Strong Towns Apopka invites volunteers to beautify West Orange Trail this weekend

Strong Towns Apopka and local partners will host West Orange Trail Beautification Day on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 to 10 a.m. Residents and families can help with native plantings, participate in art activities and attend a dedication celebrating the collaborative project.

A mother’s quilt, a son’s gratitude: Apopka family honors a local fire station

A quilt Phylis Samuels made to celebrate her son’s law enforcement service now carries his gratitude to Seminole County Fire Station 13 in Apopka. Following her death, Steve Samuels presented the quilt to firefighters at her memorial service, honoring their care for his mother and their commitment to the community.

Orange County seeks input on housing and community development priorities

Orange County is inviting residents and community partners to identify housing needs, service gaps, and development priorities for its next five-year Consolidated Plan. Apopka residents can participate through Engage Orange by completing a community needs survey, sharing ideas, and providing feedback.

Her name was Noelle: The story behind Apopka's Red Ribbon Spooktacular 

Project Noelle’s Red Ribbon Spooktacular will bring costumes, contests, and a drug-prevention message to the Apopka Community Center on October 24. Behind the free family event is a nonprofit founded by Keli Clark after her daughter’s overdose death, dedicated to helping children affected by a parent’s addiction.

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.

Nesta: Progress takes time, but the work has started

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.

Amendment 3 could squeeze children’s programs despite school funding exemption

Florida’s public school districts are exempt from Amendment 3’s proposed property tax reduction, but programs supporting their students could still face substantial cuts. Children’s services leaders warn that reduced local revenue could mean fewer after-school opportunities, higher family fees and added pressure on school budgets.

APD reports 10 burglaries for October 4-10

The Apopka Police Department reported 10 burglaries during the week of Oct. 4-10, including five residential, three vehicle, and two commercial incidents. The weekly list includes two residential reports on Stonechapel Court and two vehicle burglary reports on Nicole Lee Circle.

Volusia County motocross proposal sparks fight over conservation land

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.

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.