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

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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
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa issued a 23-page ruling this week upholding the lower court's opinion that the Medicaid termination letters were deficient.
Federal appeals court finds Florida’s Medicaid termination letters insufficient
A federal appeals court upheld a ruling that Florida failed to adequately explain why people were losing Medicaid coverage during its post-pandemic eligibility review. The decision reinforces the requirement that recipients receive enough information to understand and challenge the state’s determination before their benefits end. more
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Byron Donalds delivers his victory speech in Hollywood, FL.
How Amendment 3, vaccine mandates, and school vouchers will shape Florida under the leadership of Byron Donalds
Byron Donalds will enter the governor’s office facing consequential decisions about local government funding, school vaccination requirements and education spending. This analysis examines how his campaign promises could shape Florida policy and where a changed Legislature could complicate his plans. more
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Toxic algae bloom taints the St. Johns River thanks to its excessive pollution. DeSantis promised to fix this problem but failed to do so.
An environmental cleanup list for Florida’s next governor
Florida’s next governor will inherit environmental problems that demand more than campaign promises. This opinion column offers Byron Donalds a pointed to-do list, drawing on experts’ recommendations for cleaner water, healthier parks and protected land. more
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Roberta Walton Johnson, Tiffany Moore Russell, Joe Strada, Kamia Brown and Jarod Fox won their respective races in the November 3 election, while Florida voters approved Amendment 3’s property tax changes.
Analysis: A national demand for change reaches Apopka’s doorstep
Apopka-area voters chose new voices in county government and Tallahassee, unseating Mike Crabb and Doug Bankson after campaigns focused on residents’ everyday concerns. The winners now face the challenge of turning promises on affordability, growth and public services into improvements voters can see. more
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Florida voters approved Amendment 3, a homestead property tax reduction that state economists estimate could reduce local government revenues by as much as $12 billion annually at full implementation. Two other proposed constitutional amendments failed to reach the required approval threshold in unofficial results.
Florida voters approve property tax cuts as Amendment 3 clears passage threshold
Florida voters approved Amendment 3, a homestead property tax reduction that state economists estimate could reduce local government revenues by as much as $12 billion annually at full implementation. Two other proposed constitutional amendments failed to reach the required approval threshold in unofficial results. more
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Kamia Brown defeated incumbent Mike Crabb for Orange County Commission District 2, while state Rep. Doug Bankson held off challenger Jarod Fox in District 39. Other results reshaped county leadership and congressional representation, while Amendment 3 failed to secure the approval needed to pass.
Breaking News: Kamia Brown wins Orange County District 2, Fox unseats Bankson in Florida House District 39
Kamia Brown unseated Mike Crabb on the Orange County Commission District 2, while Jarod Fox defeated Doug Bankson to claim the District 39 Florida House seat. Voters also elected Tiffany Moore Russell as county mayor, Roberta Walton Johnson as clerk of courts, and Joe Strada to Congress. more
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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.
Orange County tops 324,000 ballots; nearly 20,000 cast at two Apopka early voting sites
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. more
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Floridians shopping for 2027 health insurance face higher premiums and difficult decisions about what coverage they can afford. Twelve insurers offer plans through HealthCare.gov, where eligible consumers can receive subsidies to lower monthly premiums.
Florida’s ACA enrollment opens as rising premiums strain household budgets
Floridians shopping for 2027 health insurance face higher premiums and difficult decisions about what coverage they can afford. Twelve insurers offer plans through HealthCare.gov, where eligible consumers can receive subsidies to lower monthly premiums. more
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Florida’s Department of Health is considering ending the school requirement for chickenpox vaccines. ArtistGNDphotography/E+ via Getty Images
Florida Department of Health considers dropping 4 school vaccine requirements – here’s what that could mean for kids
Florida health officials are considering removing four vaccination requirements for school and childcare entry. Epidemiologist Katrine L. Wallace explains the diseases these vaccines prevent and why declining vaccination rates could put more children at risk. more
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A coalition of 20 Florida organizations is opposing Amendment 3, warning that its proposed property tax changes could weaken funding for conservation, flood protection and community services. The groups say voters should weigh the potential effects on local budgets alongside the promise of tax relief.
Sierra Club Florida opposes Amendment 3, warning of risks to parks, water protection, and local services
A coalition of 20 Florida organizations is opposing Amendment 3, warning that its proposed property tax changes could weaken funding for conservation, flood protection and community services. The groups say voters should weigh the potential effects on local budgets alongside the promise of tax relief. more
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Gov. Ron DeSantis has designated John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind” as Florida’s official anthem, honoring the Apopka native who died on October 21 at age 71. His executive order also directs state officials to establish historic markers in Apopka and rename the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive and Trail System in Anderson’s memory.
