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South Apopka annexation study finds path forward, but substantial costs remain

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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivers the 2026 State of the County Address.
Demings reflects on nearly eight years of growth, challenges and legacy projects in his final State of the County address
In his final State of the County address, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings reflected on the accomplishments and challenges that defined his administration, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian, affordable housing initiatives, and transportation investments. He highlighted progress across five key priorities while expressing confidence in Orange County's future growth and prosperity. more
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Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta speaks to a group of players from the Bunt Force Academy.
Nesta turns his attention to growth, public safety, and Apopka's future
As Apopka continues to grow, Mayor Nick Nesta says city leaders must focus on planning ahead rather than reacting to challenges after they arise. In the final installment of a three-part interview series, Nesta discusses public safety facilities, economic development, redevelopment, and the city's long-term future. more
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Apopka Fire Department - Fire Station #1
A sand trailer, a tragedy, and a failure of trust
The Apopka City Commission unanimously approved the destruction of the sand trailer involved in the 2022 death of firefighter Austin Duran. But the larger story is why the trailer remained on city property for nearly four years and what that says about the city's handling of one of its darkest chapters. more
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Audubon birdwatchers gather along one of the Stormwater Treatment Areas in the Everglades to observe the birds roosting there. The STAs are manmade marshes built to filter pollution before it reaches the River of Grass, but they’re not eliminating nearly enough of it.
Now hitting deadline, Florida flunks Everglades pollution cleanup
For decades, Florida leaders have promised to restore the Everglades, but a key piece of the effort remains unfinished. New concerns about phosphorus pollution are raising questions about whether the state can meet long-promised water quality standards. more
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As Apopka begins preparations for its next budget cycle, Mayor Nick Nesta says residents should expect a more transparent and collaborative process than in previous years. The administration plans to show commissioners which departments requested what, what was removed to balance the budget, and how spending priorities are ultimately determined.
Nesta wants a more transparent budget process and a closer look at city reserves
As Apopka begins preparations for its next budget cycle, Mayor Nick Nesta says residents should expect a more transparent and collaborative process than in previous years. The administration plans to show commissioners which departments requested what, what was removed to balance the budget, and how spending priorities are ultimately determined. more
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City Commission issues default notice for stalled Station Street redevelopment project
Frustrated by years of delays, the Apopka City Commission has moved to declare the developer of the Station Street project in default of its development agreement. The action could ultimately reopen one of downtown Apopka's most important redevelopment sites if the developer fails to provide an acceptable cure within 30 days. more
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Sen. Bryan Avila closes on the resolution he sponsored to reduce property taxes during a special session on June 2, 2026.
It’s up to the voters now: Legislature OKs DeSantis property tax proposal
Florida lawmakers have approved a proposed constitutional amendment that would significantly restrict how local governments use property tax revenue, sending the issue to voters in November. The measure was revised to protect public school funding but continues to draw criticism from local governments and policy groups that warn it could force cuts to essential services. more
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Apopka police made more than 20 arrests during the final week of May, with drug offenses, traffic violations, and theft-related charges among the most common allegations. The department also responded to more than 1,700 calls for service during the seven-day reporting period.
Drug charges, DUI arrest among cases reported by APD last week
Apopka police made 25 arrests during the final week of May, with drug offenses, traffic violations, and theft-related charges among the most common allegations. The department also responded to more than 1,700 calls for service during the seven-day reporting period. more
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This is the first installment of a three-part series examining Mayor Nick Nesta's first month in office. In a wide-ranging interview with The Apopka Voice, Nesta discussed everything from City Hall culture and employee empowerment to budgeting, growth, economic development, and major infrastructure projects.
Nesta says changing City Hall culture is his top priority
Mayor Nick Nesta says the future of Apopka depends on changing how City Hall operates. One month into office, he is focused on empowering employees, streamlining decision-making, and fostering a culture in which departments can solve problems without waiting for approval from the mayor's office. more
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The initial $250,000 property tax exemption would cost counties an average of $4.8 billion annually, or $8.65 billion if homestead taxes are fully eliminated by fiscal year 2030-31, according to the Florida Policy Institute.
Florida cities, counties warn DeSantis property tax plan could slash local revenues
Local government leaders across Florida are sounding alarms over a proposed property tax overhaul backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. They warn that the measure could significantly reduce revenues for cities and counties while creating uncertainty about how essential services would be funded in the future. more
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Hurricane season is here, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before stores become crowded and supplies become scarce. Officials recommend building an emergency kit now so families can focus on safety rather than last-minute shopping when storms approach.
Build your hurricane emergency kit now, Orange County officials stress
Hurricane season is here, and Orange County wants residents to prepare before stores become crowded and supplies become scarce. Officials recommend building an emergency kit now so families can focus on safety rather than last-minute shopping when storms approach. more
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Apopka police recorded seven burglary reports last week, with vehicle burglaries accounting for the vast majority of incidents.
APD reports seven burglaries during the final week of May
Apopka police recorded seven burglary reports last week, with vehicle burglaries accounting for the vast majority of incidents. The reports include cases on Dunbridge Street, Whitetail Loop, Songbird Way, Laurel Site Loop, East Semoran Boulevard, and Hogshead Road. more
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The Apopka City Commission will meet Wednesday afternoon to consider several items affecting development, infrastructure, and city operations. The agenda includes a notice of default involving the Station Street Development Agreement, acceptance of a $195,000 state stormwater planning grant, and proposed changes to the city's property maintenance code.
