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With the holiday season upon us and the end of 2022 fast approaching, we at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District are happy to say that this year was one to remember.
The holiday season is fast approaching and with it comes all the responsibilities of buying gifts, cooking meals, planning family gatherings, decorating and more.
Public Natural Gas Week – Oct. 2-8 – is here, and every year around this time, we at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District look forward to celebrating it.
Nearly two in five United States homeowners will put themselves and their communities at risk this year. How? By neglecting to call 811 before they dig, according to Common Ground …
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More than 30 Apopka firefighters joined Sunday’s Tunnel to Towers run in New York City despite travel delays and stormy conditions. Former Fire Chief Chuck Carnesale called the group “relentless” in its commitment to honoring those lost on September 11.
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.
The Rotary Club of Apopka will assemble 100 rescue backpacks for children and adults recovered from human trafficking situations across Central Florida. The community service project begins at 5 p.m. Sept. 3 at First Methodist Church of Apopka.
Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta presented Pastor James R. Doggette Sr. with the Key to the City as Doggette concluded a decade of leadership at Patmos Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church. Doggette will return to Oakwood University in Alabama after 44 years of pastoral ministry and academic service.
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Apopka-Seminole rivalry loses its edge as Blue Darters fall 43-18

Apopka and Seminole once played games that helped shape the state championship races. Friday’s 43-18 Seminole victory showed how much the matchup has changed.

Apopka and Seminole once played games that helped shape the state championship races. Friday’s 43-18 Seminole victory showed how much the matchup has changed.

Apopka pulls away from Horizon for 28-7 victory

Apopka scored four touchdowns across the second and third quarters to defeat Horizon 28-7 Friday night. Freshman quarterback Kai Goodling ran for one touchdown and threw for two more as the Blue Darters combined an explosive offense with multiple defensive takeaways.

Apopka scored four touchdowns across the second and third quarters to defeat Horizon 28-7 Friday night. Freshman quarterback Kai Goodling ran for one touchdown and threw for two more as the Blue Darters combined an explosive offense with multiple defensive takeaways.

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South Apopka annexation study finds path forward, but substantial costs remain

A feasibility study finds that annexing South Apopka is legally and physically achievable, but estimates approximately $30.5 million in capital needs for police, fire, and public services. The City Commission will discuss the report on October 7 and consider a procedural step needed to keep a possible March 2027 referendum on track.

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Apopka Police Department

Burglary, weapons and assault charges highlight Apopka’s weekly arrest report

The APD listed burglary, weapons, assault, and drug charges among the arrests reported Sept. 20–26. The department also recorded 1,680 calls for service, 58 citations, and 31 crashes.

DRC to review housing lots, charter school revision and community park

Apopka’s Development Review Committee will consider residential plans, a charter school revision and an amenity park Wednesday morning. The agenda also includes access roads near State Road 429 and applications for three community events.

Insurance costs eclipse property tax worries for Central Florida homeowners

Property insurance is a bigger worry than property taxes for 62% of Central Florida homeowners, according to a new University of North Florida poll. The survey also found widespread dissatisfaction with insurance reforms and substantial premium increases.

Water conservation rebates open early for Apopka-area groups and properties

Local governments, small utilities, homeowners associations, and multifamily properties can apply early for the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water conservation rebates. The program covers up to half of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 annual limit per applicant.
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Mayor Nick Nesta invited Apopka service organizations to help shape a proposed resource center for people experiencing homelessness and other hardships. Participants welcomed the chance to coordinate their work but urged the city to set realistic goals and follow through.
Nesta’s plan for Apopka resource center draws hope and caution from service groups
Mayor Nick Nesta invited Apopka service organizations to help shape a proposed resource center for people experiencing homelessness and other hardships. Participants welcomed the chance to coordinate their work but urged the city to set realistic goals and follow through.
Orange County commissioners approved a roughly $9 billion budget that directs more than $1.1 billion to the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue, and Corrections. The county also set aside $19.5 million for affordable housing while warning that Amendment 3 could reduce future property tax revenue.
Orange County approves $9 billion budget with $1.1 billion for public safety
Orange County commissioners approved a roughly $9 billion budget that directs more than $1.1 billion to the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue and Corrections. The county also set aside $19.5 million for affordable housing while warning that Amendment 3 could reduce future property tax revenue.
Florida gas prices rose 18 cents last week before falling 6 cents over the weekend, AAA reported. The statewide average stood at about $4.37 per gallon Sunday, roughly $1.42 more than a year earlier.
Florida gas prices jump 18 cents over the last week
Florida gas prices rose 18 cents last week before falling 6 cents over the weekend, AAA reported. The statewide average stood at about $4.37 per gallon on Sunday, roughly $1.42 more than a year earlier.
Netflix’s October schedule opens with Florence Pugh in East of Eden and later in the month brings Ben Affleck’s Animals. Returning favorites include The Diplomat, Nobody Wants This, and Lupin, alongside horror films, documentaries, and a live darts event.
Everything coming to Netflix in October
Netflix’s October schedule opens with Florence Pugh in East of Eden and later in the month brings Ben Affleck’s Animals. Returning favorites include The Diplomat, Nobody Wants This, and Lupin, alongside horror films, documentaries, and a live darts event.
Apopka’s four city commissioners have responded to Mayor Nick Nesta’s decision to remove interim City Administrator Radley Williams and Finance Director Blanche Sherman. Their statements differ on the dismissals, but each points to the same question now facing City Hall: how the administration will reorganize and explain what comes next.
Apopka commissioners offer four perspectives on City Hall dismissals
Apopka’s four commissioners responded to the departure of interim City Administrator Radley Williams and Finance Director Blanche Sherman. Their statements offer different views on the changes underway at City Hall and what should happen next.
Apopka approved a firefighter contract with a $12,000 first-year base pay increase, while Orange County District 2 candidates Brown and Crabb debated growth and spending. The week’s coverage also examined a dispute over city discretionary funds, sidewalk safety, and drug warrants in APD’s arrest report.
In Case You Missed It: Firefighter pay, a District 2 debate and a City Hall dispute
Apopka approved a firefighter contract with a $12,000 first-year base pay increase, while Orange County District 2 candidates Brown and Crabb debated growth and spending. The week’s coverage also examined a dispute over city discretionary funds, sidewalk safety, and drug warrants in APD’s arrest report.
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SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
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.

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.

Drug warrants stand out in APD's weekly arrest report

Drug-related charges and warrants account for many entries in the Apopka Police Department’s Sept. 13-19 arrest report. The report also lists battery, DUI, hit-and-run, and other charges, along with 1,645 calls for service during the week.

What’s streaming on Disney+ in October

Disney+ begins October with new seasons of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ and Adventure Time: Side Quests, followed by Marvel’s VisionQuest on Oct. 14. The calendar also includes Halloween specials, the KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS film and live episodes of Dancing with the Stars.

DRC to review 95-home subdivision plan, child care facility and three special events

The Apopka Development Review Committee will review a construction plan for 95 single-family lots near Kelly Park Road and a proposed child care facility on Chandler Road. The Sept. 23 agenda also includes a Bronson Peak plat and three special-event applications.

Anderson alleges a political agenda behind the discretionary funds debate

Commissioner Nadia Anderson alleges that last Wednesday’s debate over discretionary spending and a proposed amphitheater event was part of a broader political effort against her.
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The Continued Development of Homes and Buildings in Florida

Florida's housing and building sectors continue to evolve, blending historic architecture with new construction, housing growth and hurricane-resistant building standards.
The Apopka Police Department reported six burglaries between September 16 and September 19. The incidents included three auto burglaries, two commercial burglaries, and one residential burglary.

Cars, storefronts and a residence targeted in Apopka burglary report

The Apopka Police Department reported six burglaries between September 16 and September 19. The incidents included three auto burglaries, two commercial burglaries, and one residential burglary.
Apple TV+ will roll out six original premieres during October, including two feature films and four series. The schedule ranges from family animation and an offbeat British comedy to a historical Everest drama and a dark serial-killer thriller.

Apple TV+ fills October with adventure, comedy and crime

Apple TV+ will roll out six original premieres during October, including two feature films and four series. The schedule ranges from family animation and an offbeat British comedy to a historical Everest drama and a dark serial-killer thriller.
The Apopka Planning Commission will consider plans for 557 single-family homes and two industrial projects Tuesday evening. The agenda also includes a special exception for overnight commercial-vehicle parking and a Land Development Code workshop.

Planning Commission to review plans for 557 homes, industrial projects

The Apopka Planning Commission will consider plans for 557 single-family homes and two industrial projects Tuesday evening. The agenda also includes a special exception for overnight commercial-vehicle parking and a Land Development Code workshop.
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How to Find the Right Balance Between Rest and Recreation

Learn how to balance rest and recreation, recognize what your mind and body need, and make better use of your free time without over-scheduling.

