Orange County Mosquito Control plans aerial mosquito spraying over parts of Apopka and Pine Hills beginning around 7 pm Friday, October 30. Residents may see low-flying aircraft and should monitor official county communications for weather-related schedule changes.

Orange County’s fourth round of medical debt relief has eliminated $199 million owed by more than 112,000 residents. Recipients will receive confirmation letters from nonprofit partner Undue Medical Debt, with no application required.

Health officials confirmed four locally transmitted dengue cases in the Apopka area and one in Pine Hills as of Oct. 12. Orange County announced aerial mosquito spraying for designated neighborhoods, with treatments scheduled for Oct. 16 or, if weather delayed operations, Oct. 17.

The Senior Resource Alliance’s SHINE program is offering free, unbiased Medicare counseling during open enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7. Apopka residents and others across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties can get help comparing coverage, understanding costs, and reviewing prescription drug plans.

Two additional locally acquired dengue cases have brought Orange County’s total to five, according to the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. Health officials and Orange County Mosquito Control are expanding prevention efforts, including planned aerial spraying in affected communities.

A University of Florida study found the primary mosquito species capable of transmitting dengue was more common than researchers expected in residential yards in Indian River County. Participants frequently reported bites while gardening and walking dogs, highlighting how everyday activities close to home can bring people into contact with mosquitoes.

Flu activity is beginning to increase in parts of the United States, although national levels remain low. With the season approaching, an epidemiologist outlines available vaccines and explains why getting vaccinated before widespread transmission matters.

Floridians comparing health coverage for 2027 should confirm that their doctors are in-network and their prescriptions are covered. Experts also recommend starting early and weighing deductibles, copays, and coinsurance alongside monthly premiums.

The Mammolink Mammography bus will visit Apopka on October 29 to provide free or low-cost breast cancer screenings for eligible women. The mobile unit will be at the Community Health Center, 225 E. Seventh St., from 8 am to 4 pm.

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.

Orange County’s Green PLACE Hiking Spree invites residents to explore 40 trails and earn rewards for completing three, 10, 15, or more hikes. The program runs through Earth Day, April 22, 2027, and also offers free monthly guided hikes.

A survey from AAA found that 66% of Florida adults have seen children riding e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets, while 83% support helmet requirements. AAA urges riders to wear properly fitted helmets certified for their devices' speed and capabilities.

In a UnitedHealthcare survey, 62% of college students and young adults not enrolled in college reported a mental or behavioral health concern in the past year. Dr. Danielle Madril recommends open conversations, careful use of AI tools, and greater awareness of professional and community resources.

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.

Health officials have confirmed two additional locally acquired dengue fever cases in the Apopka area, prompting a mosquito alert for Orange County. Mosquito Control is expanding surveillance and targeted treatment in Apopka, Pine Hills, and other parts of the county.

Orange County Mosquito Control has added new laboratory technology to detect viruses in mosquito samples more quickly. The PCR testing capability could deliver same-day results, reduce costs, and improve mitigation efforts.

Quest, Inc. has been selected as a 2026 AdventHealth grant partner to help reduce transportation barriers for people with developmental disabilities. The funding will allow the Central Florida nonprofit to enhance its accessible transportation fleet and improve connections to healthcare services.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is sharing his experience with Stage 1 prostate cancer to encourage men to discuss screening and risk factors with their doctors. After undergoing surgery earlier this year, Demings says early detection gave him more treatment options and helped save his life.

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.