Wekiva High School’s Magnet Academy of Culinary Arts has been awarded a $5,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to expand its culinary and restaurant management program. The funding will be used to launch a student-run mobile ice cream business, giving students real-world experience in entrepreneurship and food service. more

The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency has completed its first home renovation through the new Residential Renovation Assistance Program, investing more than $24,000 in essential roof and window upgrades. The program, launched in October 2025, provides up to $30,000 per home to support neighborhood revitalization across the CRA district. more

FINFROCK, one of Central Florida’s most influential construction and design-build firms, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The milestone honors eight decades of innovation, family leadership, and landmark projects that have transformed the region’s commercial and residential landscape. more

University of Florida researchers have harvested the state’s first successful crop of Pierce’s disease–resistant wine grapes, opening the door to a potential large-scale Florida wine industry. The breakthrough, supported by a collaboration with Château Le Coeur, produced the state’s first bottles of wine made primarily from Florida-grown, disease-resistant hybrid grapes. more

Apopka and Orange County are marking Veterans Day with a full slate of events and perks, including ceremonies at Kit Land Nelson Park and the Orange County Administration Center, as well as free admission to museums and attractions, restaurant deals, car washes, and grocery discounts. Beyond the holiday, veterans also have access to property tax relief, state park benefits, county support services, and emerging AI-driven hiring tools designed to better recognize military experience. more

The federal government’s sudden halt of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding on Nov. 1, 2025, has disrupted a vital safety net that helps tens of millions of low-income Americans buy food each month. As courts order the release of November’s $8 billion in benefits, experts warn that the modest payments many recipients rely on are already stretched thin by rising costs of living and persistent poverty. more

A new report from the National Association of Realtors shows the share of first-time homebuyers has dropped to 21%, while their median age has climbed to 40. Rising home costs, limited inventory, and stalled affordability programs are squeezing younger buyers out of the market, especially in states like Florida and regions such as Orange County. more

Throughout November, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida is inviting shoppers to “round up” their purchases to help feed local families. All proceeds will go directly to Second Harvest Food Bank, with Goodwill matching community donations dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. more

Orange County is partnering with local nonprofits to address the sudden suspension of federal SNAP benefits, which leaves thousands of residents without vital food aid. The county plans to seek state assistance, reallocate local funds, and rally donations to keep families fed during the shutdown. more

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced plans for a 2026 ballot measure that could give homeowners a property tax cut. The governor said local governments have grown too dependent on rising real estate revenues. The governor emphasized that the amendment must be written in clear language and designed to prevent wasteful spending by cities and counties. more

Speakers of the House from five Southern states are calling on Congress to reopen Asian markets to U.S. timber, citing mill closures and deep economic losses across the region. The lawmakers say restrictive trade policies, fumigant bans, and sudden tariffs are devastating the South’s forestry industry and jeopardizing thousands of jobs. more

Halloween isn’t just growing in popularity — it’s arriving earlier each year, driven by skyrocketing consumer spending and retailer strategies to move seasonal merchandise sooner. What began as a folk holiday has evolved into a $13 billion commercial event, with decorations, costumes, and candy hitting shelves months before October 31. more

Halloween can still be sweet for kids with braces — as long as families make smart choices about candy and oral care. Orthodontist-friendly treats like plain chocolate or soft cookies are safer options than sticky or hard candies, helping kids enjoy the holiday without damaging braces or risking cavities. more

Thousands of Floridians could lose access to food assistance if the federal government shutdown continues. Officials warn that funding for SNAP benefits may run out within two weeks. States have already been told to pause November benefit processing, heightening fears of widespread food insecurity. more

Tallahassee turned frustration into action by scaling its accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to fit the size of backyard cottage projects rather than treating them like major developments. The result: simpler permitting, more flexibility for homeowners, and over 40 new ADUs built in just one year. more

Florida’s avocado industry faces a renewed threat from avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd), a disease that can stunt trees, deform fruit, and silently spread through groves. UF/IFAS researchers are urging growers, nurseries, and homeowners to remain vigilant, test trees, and follow strict sanitation practices to protect the state’s prized avocado crops. more

The Peanut Butter Challenge returns to Orange County, aiming to top last year’s record of nearly 4,000 jars collected for local food pantries. Donations not only help neighbors in need but also highlight Florida’s peanut industry, proving that a small jar can make a big difference. more

Halloween arrives earlier each year, and Americans stock up on candy and decorations well before October hits. According to Instacart, candy orders on Halloween were 100% higher than average in 2024, with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups topping the charts and candy corn continuing to divide the nation. more

After five years of bringing craft beer, pizza, and community gatherings to downtown Apopka, Three Odd Guys Brewing announced it will close its location on October 31st. more

Before throwing away your carved pumpkin, consider turning it into something delicious and healthy. Fresh pumpkins and their seeds are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and magnesium, making them versatile ingredients for everything from pies to roasted snacks and savory dips. more

Matthew’s Hope’s “Mobsters & Money” Fall Fundraiser brought the West Orange community together to support Central Florida’s fight against homelessness. Guests enjoyed games, music, and dancing while helping fund programs that provide food, healthcare, job training, and education for families in need. more

Quest, Inc. will use a $10,000 grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation to offer 28 “camperships” for individuals with autism to attend Camp Thunderbird in Apopka. The scholarships cover week-long sessions and field trips, giving participants opportunities to enjoy archery, swimming, nature walks, and social activities in an inclusive environment. more

Public Natural Gas Week highlights the value of locally owned utilities like Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, which provides safe, efficient, and affordable energy to Central Florida communities. From October 6–10, residents can stop by offices in Apopka, Winter Garden, or Clermont for refreshments and information on the benefits of public natural gas. more

Orange County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund is critical to addressing the housing shortage. It supports projects like Southwick Commons in Apopka and Catchlight Crossings near Universal Orlando. Developers say the fund, combined with fee waivers and federal support, allows working families to keep rents lower. more

The University of Florida has been selected to host Breeding Insight, a USDA-funded program that uses AI, high-performance computing, and advanced breeding techniques to create more resilient and nutritious crops. The move strengthens UF/IFAS as a global leader in agricultural science and positions Florida at the forefront of precision breeding. more