

Apopka Police Department Burglary Report: June 29th-July 5th

The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles.

Moore: "Apopka deserves a smarter, transparent budget process"

In a close look at both the Orange County and City of Apopka budgets, Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore highlights how the county’s structured, data-driven process supports sound decisions and public confidence. Moore calls for Apopka to adopt similar transparency, professional estimates, and long-range planning to meet residents’ needs.

DEP once again fails Florida springs, won’t push polluters

Many of Florida’s springs are owned by taxpayers, such as Silver Springs, which is famed for its glass-bottomed boats. But the DEP has been dragging its feet about cleaning up pollution in the springs, despite a state law requiring it to be done.

Florida’s iconic springs, once celebrated as “bowls of liquid light,” are now drowning in pollution as the state agency tasked with protecting them delays real action and bends to polluter interests.

Why Walkability and Community Matter: Lessons on building the perfect city

Author Chris Arnade, a former Wall Street trader with a PhD in physics, argues that cities thrive when they foster social connectedness, walkability, and functional communities. His insights challenge leaders to rethink city planning, from sidewalks and density to preserving suburban character.

Sewage spills are getting worse all over the state, but funds for testing waterways are drying up

Florida’s sewage crisis is bubbling to the surface—again—as spills, aging infrastructure, and political neglect threaten the state’s beaches, waterways, and public health. Opinion and Commentary from Craig Pittman of the Florida Phoenix.

Grassroots effort revitalizes Apopka’s stretch of the West Orange Trail

Years of community advocacy and volunteer action have breathed new life into the West Orange Trail through Apopka’s District 2. With support from local groups, county agencies, and student organizations, the once-overlooked corridor is becoming a model of safety, beauty, and civic pride.