The Apopka Voice logo

Apopka’s next City Administrator: A promise, a placeholder, and unanswered questions

Log in
Advanced search
Inspiration
Sort by: Featured Most recent
289 results total, viewing 1 - 25
Winn-Dixie, the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida partnered with Patmos Chapel for a Thanksgiving food distribution in Apopka on Thursday. The effort aimed to help 500 families prepare a holiday meal amid continued demand for food assistance.
Winn-Dixie and Second Harvest bring Thanksgiving meals to Apopka families
Winn-Dixie, the Winn-Dixie Gives Foundation, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida partnered with Patmos Chapel for a Thanksgiving food distribution in Apopka on Thursday. The effort aimed to help 500 families prepare a holiday meal amid continued demand for food assistance. more
|
Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. Hartsell greets 102-year-old Navy Veteran Dominick Paternoster prior to the Tampa Bay Lightning game, Nov. 5. Paternoster was honored as the national anthem guest of the Bolts at the beginning of the game. Hartsell, who serves as executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, participated in the ceremonial puck drop.
Governor recognizes November as Veterans Appreciation Month in Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation recognizing November 11 as Veterans Day and November as Veterans Appreciation Month in Florida. The proclamation honors veterans and their families while highlighting earned benefits, support services, and the state’s Honor Flight network. more
|
Uniformed participants march during the Veterans Day parade in Manhattan on November 11, 2025.
A thank‑you on Veterans Day won’t close the growing military‑civilian gap
Public attention to veterans surges on Veterans Day but quickly fades, while media coverage often portrays former service members as heroes, charity recipients or victims. University of South Carolina professor Scott Parrott examines how those portrayals shape perceptions and why meaningful connections require more than expressions of gratitude. more
|
A quilt Phylis Samuels made to celebrate her son’s law enforcement service now carries his gratitude to Seminole County Fire Station 13. Following her death, Steve Samuels (right) presented the quilt to firefighters at her memorial service, honoring their care for his mother and their commitment to the community.
A mother’s quilt, a son’s gratitude: Apopka family honors a local fire station
A quilt Phylis Samuels made to celebrate her son’s law enforcement service now carries his gratitude to Seminole County Fire Station 13 in Apopka. Following her death, Steve Samuels presented the quilt to firefighters at her memorial service, honoring their care for his mother and their commitment to the community. more
|
Matthew’s Hope already serves people experiencing homelessness in Apopka four days a week through mobile outreach and transportation to Winter Garden. Founder Scott Billue hopes to expand that presence with a local service center and access to a sleeper bus, but funding, property and partnership arrangements remain unresolved.
Could Matthew’s Hope be the next chapter in Apopka’s fight against homelessness?
Matthew’s Hope already serves people experiencing homelessness in Apopka four days a week through mobile outreach and transportation to Winter Garden. Founder Scott Billue hopes to expand that presence with a local service center and access to a sleeper bus, but funding, property, and partnership arrangements remain unresolved. more
|
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.
Peanut Butter Challenge returns to fight hunger; Orange County looks to build on winning effort
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. more
|
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.
More than 30 Apopka firefighters complete Tunnel to Towers run despite storm
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. more
|
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.
Florida Blue Foundation awards $3.1 million to combat food insecurity
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. more
|
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 pm Sept. 3 at First Methodist Church of Apopka.
Rotary Club of Apopka to assemble 100 backpacks for human trafficking survivors
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. more
|
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.
Apopka honors Pastor James Doggette with Key to the City
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. more
|
After being challenged to exclude and denounce members of the LGBTQ+ community, Matthew’s Hope founder Scott Billue reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to serving everyone without discrimination. He argues that Christian faith is demonstrated not through judgment, but through unconditional compassion and a willingness to do difficult work.
At Matthew’s Hope, service comes without conditions
After being challenged to exclude and denounce members of the LGBTQ+ community, Matthew’s Hope founder Scott Billue reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to serving everyone without discrimination. He believes that Christian faith is demonstrated not through judgment, but through unconditional compassion and a willingness to do difficult work. more
| | 1 comment
Rapid population growth in cities such as Charlotte, Austin, and Phoenix has brought new investment but also intensified housing costs, displacement, and homelessness. Tiny house villages are emerging as one community-based response, increasing nationally from 34 in 2019 to 123 in 2024.
Tiny house villages are increasingly responding to the homeless crisis in America’s fast‑growing cities
Rapid population growth in cities such as Charlotte, Austin, and Phoenix has brought new investment but also intensified housing costs, displacement, and homelessness. Tiny house villages are emerging as one community-based response, increasing nationally from 34 in 2019 to 123 in 2024. more
| | 1 comment
An Apopka homeowner who spent three years living with Hurricane Ian damage has returned to a fully renovated, wheelchair-accessible home through the Orange County Recovers program. The federally funded program continues to accept applications from Orange County homeowners with unresolved damage from Hurricanes Ian and Milton.
Orange County program restores Apopka man’s hurricane-damaged home
An Apopka homeowner who spent three years living with Hurricane Ian damage has returned to a fully renovated, wheelchair-accessible home through the Orange County Recovers program. The federally funded program continues to accept applications from Orange County homeowners with unresolved damage from Hurricanes Ian and Milton. more
