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In case you missed it: The Apopka news week in review
In case you missed it. The Apopka News Week in Review features eight articles that have shaped the city, all in one place, including details on six new officers sworn in to the Apopka Police Department.
Free speech or social media moderation? Moore faces backlash over hidden comments
Two Apopka-area residents say their comments were deleted, and they were blocked from Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore’s official District 2 Facebook page. The dispute has sparked questions about First Amendment rights, public records law, and how elected officials manage digital public forums.
Extreme heat can become lethal quickly. A young man cools off at Washington, D.C.’s Yards Park during a heat wave in 2021.
How to stay safe during heat waves – and heat stroke warning signs to watch for
A dangerous heat wave sweeping across the central and eastern U.S. in June has put millions under advisories, highlighting the growing health risks associated with extreme summer temperatures. From recognizing heat exhaustion to finding safe ways to cool off, public health experts stress the importance of early action to prevent life-threatening heat stroke.
A UF/IFAS animal sciences student is taking a horse through an equine weanling course. Photo: UF/IFAS, Tyler Jones
UF researchers recruiting horses for arthritis pain study
UF researchers are partnering with horse owners in Central Florida to study osteoarthritis in horses, utilizing non-invasive techniques to detect and manage joint pain more effectively. The long-term goal is to enhance early intervention in both animals and humans with arthritis.
Summer Blockbusters: Everything coming to AppleTV+ in July
This July, AppleTV+ delivers a forecast of thrill, wonder, and nostalgia: Foundation returns with a galaxy-shaking Season 3, while The Wild Ones explores endangered species from the frontline. Plus, lighten the mood with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical and relive the laughter in Acapulco Season 4.
Local News
City Council approves one-year license agreement with Matthew's Hope for mobile outreach program
The Apopka City Council unanimously approved a one-year business license agreement with Matthew’s Hope, allowing the nonprofit to operate mobile outreach buses for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Orange County hosts 2025 Hurricane Expo: “Power of Preparedness” theme focuses on safety and readiness
This year’s theme, “Power of Preparedness,” underscores the critical importance of being ready before disaster strikes. The expo will offer one-on-one conversations with emergency responders, safety demonstrations, and expert guidance on hurricane readiness.
“They Deserve to Be Home”: Apopka family pleads for the return of deported father and detained mother
Esvin Juarez, a longtime Apopka resident and small business owner, was deported to Guatemala despite decades of community ties and a pending visa application. His daughter is now pleading for the release of her detained mother and calling on leaders to show compassion and uphold due process.
Randolph Bracy falsely claims he's senator of District 15
State Senate District 15 special election candidate Randolph Bracy is facing criticism for falsely identifying himself as the current senator for District 15 on his Facebook page, despite not having held elected office since 2022, and never representing the district.
A Burmese python in southern Florida.
20,000 tons of invasive Burmese pythons removed from Florida
The conservancy tracks male pythons to locate reproductive pythons during the breeding season, which goes from November through April. It monitors them across a 200-square-mile area of public and private land stretching from Naples through the Western Everglades.
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 June 14th.
During the overnight hours of June 15th, Daniel Hodge sought shelter from a storm beneath a commercial vehicle. Approximately one hour later, the driver arrived, started the vehicle, and departed – unaware that Mr. Hodge was beneath the trailer. Mr. Hodge sustained fatal injuries as the vehicle exited the parking lot.
Several hundred demonstrators gathered in front of Apopka City Hall on Saturday as part of the nationwide "No Kings" movement. The peaceful protest highlighted local voices calling for democratic values, government transparency, and more effective use of public funds.
Business
Orange County is empowering individuals through employment opportunities
According to First Step Staffing, a job is much more than a paycheck. The nonprofit staffing agency develops workforce talent to meet the needs of local businesses. Known for its reliability, First Step Staffing partners with more than 200 employers across seven states.
Just Like Momma’s serves up comfort, soul, and community in the heart of Apopka
Since opening in July 2024, Just Like Momma's has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, thanks to the warmth and flavor Valerie Sparkman and her family bring to the kitchen.
5th Hole Investments proposes $6.3 million sale of Errol Estate Golf Course property to Apopka
After years of stalled plans and mounting frustration, the owners of Errol Estate Golf Course have put the ball squarely in the City of Apopka’s court.
The threat is most serious to states with warm climates and abundant animal populations, such as Florida.
In the corporate world, DEI initiatives are intended to promote diversity, and research consistently shows that diversity is good for business. Companies with more diverse teams tend to perform better across several key metrics, including revenue, profitability and worker satisfaction.
This is the first social media skirmish between Nelson and Moore since both announced their campaigns, but it probably won't be the last. It does, however, bring up an interesting issue at a time when Apopka is struggling with infrastructure, and a lack of affordable housing.
On May 16 and 17, hundreds of people gathered at Caribe Royale in Orlando for Quest’s largest fundraiser of the year - Wine Quest.
Health

When you lose your health insurance, you may also lose your primary doctor – and that hurts your health

Regularly seeing the same doctor is beneficial for your health.

