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Election Day Arrives: Apopka voters face decisions from Orange County to Tallahassee to Washington DC

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Apopka-area voters head to the polls today to help choose county leaders and representatives in Tallahassee and Washington. Amendment 3 also puts property taxes and local government finances before voters, and The Apopka Voice will follow key races and report results after polls close.
Election Day Arrives: Apopka voters face decisions from Orange County to Tallahassee to Washington DC
Apopka-area voters head to the polls today to help choose county leaders and representatives in Tallahassee and Washington. Amendment 3 also puts property taxes and local government finances before voters, and The Apopka Voice will follow key races and report results after polls close.
Orange County voters had cast 324,443 early and mail ballots as of late Monday morning, including 19,542 early in-person ballots at two Apopka-area locations. Registered Democrats accounted for the largest share countywide, but participation by party registration does not reveal which candidates voters supported.
Orange County tops 324,000 ballots; nearly 20,000 cast at two Apopka early voting sites
Orange County voters had cast 324,443 early and mail ballots as of late Monday morning, including 19,542 early in-person ballots at two Apopka-area locations. Registered Democrats accounted for the largest share countywide, but participation by party registration does not reveal which candidates voters supported.
The Apopka Police Department has earned its third state reaccreditation, marking its first renewal under Chief Lovetta Quinn-Henry. Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez and Commissioner Sam Ruth praised the achievement and emphasized the importance of professional policing and public trust.
Apopka Police Department earns reaccreditation, a first under Chief Quinn-Henry
The Apopka Police Department has earned its third state reaccreditation, marking its first renewal under Chief Lovetta Quinn-Henry. Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez and Commissioner Sam Ruth praised the achievement and emphasized the importance of professional policing and public trust.
Floridians shopping for 2027 health insurance face higher premiums and difficult decisions about what coverage they can afford. Twelve insurers offer plans through HealthCare.gov, where eligible consumers can receive subsidies to lower monthly premiums.
Florida’s ACA enrollment opens as rising premiums strain household budgets
Floridians shopping for 2027 health insurance face higher premiums and difficult decisions about what coverage they can afford. Twelve insurers offer plans through HealthCare.gov, where eligible consumers can receive subsidies to lower monthly premiums.
Pictured: Eastern Regional Water Reclamation Facility.  Orange County Utilities’ water and wastewater system earned AAA ratings from S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings for bonds issued in October 2026. Both agencies also affirmed their highest ratings on the system’s existing outstanding debt.
Orange County water and wastewater system earns top AAA bond ratings
Orange County Utilities’ water and wastewater system earned AAA ratings from S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings for bonds issued in October 2026. Both agencies also affirmed their highest ratings on the system’s existing outstanding debt.
Bonus Content
Local News
A coalition of 20 Florida organizations is opposing Amendment 3, warning that its proposed property tax changes could weaken funding for conservation, flood protection and community services. The groups say voters should weigh the potential effects on local budgets alongside the promise of tax relief.
Sierra Club Florida opposes Amendment 3, warning of risks to parks, water protection, and local services
A coalition of 20 Florida organizations is opposing Amendment 3, warning that its proposed property tax changes could weaken funding for conservation, flood protection and community services. The groups say voters should weigh the potential effects on local budgets alongside the promise of tax relief.
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta told commissioners on October 21 that he expected to assemble his leadership and support teams within two to three weeks. The city administrator application deadline has passed, and the finance director and chief of staff positions are not posted, raising questions about how the city will fill those roles.
Nesta promises leadership changes as questions remain about three key positions
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta told commissioners on October 21 that he expected to assemble his leadership and support teams within two to three weeks. The city administrator application deadline has passed, and the finance director and chief of staff positions are not posted, raising questions about how the city will fill those roles.
Apopka and Wekiva will close their football seasons with the Mayor’s Cup, putting a rivalry trophy and hometown bragging rights on the line. Festivities at Wekiva begin at 6 pm, with kickoff scheduled for 7 pm.
One trophy, two schools: Apopka, Wekiva meet for Mayor’s Cup
Apopka and Wekiva will close their football seasons with the Mayor’s Cup, putting a rivalry trophy and hometown bragging rights on the line. Festivities at Wekiva begin at 6 pm, with kickoff scheduled for 7 pm.
A job can provide purpose, structure, and independence, but people with developmental disabilities often face barriers to employment. In this guest opinion, Quest Inc. President and CEO John Gill outlines how businesses, families, and community members can help create opportunities.
Ready to work: Opening doors for people with developmental disabilities
A job can provide purpose, structure, and independence, but people with developmental disabilities often face barriers to employment. In this guest opinion, Quest Inc. President and CEO John Gill outlines how businesses, families, and community members can help create opportunities.
Orange County Mosquito Control plans aerial mosquito spraying over parts of Apopka and Pine Hills beginning around 7 pm on Friday, October 30. Residents may see low-flying aircraft and should monitor official county communications for weather-related schedule changes.
Aerial mosquito spraying planned Friday over parts of Apopka
Orange County Mosquito Control plans aerial mosquito spraying over parts of Apopka and Pine Hills beginning around 7 pm Friday, October 30. Residents may see low-flying aircraft and should monitor official county communications for weather-related schedule changes.
Three development applications need additional work after the Apopka Development Review Committee recommended denial during its Oct. 28 meeting. A fourth application, a future land use amendment for recently annexed property on Clark Connelly Road, received a recommendation for approval.
Three Apopka development proposals need revisions after DRC review
Three development applications need additional work after the Apopka Development Review Committee recommended denial during its Oct. 28 meeting. A fourth application, a future land use amendment for recently annexed property on Clark Connelly Road, received a recommendation for approval.
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Orange County adopts speed limits and safety rules for e-bikes and scooters

