Apopka

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Third Times the Charm? After two delays, Apopka’s millage debate reaches a legal, financial, and critical crossroads

The Apopka City Commission will meet Thursday for a third attempt to set its proposed property-tax rate after twice failing to reach agreement on a recommended 0.75-mill increase. If the city misses its Aug. 4 deadline, Florida law would prohibit it from levying more than the 4.2510-mill rolled-back rate. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 7/29/26

City Commission repeals legal-fee policy, changes MetroPlan representation after contentious special meeting

The Apopka City Commission repealed a policy allowing the city to advance legal expenses to elected officials and replaced Commissioner Nadia Anderson as its representative on the MetroPlan Orlando Board. Anderson repeatedly described the agenda items as “a personal attack,” while Mayor Nick Nesta said the changes would protect taxpayer funds and give commissioners greater opportunities to serve on regional boards. more

From Staff Reports | 7/28/26

Developing Story: Apopka City Commission tables millage vote again as unanimous support for 0.75 increase remains elusive

For the second consecutive meeting, the Apopka City Commission postponed setting a tentative property tax rate after failing to reach unanimous consensus on a proposed 0.75-mill increase. Commissioners agreed the city faces significant infrastructure and budget challenges but remained split on whether taxpayers should absorb a larger increase before identifying deeper spending cuts. more

From Staff Reports | 7/27/26

DRC to review retail, restaurant, fueling station, and multifamily proposals

The Apopka Development Review Committee will consider plans for retail, restaurant, and fueling uses along West Kelly Park Road during its July 29 meeting. The agenda also includes a 16-unit multifamily project and new tennis and pickleball courts at the Northwest Recreation Complex. more

From Staff Reports | 7/27/26

In Case You Missed It: Apopka tax-rate vote, road closure and Orange County election coverage

This week’s headlines include a critical Apopka City Commission vote on the proposed property tax rate and the monthlong closure of North Thompson Road. Also featured are interviews with Orange County mayoral candidates Mayra Uribe and Stephanie Murphy, along with Apopka’s representation on the county’s Tourism Tax Task Force. more

From Staff Reports | 7/26/26

Apopka Commission faces critical vote on proposed property tax rate

The Apopka City Commission will try again to establish a preliminary property tax rate following its July 15 deadlock. The rate selected will determine how much revenue remains available and how deeply the city must cut its proposed budget. more

From Staff Reports | 7/23/26 | 2 comments

The Apopka City Commission will hold special meetings this week after failing to approve a preliminary property tax rate earlier this month. Commissioners remain divided over the size of a proposed tax increase, but must establish a preliminary millage rate to continue the city's budget process.

Apopka City Commission gets second chance to set preliminary millage rate after budget deadlock

The Apopka City Commission will hold special meetings next week after failing to approve a preliminary property tax rate earlier this month. Commissioners remain divided over the size of a proposed tax increase, but must establish a preliminary millage rate to continue the City's budget process. more

From Staff Reports | 7/21/26 | 1 comment

DRC to review plans for 851 homes, two warehouses

Apopka’s Development Review Committee will review eight applications Wednesday, including three residential projects representing 851 proposed lots. The agenda also includes two warehouse proposals, an outdoor-storage request and two future land-use amendments. more

From Staff Reports | 7/20/26

In Case You Missed It: Golden Gem advances, tax-rate vote stalls, and Orange County candidates make their cases

Apopka moved forward with its long-delayed Golden Gem pump station but postponed a preliminary property tax-rate vote after commissioners deadlocked over a proposed increase. This week’s coverage also featured Apopka’s struggle to balance growth with its heritage and interviews with Orange County candidates Rick Singh and Tiffany Moore Russell. more

From Staff Reports | 7/19/26

Apopka approves $12.7 million Golden Gem pump station, advancing long-delayed reclaimed water project

The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved a $12.7 million contract to build the long-awaited Golden Gem reclaimed water pump station, a project city leaders say is critical to expanding reclaimed-water service. Commissioners also heard questions about lost grant funding and concerns from residents experiencing low reclaimed-water pressure. more

From Staff Reports | 7/16/26

Developing Story: Apopka delays preliminary tax-rate vote after commission deadlocks over proposed 0.75-mill increase

The Apopka City Commission postponed setting its preliminary property tax rate after failing to reach a unanimous agreement on a proposed 0.75-mill increase. The delay extends budget negotiations as commissioners debate new spending, staffing levels, and how best to prepare for the potential impact of a statewide property tax amendment. more

From Staff Reports | 7/15/26

Child care proposal, nonprofit grants, and infrastructure projects lead City Commission agenda

The Apopka City Commission's July 15 agenda features a mix of land-use proposals, infrastructure investments, and governance issues as the city continues its summer legislative agenda. Among the highlights are a proposed child care facility on Chandler Road, nonprofit grant awards, and an ordinance establishing procedures for CRA board appointments. more

From Staff Reports | 7/14/26

Commission to set preliminary property tax ceiling as budget process moves forward

The Apopka City Commission will take its first formal vote on the FY2026-27 budget on Wednesday by setting a preliminary property tax rate under Florida's Truth in Millage law. Although the proposed 0.75-mill increase is not final, the decision will establish the highest rate the commission can adopt during the remainder of the budget process. more

From Staff Reports | 7/14/26 | 2 comments

In his OP/ED, Apopka City Commissioner Sam Ruth explores Apopka's evolving identity as one of Central Florida's fastest-growing cities and the challenges that accompany rapid development. Ruth contends that residential growth should be matched by investments in infrastructure, commercial development and long-term planning while preserving the city's agricultural heritage and hometown character. Ultimately, the piece argues that Apopka's future should be measured not by the number of homes built, but by the quality of life left for future generations.