Two dengue cases confirmed in the Apopka area

Health officials have confirmed two additional locally acquired dengue fever cases in the Apopka area, prompting a mosquito alert for Orange County. Mosquito Control is expanding surveillance and targeted treatment in Apopka, Pine Hills, and other parts of the county.
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Florida projects $1 billion budget deficit by 2030

Florida is projected to run multibillion-dollar surpluses over the next two fiscal years before expenditures exceed available general revenue by about $1 billion in 2029-30. The state’s long-range outlook says lawmakers will need to adjust revenue or spending to avoid the projected shortfall.

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The test track seen in this aerial photo was built outside Naples 40 years ago for the Ford Motor Co., but since then has been surrounded by preserved lands. Now a company called Hyper Club wants to turn the track and the 530 acres around it into a motorsports-themed development, smack dab in the middle of panther habitat.
Developers want to transform a former Collier County automotive test track into a private motorsports club with resort amenities and up to 100 residential units. Environmental advocates warn that the project would fragment vital Florida panther habitat near several public preserves.
Orange County has awarded Central Florida Dreamplex a $15,000 Youth Sports Enhancement Grant. The funding will help expand its Orlando Magic Dreamers wheelchair basketball program for athletes ages 5 to 18.
Orange County has awarded Central Florida Dreamplex a $15,000 Youth Sports Enhancement Grant. The funding will help expand its Orlando Magic Dreamers wheelchair basketball program for athletes ages 5 to 18.
Central Florida SC is committed to developing the whole player—not simply building teams. Our professionally licensed and trained coaches focus on long-term player development, ensuring every athlete receives quality instruction in a positive and supportive environment.
Central Florida SC offers a complete soccer development pathway for children ages 2 through high school. Programs combine professional coaching, skill development, and competitive opportunities in a positive, supportive environment.
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Central Florida SC is committed to developing the whole player—not simply building teams. Our professionally licensed and trained coaches focus on long-term player development, ensuring every athlete receives quality instruction in a positive and supportive environment.
Central Florida SC is committed to developing the whole player—not simply building teams. Our professionally licensed and trained coaches focus on long-term player development, ensuring every athlete receives quality instruction in a positive and supportive environment.
Central Florida SC is committed to developing the whole player—not simply building teams. Our professionally licensed and trained coaches focus on long-term player development, ensuring every athlete receives quality instruction in a positive and supportive environment.
Central Florida SC is committed to developing the whole player—not simply building teams. Our professionally licensed and trained coaches focus on long-term player development, ensuring every athlete receives quality instruction in a positive and supportive environment.
Central Florida SC is committed to developing the whole player—not simply building teams. Our professionally licensed and trained coaches focus on long-term player development, ensuring every athlete receives quality instruction in a positive and supportive environment.
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Video

Orange County Mayor shares prostate cancer journey, urges men to get screened

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is sharing his experience with Stage 1 prostate cancer to encourage men to discuss screening and risk factors with their doctors. After undergoing surgery earlier this year, Demings says early detection gave him more treatment options and helped save his life.

A busy week for APD brings 24 arrests across Apopka

The Apopka Police Department reported 24 arrests, including one juvenile, during the week of September 6-12. Battery, controlled-substance possession, DUI, and outstanding warrants were among the allegations listed.

Making a Mark: Six Orange County Businesses Shaping the County's Growth in 2026

From a new $15 million emergency room in Apopka to a Michelin-recognized sushi bar in Winter Park, here are six Orange County businesses that expanded, opened, or made news in 2026.

One day, three meetings: Apopka confronts growth, taxes and its downtown future

Three meetings on Wednesday will offer a wide-ranging look at the forces shaping Apopka’s future. City officials will review proposed development, adopt the FY2026-27 budget, and decide whether the Community Redevelopment Agency should receive seven more years to complete its downtown work.

Florida lawmakers press AHCA for answers as KidCare expansion remains stalled

Florida lawmakers are seeking answers about when—or whether—the state will implement a legislatively approved expansion of Florida KidCare. The expansion would extend subsidized coverage to children in families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, but litigation over continuous eligibility remains unresolved.

Orange County celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural events

Orange County Government and the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural exhibitions, student awards, and other community events. The 2026 celebration carries the theme “Unidos, Somos Más,” meaning “Together, We Are More.”

Are food recalls becoming more common? UF expert puts the numbers in perspective

A steady stream of recall notices and social media posts may make the nation’s food supply seem less safe, but a UF/IFAS expert says current recall numbers are generally consistent with previous years. Consumers should review the specific products, brands, and lot numbers involved rather than avoiding an entire category of food.