Orange County has adopted new rules governing e-bike and electric scooter speeds, parking, and safe operation. The ordinance requires riders to yield to pedestrians and allows citations and impoundment of devices for certain violations.

Orange County has adopted new rules governing e-bike and electric scooter speeds, parking and safe operation. The ordinance requires riders to yield to pedestrians and allows citations and device impoundment for certain violations.

Boo! How to pick scary books for kids that thrill but won’t haunt for life

Halloween is an opportunity for children to explore the balance between excitement and fear.

A spooky story that delights one child may terrify another. From “Frog and Toad” to “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” literature professor Liz Rosenberg explores how adults can match Halloween books to a child’s readiness for fright.

Business
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.
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.
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
Warehouse, car wash and Kelly Park revisions head to DRC
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.
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 Nov. 6 to apply.
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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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.

Florida’s stormwater cleanup promises deserve more than paper credits

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 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.

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.

Health
Two additional locally acquired dengue cases have brought Orange County’s total to five, according to the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

MORE HEALTH ARTICLES

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.

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

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.

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.

Government
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.
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.
Once-a-week watering begins Nov. 1. Residents should review the schedule that applies to their property and adjust automatic irrigation timers accordingly.
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.
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.
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.
Apopka closes October with free drive-thru trick-or-treating, four development applications scheduled for review, and the Apopka Works for All Town Hall.
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.
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 about changes at City Hall and urges residents to support local businesses, enjoy city parks, and get involved.
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.

MORE GOVERNMENT ARTICLES

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.

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.

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.

Opinion

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Downtown Greenville, SC: 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.

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 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.

MORE OPINION ARTICLES

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.

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.

Bonus Content

Plans with cheaper premiums are risky business for Americans seeking lower healthcare costs

If you

Some options that might look like health insurance actually aren’t – and they may leave you stranded with large, unexpected medical expenses.

Why are school mornings so stressful? A psychologist explains, and organizers share what works

Closets by Design reports that school mornings are stressful due to time constraints and disorganization. 

Are you mentally healthy? 15 signs to look for

Rula reports that good mental health involves coping skills, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose. 

What 8 hours on your feet really does to your body

KURU Footwear reports that being on your feet for eight hours can cause various physical issues like muscle fatigue, pain, and cardiovascular risks, emphasizing the need for varied movement and better workplace design to mitigate discomfort.

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