Members of Congress are debating whether to make significant cuts to Medicaid and other social safety net programs. If the Senate passes its version of the tax-and-spending package that the House approved in May 2025, millions of Americans will soon face exactly this kind of disruption.

Report: Weed legalization more dangerous for road safety than previously believed

Marijuana, the THC-containing part of the cannabis plant, impairs driving performance by diminishing motor coordination, multitasking abilities, reaction time and distance perception, according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board. 

Medicaid cuts could strain Florida's safety net, advocates warn

In Florida, where 760,000 Medicaid enrollees rely on community health centers, advocates say the cuts would destabilize preventive care and overwhelm hospitals.

UF/IFAS launches free online program to support people facing a cancer diagnosis

Developed by experts in social sciences and cancer treatment, the curriculum through UF Extension Online features 14 self-paced modules that address a wide range of concerns commonly faced during the early stages of a cancer journey.

AAA Warns: The “100 Deadliest Days” have begun

AAA’s review of crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows a 30% increase in deadly crashes involving teen drivers during summer compared to the rest of the year.

Prevention is the best medicine

Preventive care, like annual wellness checkups and screenings, can help you stay healthy and prevent illness from starting or getting worse. Ignoring what seems like a minor symptom now could allow it to develop into something bigger down the road.

The Subtle Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore This Year

Health isn't just about reacting when things go wrong. It's about proactive care and recognizing the early whispers of trouble.

Florida Blue offers caregiver resources, available to everyone at no cost

According to the most recent data available, there are approximately 53 million caregivers in the United States.

Government
After a contentious 105-day legislative session, Florida lawmakers approved a $115.1 billion budget and a $1.3 billion tax cut package just two weeks before the new fiscal year begins. The final deal includes the largest recurring tax cut in state history.
The Apopka Voice publishes a weekly burglary report from the Apopka Police Department that includes reported burglaries of businesses, residences, and vehicles. 
Despite bipartisan support in 2023 for using gaming revenue to protect public lands and water resources, the new budget proposal redirects those funds, leaving programs like Florida Forever unfunded and critical conservation initiatives in jeopardy.
Preliminary information suggests that the circumstances of Mr. Hodge’s death may be traffic-related. As a result, the Apopka Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit was called to the scene and is actively collecting evidence.
Apopka Voice hosting Virtual Town Hall with State Senate candidate Alan Grayson
The Apopka Voice will host a live virtual town hall with former Congressman Alan Grayson on Tuesday at 7 p.m. as part of his campaign for Florida State Senate District 15.
Experience culture like never before with Open Scene, where all voices are celebrated
Open Scene is one of 40 local organizations awarded Cultural Tourism Grants from Orange County. Funding will help support their flagship Latin American Festival of Performing Arts, an annual celebration of Spanish-language theater, music, dance, and visual arts.
Report: An undercount of Florida residents during the 2020 Census could result in less federal highway funding for the state
According to the report, Florida was one of six states with a statistically significant census undercount, which added up to 750,000 residents, or 3.48% of its total population. That data came from the Florida Data Science for Social Good at the University of North Florida. 
Opinion

Legislature wants to make it impossible for local governments to build back better after hurricanes

Pittman: “How did we get here? Bear in mind that we’re a state surrounded on three sides by water, so we’re especially vulnerable to a rising sea level. Yet our state has seen rampant overdevelopment in flood-prone spots in recent years.”
Like most cities, Lafayette had the written reports detailing an enormously large backlog of infrastructure maintenance. At current spending rates, roads were going bad faster than they could be repaired.
This unprecedented and isolated incident has understandably triggered strong emotions. But emotional reactions - particularly fear and a desire for retribution - must not guide state wildlife policy.
We look to you to ensure that we provide the needed budget to properly provide the Staff, equipment, supplies, and materials to get the job done in a timely and appropriate manner. No one wants to see a tax increase. To date, we have gotten what we have paid for.
Bonus Content

‘Jaws’ and the two musical notes that changed Hollywood forever

Many film historians see

With blockbuster films costing hundreds of millions of dollars, the way two musical notes manipulate tension in ‘Jaws’ serves as a reminder that less can be more.

AI helps tell snow leopards apart, improving population counts for these majestic mountain predators

Snow leopards are hard to find and count, which makes protecting them difficult.

Conservationists have to search rough terrain and thousands of automated photographs to find the elusive cats. Artificial intelligence can help them work more accurately and more efficiently.

Ticks carry decades of history in each troublesome bite

The black-legged tick, or deer tick, _Ixodes scapularis_, can transmit Lyme disease and other health hazards.

Changes to forests, and how close people and their livestock live to them, have changed tick habitats and the risks humans face of Lyme disease and other illnesses.

How to stay safe during heat waves – and the heat stroke warning signs to watch for

Extreme heat can become lethal quickly. A young man cools off at Washington, D.C.

A public health researcher explains the signs someone is developing heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and what to do.