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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Apopka’s Development Review Committee will consider a proposed warehouse use on Clarcona Road, an 11-lot replat on East Lisa Lane, and two returning residential applications on Wednesday. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the City Hall Commission Chambers.
AI hiring tools can streamline recruitment, but they can also reinforce biases and leave qualified applicants struggling to get an interview. Second Harvest’s Keonna Yearwood-Branch explains how job training and direct employer relationships can help candidates move beyond automated screening.
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.
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.
Orange County’s fourth round of medical debt relief has eliminated $199 million owed by more than 112,000 residents. Recipients will receive confirmation letters from nonprofit partner Undue Medical Debt, with no application required.
Health officials confirmed four locally transmitted dengue cases in the Apopka area and one in Pine Hills as of Oct. 12. Orange County announced aerial mosquito spraying for designated neighborhoods, with treatments scheduled for Oct. 16 or, if weather delayed operations, Oct. 17.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Apopka police reported fraud, burglary, weapons, battery and drug arrests during the week of Oct. 18–24. The department also logged 1,624 calls for service, 44 crashes and 74 citations.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind” as Florida’s official anthem, honoring the Apopka native who died Oct. 21 at age 71. His executive order also directs state officials to establish historic markers in Apopka and rename Lake Apopka’s wildlife drive and trail system in Anderson’s memory.
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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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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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.
Houzz reports on four retro-inspired room designs blending past styles with modern touches, showcasing 1920s Art Deco, 1950s charm, 1960s Space Age, and vibrant 1990s aesthetics.
Some options that might look like health insurance actually aren’t – and they may leave you stranded with large, unexpected medical expenses.
Closets by Design reports that school mornings are stressful due to time constraints and disorganization.
Rula reports that good mental health involves coping skills, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose.