Vehicle break-ins dominate Apopka’s weekly burglary report

The Apopka Police Department reported five burglaries during the week of September 6-12. Four involved vehicles, while the fifth was reported at a commercial property on South Orange Blossom Trail.

Strategic Educational Philanthropy of the Yael Foundation and the Role of Uri Poliavich

The mission and scale of the Yael Foundation, strategic support for schools, infrastructure investments and educational initiatives of Uri Poliavich

CRA extension, development proposals headline commission's agenda

The Apopka City Commission will consider extending the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency and vote on several residential, commercial, and mixed-use development proposals Wednesday evening. The agenda also includes a $400,000 stormwater-planning grant, recreation-complex concessions, and a Fudge Road annexation.

Bojangles opens a new Apopka restaurant on State Road 436

Bojangles has opened a new restaurant at 3050 State Road 436 in Apopka. The location is the Carolina-based chain’s seventh restaurant in the Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne market.

Orange County begins work on first Urban Forest Master Plan

Orange County is developing its first Urban Forest Master Plan to guide how trees are planted, protected and maintained over the next 20-plus years. Residents can help shape the plan by sharing feedback through the county’s Engage Orange portal.

Florida gas prices rise above $4 as Apopka stations reach $4.15

Florida’s average gas price climbed to $4.14 per gallon Sunday, 23 cents higher than a week earlier. Prices listed at Apopka stations ranged from $3.99 to $4.15 as crude oil costs continued to pressure drivers at the pump.

Boil-water advisory issued for Welch Road area after water main break

The City of Apopka has issued a precautionary boil-water advisory for several neighborhoods and businesses following a water main break on Welch Road east of Rock Springs Road. Customers should boil water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes until the city lifts the advisory.

In Case You Missed It: Downtown Apopka’s future, a City Hall investigation, and calls for labor reform

This week’s In Case You Missed It highlights competing perspectives on downtown Apopka’s future, including a call for immediate action and a proposal for a civic campus. Other notable stories examine a City Hall workplace investigation, efforts to combat agricultural labor abuses, and increased mosquito surveillance in Orange County.

Apopka City Commission approaches final budget vote with familiar choices and mounting needs

The Apopka City Commission will hold its final FY2026-27 budget hearing Wednesday after a summer of debate over taxes, services, and deferred needs. The proposed 4.6761-mill rate would restore nearly all of last year’s quarter-mill reduction but remain slightly below the rate adopted two years ago.

Apopka Involved Voters is hosting two Orange County runoff forums

Apopka Involved Voters will host forums on Sept. 21 and 22 for candidates in the Orange County mayoral and District 2 commission runoffs. Both events will begin at 7 pm at Victory Church and will be open to an in-person audience, with a livestream.

DRC to review Floridian apartments, 78-lot plat and three special events

The Apopka Development Review Committee will consider plans for apartments at Floridian Town Center and a 78-lot residential plat at Crossroads at Kelly Park. The committee will also review applications for three community events scheduled between October and December.

Fatal lightning strike offers warning for Apopka residents

A fatal lightning strike near a Celebration hotel demonstrates how quickly a developing thunderstorm can become deadly. The incident warns Apopka residents not to wait for heavy rain or frequent lightning before seeking shelter.

What we forget when we remember 9/11

Apopka’s police and fire departments will hold a memorial service Friday morning to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. A professor of politics and public affairs reflects on what “never forget” means as firsthand memories of that day gradually pass into history.
Maribel Brinkle, President of the Apopka Historical Society.

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.

Free or low-cost mammograms available in Orange County on September 30

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County will offer free or low-cost mammograms in Winter Garden on September 30. Eligible women can receive screenings aboard the 3D Mobile Mammography bus from 8 am to 4 pm.

August rainfall offers relief, but groundwater remains very low across water district

The St. Johns River Water Management District averaged 6.84 inches of rainfall in August, nearly matching the month’s long-term average. However, groundwater remained very low, and every county in the District continued to face a 12-month rainfall deficit.

AdventHealth grants will help 13 nonprofits serve more than 123,000 Central Floridians

AdventHealth is supporting 13 Central Florida nonprofits working to improve housing stability, food access, transportation, and maternal health. The grants are expected to help the organizations serve more than 123,200 people, including families in the Apopka area.

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.

