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Wekiva High wins three awards at Annual Hospitality Competition

Wekiva High School
The events, sponsored by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Educational Foundation, brought together 400 students from over 40 Florida high schools competing in Culinary, Management, Edible Centerpiece, and Waiter’s Relay events.
Farmer carrying crate full of oranges harvesting in organic orchard on sunny day.
Florida farmers grapple with uncertainty of USDA funding freeze, layoffs
The recent freeze on USDA funding and subsequent layoffs are creating significant challenges for farmers nationwide, including those in Apopka and Orange County.
Hope CommUnity Center needs your help
Until recently, Hope relied on support from Second Harvest Food Bank to stock pantry staples. But recent funding cuts have severed this supply line. Hope now faces significantly higher costs to "shop" for food to stock its pantry, putting a strain on its ability to serve families in need.
Volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Walmart and Sam’s Club ‘Fight Hunger and Spark Change’
From now through March 31st, local Walmart and Sam's Club shoppers can help generate funding and resources for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
City Council recognizes Apopka's Future Farmers of America
Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson officially proclaimed February 15th–22nd, as Future Farmers of America Week in Apopka.
Culture – not travel – inspires appreciation for foreign foods, UF/IFAS study finds
What are the most influential factors leading to the acceptance of foreign foods consumed in this country? According to a new UF/IFAS study, sociodemographic backgrounds and culture are key indicators. 
UF/IFAS researchers work to prevent a disease threatening your favorite chocolate
A group of UF/IFAS plant pathologists has partnered with the Mars confectionary company to safeguard those cacao tree pods – and the precious beans nestled inside – from a devastating disease: black pod rot.
2nd Annual MLK Day of Service Million Meal Pack a huge success
4,500 volunteers, with 21 local sponsors, helped pack 1,013,580 healthy meals. The event also raised $10,000 for scholarship funds for local students.
Citrus industry, ‘decimated’ by greening, clings to hope, Simpson says
The citrus industry was worth about $7 billion in the 2020-2021 fiscal year, according to University of Florida researchers. 
New restaurant opens in Apopka
As the only restaurant in the Orlando area to serve both Indian and Thai cuisines, Paradise Tandoor and Biryani offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that blends the rich spices of Indian food with the zesty, aromatic flavors of Thai cooking.
Hope CommUnity Center opening a food pantry in Apopka
Guided by its slogan "Filled with Hope," HCC wants to ensure every individual has access to food in a welcoming and supportive environment.
UF/IFAS researchers deploy drones to perfect nutrient rates
The UF/IFAS Best Management Practices Lab is using drones to develop algorithms that estimate nutrient application rates for optimal crop yields.
A look down a grocery aisle at Aldi.
House lawmakers file bipartisan bill encouraging construction of grocery stores in food deserts
HB 89 would allow local governments to authorize “small-footprint grocery stores” in food insecure areas, as designated by the state Office of Economic and Demographic Research.
Examples of citrus greening.
Florida citrus is expected to produce the smallest crop in over a century
After two back-to-back hurricanes – Helene and Milton – in late September and early October, the USDA released its December forecast for the 2024-2025 citrus harvest. It's poised to be the smallest in over a century.