From Apopka Proud to a Florida anthem: State honors John Anderson’s legacy
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. more
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UF/IFAS Extension Orange County’s November schedule features eight programs ranging from financial education for renters and homebuyers to backyard chicken care and wildlife habitat. Events run Nov. 4-19, with registration required and fees ranging from free to $12.51.
UF/IFAS Orange County offers November classes on housing, gardening and backyard chickens
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County’s November schedule features eight programs ranging from financial education for renters and homebuyers to backyard chicken care and wildlife habitat. Events run Nov. 4-19, with registration required and fees ranging from free to $12.51. more
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A typical stormwater retention pond in a Florida community is both a visual amenity and a poorly functioning pollution control device. New standards were supposed to make the stormwater system more effective, but the Florida DEP removed their teeth.
Florida’s stormwater cleanup promises deserve more than paper credits
Florida’s approach to stormwater pollution is drawing criticism over whether credits sold to developers will represent measurable improvements in water quality. For Apopka, the debate raises questions about protecting local waterways and sustaining Lake Apopka’s restoration. more
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Children play at RCMA Bowling Green Daycare Center on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, in Bowling Green, Florida. Citrus and fruit were the founding industries of Bowling Green and Hardee County.
Amendment 3 could squeeze children’s programs despite school funding exemption
Florida’s public school districts are exempt from Amendment 3’s proposed property tax reduction, but programs supporting their students could still face substantial cuts. Children’s services leaders warn that reduced local revenue could mean fewer after-school opportunities, higher family fees and added pressure on school budgets. more
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Flock cameras have popped up across Florida, especially in metro areas.
Florida’s Flock camera restrictions leave privacy questions for Apopka drivers
Florida’s restrictions on automated license plate readers along state highways have brought new attention to how the technology is used in Apopka. While APD says the cameras help solve crimes and locate missing or wanted people, questions remain about data retention, outside access and oversight. more
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A Florida wetland cypress dome, via Everglades National Park. Developers have tried tor years get DEP put in charge of issuing federal wetlands permits, but judges have ruled that that system violates the Endangered Species Act.
Congressional wetlands bill could affect development review in Apopka
A congressional proposal could return federal wetlands permitting authority to Florida, potentially changing one layer of environmental review for developments in Apopka. The issue has a local connection as city officials recently reviewed wetland mitigation associated with the Bronson Lake Drive extension at The Ridge. more
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Despite the ferocity of storms like Hurricane Milton, which destroyed Florida homes like this one in 2024, 80 percent of Central Floridians believe their homes are at medium to low risk for severe damage in a given year.
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. more
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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.
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. more
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A fire truck is parked outside a fire station.
Florida first responders warn Amendment 3 could slow 911 response
Florida public safety leaders are opposing Amendment 3, warning that its reduction of local property tax revenue could mean fewer first responders and slower 911 response times. They say meaningful tax relief should be paired with a clear and sustainable plan for funding police, fire and emergency medical services. more
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The DeSantis administration continues to delay implementing a 2023 law that would make Florida KidCare coverage available to more children.
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. more
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The coastline in Steinhatchee remains covered in debris on October 3, 2024, following Hurricane Helene.
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. more
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More than 4,000 Florida children were hospitalized with firearm injuries from 2018 through 2024, with a small number of ZIP codes accounting for a disproportionate share of the cases. Orange County’s 32805 ZIP code recorded the state’s highest rate.
A child’s ZIP code can shape the risk of being shot in Florida
More than 4,000 Florida children were hospitalized with firearm injuries from 2018 through 2024, with a small number of ZIP codes accounting for a disproportionate share of the cases. Orange County’s 32805 ZIP code recorded the state’s highest rate. more
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Florida regulators are considering Duke Energy Florida’s proposed tariff for large data centers and other high-demand customers under a new state law intended to protect residential ratepayers. Consumer advocates say the proposal falls short of the law, while Duke says its requirements would prevent costs from shifting to existing customers.
Duke tariff tests Florida data center ratepayer protections
Florida regulators are considering Duke Energy Florida’s proposed tariff for large data centers and other high-demand customers under a new state law intended to protect residential ratepayers. Consumer advocates say the proposal falls short of the law, while Duke says its requirements would prevent costs from shifting to existing customers. more
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Florida homeowners paid an average of $8,292 for insurance in 2025, more than twice the national average. Insurify projects the state’s average premium will increase another 2% to $8,458 by the end of this year.
Florida homeowners insurance costs remain highest in the nation
Florida remains the country’s most expensive state for homeowners insurance after average premiums increased 18% in 2025. Orange County and Apopka homeowners may pay less than the statewide average, but local costs vary considerably depending on the house, coverage level, insurer and method used to calculate the rate. more
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