Station Street development dispute, stormwater grant highlight Apopka City Commission agenda
A potential development dispute and a major stormwater planning grant headline Wednesday's Apopka City Commission meeting. The agenda also includes code enforcement updates, a commercial annexation request, and a fiscal year budget amendment. more
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The largest project on the agenda is Paulucci Acres Pod 1 A/B & 4, a proposed subdivision containing 502 single-family lots on property located along Vick Road and Ponkan Road.
DRC to consider over 740 residential units on Wednesday
Three major residential projects are scheduled for review by the Apopka Development Review Committee on Wednesday. The agenda includes proposals for hundreds of new homes and a multi-family development as growth continues across the city.         The Apopka Development Review Committee will consider three sizable … more
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In Case You Missed It: Downtown questions, budget decisions, a homicide investigation, drought concerns, and a tax debate
A potential default notice for the Station Street project, Florida's newly approved $115 billion budget, a fatal South Apopka shooting, wildfire-season concerns ahead of Independence Day, and a property tax proposal that could reshape local government funding led this week's biggest stories. more
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Rising food costs are forcing many Florida families deeper into debt, poll finds
A new poll suggests the rising cost of groceries is placing growing financial pressure on Florida households, with many families taking on debt just to afford food. While some items, such as eggs, are expected to become less expensive this year, shoppers are likely to see continued price increases across many other grocery categories. more
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The Station Street project was once pitched as a transformational development that could redefine downtown Apopka with housing, restaurants, public space, and trail connections. Now, city leaders are considering a formal default notice after developers allegedly failed to submit required plans under the project agreement.
Station Street default notice could become latest chapter in Apopka’s long-running downtown redevelopment saga
The Station Street project was once pitched as a transformational development that could redefine downtown Apopka with housing, restaurants, public space, and trail connections. Now, city leaders are considering a formal default notice after developers allegedly failed to submit required plans under the project agreement. more
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State Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis and Rep. RaShon Young issued a joint statement defending Congressional District 20 and warning against efforts they say weaken Black political representation through redistricting. The lawmakers linked the issue to the broader history of voting-rights struggles in Florida, including the legacy of civil rights pioneers Harry T. and Harriett V. Moore.
Congressional District 20 was built for representation, and we should not forget why
Members of the Central Florida Delegation of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus are urging voters and candidates to protect Congressional District 20 as a Black opportunity district. Bracy-Davis and Young argue that recent redistricting efforts threaten Black political representation in Florida and across the country. more
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Orange County is reminding residents that hurricane preparedness involves more than stocking supplies — especially for families with young children. Head Start officials say early planning and calm, age-appropriate conversations can help children feel safer and more secure if storms disrupt daily routines.
Orange County urges families with young children to prepare early for hurricane season
Orange County officials are encouraging families with young children to begin hurricane preparations early as the 2026 season approaches. Experts say simple conversations, familiar routines, and involving children in emergency planning can help reduce anxiety during severe weather events. more
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Gov. Ron DeSantis announces his proposal to provide property tax relief in Tampa on May 27, 2026.
Schools, health care, and public safety could be hit under the property tax plan released by DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a proposal Wednesday that could eliminate homestead property taxes for millions of Florida homeowners. The plan, which would require legislative and voter approval, has already sparked debate over how local governments would fund schools, healthcare, and public safety. more
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Make Music Orange County will return June 21 for its second year of free live musical performances across Orange County. Organizers are inviting musicians of all ages and experience levels, as well as local venues, to participate in the community-wide celebration.
Make Music Orange County returns June 21 with free performances across the county
Make Music Orange County will return June 21 for its second year of free live musical performances across Orange County. Organizers are inviting musicians of all ages and experience levels, as well as local venues, to participate in the community-wide celebration. more
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The Apopka Police Department reported 28 arrests, 90 citations, 28 crashes, and 1,700 calls for service during the May 17–23 reporting period.
Drug trafficking, aggravated battery among charges in Apopka Police Department arrest report
The Apopka Police Department’s latest arrest report includes several serious felony cases involving drug trafficking, aggravated battery, hit-and-run offenses, and crimes against minors. Officers also responded to approximately 1,700 calls for service and investigated 28 crashes during the reporting period. more
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A Memorial Day shooting in South Apopka left a 56-year-old woman dead and renewed concerns from residents about ongoing gun violence in the neighborhood. Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate the homicide, while national gun violence statistics provide a broader context for the incident.
Memorial Day Shooting: Woman killed in South Apopka shooting as investigators continue probe
A Memorial Day shooting in South Apopka left a 56-year-old woman dead and renewed concerns from residents about ongoing gun violence in the neighborhood. Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate the homicide, while national gun violence statistics provide a broader context for the incident. more
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Florida lawmakers finalized a proposed $115 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 following extended negotiations between House and Senate leaders over Memorial Day weekend.
$115 billion state budget finalized over Memorial Day weekend
After another delayed budget process, Florida legislative leaders reached an agreement on a $115 billion state budget and accompanying tax relief package ahead of the new fiscal year. The plan includes environmental funding, targeted employee raises, health care spending, and several politically debated tax exemptions. more
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APD reports eight burglaries during weeklong period
The Apopka Police Department reported eight burglary-related incidents across the city between May 17 and May 23, including six vehicle burglaries and two residential burglaries. Several of the reported incidents were concentrated around the Woodwind Drive and Woodstone Drive areas, according to the department’s weekly burglary report. more
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