Development dispute leads to Apopka City Hall workplace investigation into Anderson's conduct

An Apopka Human Resources review documented complaints from three planning employees about Commissioner Nadia Anderson’s conduct during a meeting concerning a proposed development. Anderson denies intimidating staff or representing the applicant, saying she was exercising oversight and advocating for a fair process.

Florida Blue Foundation offers $3 million for maternal health initiatives

The Florida Blue Foundation is accepting grant applications from nonprofits working to improve maternal health outcomes statewide. Approximately $3 million will support programs addressing chronic health conditions, maternal mental health, and barriers to care in rural and under-resourced communities.

Sierra Club warns Amendment 3 could weaken Florida’s storm defenses

Sierra Club Florida has announced its opposition to Amendment 3, arguing that the proposed property tax changes could undermine local storm preparations and other public services. If approved by at least 60% of voters, the measure would significantly increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes.

From triple-digit speed to vehicle theft, APD records 16 arrests in one week

The Apopka Police Department recorded 16 arrests between August 30 and September 5, with charges ranging from traffic and battery offenses to burglary and motor vehicle theft. During the same period, officers responded to 1,723 calls for service, investigated 36 crashes, and issued 130 citations.

Apopka DRC to review 100-unit apartment community, Kelly Park projects

A proposed 100-unit apartment community on Old Dixie Highway is among four construction site plans headed to the Apopka Development Review Committee. The committee will also review projects in Springhaven, Crossroads at Kelly Park, and on South Highland Avenue.

AdventHealth hosts Apopka, Central Florida hiring events for clinical professionals

AdventHealth will host hiring events at eight Central Florida locations, including AdventHealth Apopka, from 9 am to 1 pm on Wednesday. Clinical professionals can meet hiring managers, participate in on-site interviews, and potentially receive same-day offers for select positions.

Robotic mowers could produce healthier Florida lawns, UF/IFAS study finds

UF/IFAS research found that robotic lawn mowers can maintain and improve Florida turf, including St. Augustine grass, despite their lower cutting height. Their frequent mowing removes small amounts of grass at a time, encouraging healthier and denser lawns.

Florida photographers honored in 2026 Audubon Photography Awards

A photograph of a Roseate Spoonbill taken in St. Augustine earned Jacqueline Burke the Grand Prize in the 2026 Audubon Photography Awards. Two other Florida residents received honorable mentions for images featuring a Common Nighthawk and a Barred Owl.

APD reports five burglaries during the latest reporting period

The Apopka Police Department reported five burglaries between August 30 and September 5, with three reported on September 3.

In Case You Missed It: Apopka budget choices, hotel progress, and community leadership

Apopka’s budget debate and the consequences of rejecting new revenue led this week’s most-read coverage, while a Marriott-branded hotel moved closer to construction at Floridian Town Center. Readers also followed stories about principled leadership, a longtime pastor’s community service, and a transition in the Orange County clerk’s office.

Opinion: Successful downtowns begin when cities decide to build something consequential- Part 2

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.

Labor, Community, and Faith Organizations Call on World’s Largest Grower and Apopka Employer to Join National Program called ‘Planting Justice’ to Eradicate Labor Abuses

Apopka groups will rally September 8 urging Costa Farms to join Planting Justice and address labor and human rights concerns among plant nursery workers.

Apopka Night Out brings first responders and families together on Fifth Street

Apopka families gathered on Fifth Street for an evening of activities and interaction with local first responders. The Apopka Police and Fire departments presented the event in partnership with Market on 5th.

Orange County increases mosquito surveillance and encourages residents to take preventive action

Orange County has increased mosquito surveillance and targeted treatments following reports of elevated West Nile virus activity and a locally acquired dengue case. Officials are asking residents to help reduce the risk by eliminating standing water and taking precautions against mosquito bites.

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.

Current conditions

Orlando Executive Airport
Lat: 28.55°N / Lon: -81.34°W | Elev: 102 ft.
Last update: 3 Oct 04:53 am EDT

Partly Cloudy
76° F

Dewpoint: 74°F
Humidity: 94%
Barometer: 30.01 in.
Winds: 7 (get wind direction from Windd)
Visibility: 10.00 mi.

3-Day Forecast
Saturday
Slight Chance Showers then Chance T-storms
High: 88°F (32°C)
Low: 76°F (25°C)
Sunday
Mostly Sunny then Chance T-storms
High: 90°F (32°C)
Low: 76°F (25°C)
Monday
Partly Sunny then T-storms
High: 88°F (32°C)
Low: 75°F (23°C)