Opinion: Apopka can preserve its heritage while planning for its future

As Apopka continues to grow, the city faces important decisions about balancing development with infrastructure, fiscal responsibility, and quality of life. This opinion column argues that preserving Apopka's identity and embracing growth are not competing goals—they are complementary ones. more

By Apopka City Commissioner Sam Ruth | 7/14/26

Kelly Park South rezoning, residential growth headline DRC agenda

The Apopka Development Review Committee will review another busy agenda on Wednesday, featuring residential subdivisions, commercial construction, and the first technical review of the Kelly Park South master plan amendment. The meeting also includes site plans for an AutoZone, a commercial outparcel, and three community events. more

From Staff Reports | 7/13/26

In Case You Missed It: Budget reset, growth debate, infrastructure, Sister Gail Grimes remembered

From a new direction in Apopka's budget discussions to the City's evolving growth policies, this week's stories examined the issues shaping the community. Readers also followed the passing of Sister Gail Grimes and an in-depth interview with Orange County Commission candidate Marsha Summersill. more

From Staff Reports | 7/12/26

"Trooper Steve" nominated as Apopka's Public Information Director

The City of Apopka is expected to appoint Steven Montiero, known to television audiences as "Trooper Steve," as its next Public Information Director. The veteran Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson and WKMG News 6 traffic safety expert would become the City's chief communications officer pending commission approval. more

From Staff Reports | 7/12/26 | 1 comment

First Planning Commission meeting since chairman's resignation puts Apopka's growth debate back in the spotlight

Apopka's Planning Commission returns Tuesday for its first meeting since Chairman William Gusler resigned after criticizing the public scrutiny placed on the advisory board. more

From Staff Reports | 7/12/26

Analysis: Nesta resets Apopka's budget debate

A proposed 1-mill property tax increase sparked criticism before Apopka's budget workshop even began. But as the discussion unfolded, Mayor Nick Nesta steered the conversation toward a smaller increase and a larger question: how should the city pay for years of deferred infrastructure needs? more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 7/9/26 | 1 comment

Florida’s population continues to grow, but the current growth rate may not be enough to support the state budget if the proposed amendment to property taxes passes.

Florida’s proposed property tax cuts rely on a population boom that has slowed dramatically

Florida is still growing, but not nearly as fast as it was just a few years ago. Researchers say slowing migration, an aging population, and declining immigration could reshape the state's economy, housing market, and public finances. more

By Matt Brooks and Karin Brewster, Florida State University | 7/8/26 | 1 comment

Apopka commissioners will get their first detailed look at the city's proposed FY2027 budget on Wednesday. The workshop includes a proposed property tax increase, declining development revenues, new staffing requests, and millions of dollars in capital projects that could shape the city's financial future.

Proposed tax increase, slowing growth, and major projects to dominate Apopka budget workshop

Apopka commissioners will take their first public look at the proposed FY2026-27 budget during Wednesday's workshop. The discussion is expected to focus on a proposed property tax increase, slowing development revenue growth, and competing priorities between major capital projects and city services. more

From Staff Reports | 7/7/26 | 2 comments

Analysis: Apopka's new commission is redefining growth — and testing the limits of Florida law

Apopka's City Commission campaigned on slowing growth and prioritizing infrastructure over development. Two months into its term, a series of high-profile votes suggests it's doing exactly that—even as Florida law makes it increasingly difficult to deny compliant projects. more

By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor | 7/6/26 | 2 comments

Kelly Park South rezoning, 196-home subdivision highlight July 8 DRC agenda

Growth remains the focus of the Apopka Development Review Committee's July 8 meeting, where members will consider a major amendment to the Kelly Park Interchange master plan alongside new residential and commercial developments. The agenda also includes three community events, a new AutoZone, and a proposed commercial outparcel. more

From Staff Reports | 7/6/26

In Case You Missed It: Affordability, school success and water conservation lead this week's top stories

Miss one of this week's biggest stories? Here's a quick look at five headlines shaping the conversation across Apopka, Orange County, and Central Florida. more

From Staff Reports | 7/5/26

America Turns 250: Apopka celebrates with flag ceremony, fireworks, and family fun

Apopka will commemorate America's 250th birthday with two public events over the Independence Day weekend, beginning with a ceremonial flag raising at Mullinax Ford on July 3 and concluding with the city's annual Fourth of July celebration on July 4. The Apopka Fire Department is also encouraging residents to celebrate safely by attending the city's professional fireworks display and following fireworks safety guidelines. more

From Staff Reports | 7/2/26

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