|
Hope CommUnity Center is asking the Apopka community for donations as supplies at its emergency food pantry begin to run low. Residents can purchase needed items through an Amazon Wish List, deliver food to the center or contribute financially.
Hope CommUnity Center seeks donations as emergency food pantry supplies run low
Hope CommUnity Center is asking the Apopka community for donations as supplies at its emergency food pantry begin to run low. Residents can purchase needed items through an Amazon Wish List, deliver food to the center or contribute financially. more
|
Lewis Kellom, Sister Ann Kendrick, Sister Teresa McElwee, Sister Gail Grimes, Community Health Centers, and Tim McKinney celebrate the Community Health Center's 45-year anniversary in 2018.
Sister Gail Grimes, co-founder of Hope CommUnity Center and advocate for farmworkers, dies at 88
Sister Monica Gail Grimes, a founding force behind Hope CommUnity Center and the Farmworker Association of Florida, has died at the age of 88. Her decades of service transformed countless lives in Apopka and across Central Florida through a legacy of justice, compassion and community leadership. more
|
The 2650 Foundation is inviting the community to participate in its third annual 15 Days of Hope campaign, honoring the life and legacy of fallen Apopka firefighter Austin Duran. The 15-day initiative includes tribute events, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and community gatherings that support first responders and firefighter training.
2650 Foundation announces third annual 15 Days of Hope campaign honoring Austin Duran
The 2650 Foundation is inviting the community to participate in its third annual 15 Days of Hope campaign, honoring the life and legacy of fallen Apopka firefighter Austin Duran. The 15-day initiative includes tribute events, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, and community gatherings that support first responders and firefighter training. more
|
Homelessness doesn't eliminate basic human needs, including the need for restroom access. In this commentary, Matthew's Hope founder Scott Billue believes that communities should focus on practical solutions that preserve both public spaces and human dignity.
Everyone Poops: A call for dignity, public restrooms, and practical solutions
Homelessness doesn't eliminate basic human needs, including the need for restroom access. In this commentary, Matthew's Hope founder Scott Billue believes that communities should focus on practical solutions that preserve both public spaces and human dignity. more
|
Photo Caption
Apopka to honor fallen service members during annual Memorial Day ceremony
The City of Apopka and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10147 will host their annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 25, at the Veterans Memorial at Edgewood/Greenwood Cemetery. The ceremony will feature guest speaker David Schoejis, followed by a public gathering and meal at the VFW Post 10147/Apopka Community Center. more
|
Photo Caption
Matthew’s Hope challenges myths and misconceptions about homelessness
Matthew's Hope is working to dispel common misconceptions about homelessness, arguing that many stereotypes fail to reflect the realities people face. Executive Director Scott Billue says solutions centered on training, shelter, and support are more effective than punishment or stigma. more
| | 1 comment
Orlando Magic great Nick Anderson will be the featured speaker at the Apopka Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on May 7.
Orlando Magic legend Nick Anderson to headline Apopka Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast May 7
Orlando Magic great Nick Anderson will serve as the keynote speaker at the Apopka Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on May 7. The annual event gathers the community for reflection, prayer, and fellowship on the National Day of Prayer. more
|
Photo Caption
Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center continues to educate and inspire through history and dialogue
The Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida continues its mission of education and remembrance with support from Orange County’s Cultural Tourism Grant Program. The funding will help expand access to exhibits and programs that promote empathy, reflection and understanding. more
|
Renewal Church has officially launched full services and ministries at its new location, 4407 W. Orange Blossom Trail (Highway 441), marking a significant new chapter for the growing congregation and the surrounding community.
Apopka’s Renewal Church launches services at new Orange Blossom Trail location
Apopka’s Renewal Church has opened its new location at 4407 W. Orange Blossom Trail in partnership with Rolling Hills Community Church. The move expands ministries, including a growing children’s program, while bringing new life to the shared campus. more
|
Volunteers paint columns in a hallway during the Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Washington, D.C., in 2019.
MLK Day is more than a holiday — it’s a call to build the “beloved community”
Since becoming a federal holiday in 1983, Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become a national day of service rooted in King’s fight against racism and economic injustice. An essay republished from The Conversation explores the origins of King’s “beloved community” and why love, nonviolence, and action remain essential to achieving it. more
|
Resolutions often rely on willpower to push through or follow through, but research shows they usually don’t work.
New Year’s resolutions usually fall by the wayside, but there is a better approach to making real changes
Most New Year’s resolutions don’t last, often because they rely on willpower and unrealistic goals with little immediate reward. A psychologist and counseling professor says sustainable change is more likely when people focus on small practices that quickly boost well-being, such as self-compassion, gratitude, kindness, and mindful eating. more
|
Photo Caption
Happy New Year, Apopka!
As Apopka welcomes the start of 2026, The Apopka Voice shares a message of optimism, gratitude, and anticipation for the year ahead. From growth and civic engagement to community connection, the new year offers an opportunity to move forward together. more
|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 … 12 | Next »
Currently viewing stories posted within the past 5 years.
For all older stories, please use our advanced search.

© Copyright 2026 The Apopka Voice Terms of Use
Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions